London City Lionesses navigated a potential FA Cup banana skin with a disciplined 1-0 victory away at Sunderland, courtesy of a decisive header from Wassa Sangaré.
A Professional Display Dashes Hopes of an Upset
The so-called magic of the cup has rarely touched the women's game in recent years. Since the Women's Super League (WSL) began in 2011, it has been exceedingly rare for a top-tier club to be eliminated by a team from the third tier or below. Even victories for second-tier sides over WSL opposition are notable events, with Birmingham's win over Everton in 2023 and Leicester's at Manchester United in 2021 standing as recent, isolated examples.
This context meant Sunderland, sitting 13 places below their big-spending Championship rivals London City Lionesses in the football pyramid, faced a monumental task at the Eppleton Colliery Football Ground. The scene was set for a classic cup tie, with a brisk atmosphere and a determined home crowd hoping for a shock. However, the visitors produced a calm and controlled performance to safely progress.
Sangaré's Decisive Moment
The match's defining moment arrived early in the second half. From a Grace Geyoro corner, Wassa Sangaré rose to meet the ball with a glancing header that found the net, breaking the deadlock. The goal underscored the quality difference between the sides, with Geyoro's class in midfield making the pitch "look like a carpet," according to observers.
After taking the lead, London City dominated possession and managed the game effectively. Their control was further emphasised by the introduction from the bench of Swedish star Kosovare Asllani. At the other end, Sunderland battled hard and created a few half-chances from set-pieces, with Rhiannon Roberts seeing a shot blocked, but they rarely troubled the visitors' defence in open play.
Maestre's First Win in Charge
The result handed new London City head coach Eder Maestre his first victory since taking charge. His managerial debut in English football had been a goalless WSL draw at Liverpool, and this composed cup win on a challenging pitch at Sunderland marks a positive early step. For Sunderland, managed by Melanie Reay, there was credit for a resilient defensive effort that kept the scoreline respectable, but a lack of cutting edge ultimately ended their cup run.
The victory for London City Lionesses followed another successful away trip for a London club in the competition, after West Ham won 3-0 at Newcastle the previous night. The result maintains the pattern of higher-ranked teams avoiding embarrassment in the Women's FA Cup, with London City's professional approach ensuring there would be no dramatic upset on this occasion.
