Super Falcons forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Gift Monday delivered decisive performances in the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup, guiding Pachuca and Washington Spirit, respectively, into the knockout stages with goals.
Chinwendu Ihezuo fires Pachuca through in tense Orlando draw
At the Inter&Co Stadium, Ihezuo once again proved indispensable for Pachuca in a 1–1 draw against Orlando Pride.
Trailing to Marta’s exciting goal in the 25th minute, the Mexican side needed a response to stay alive in the tournament.
Ihezuo provided it in the 54th minute, racing onto Kenti Robles’ pass before slotting home a composed finish that deflected off the goalkeeper.
The equaliser not only rescued Pachuca from potential defeat but also confirmed Ihezuo as the competition’s top scorer with five goals, overtaking Orlando’s Adriana.
Her strike ensured Pachuca advanced on goal difference, finishing level on seven points with the Pride but boasting the superior margin.
It was another big moment in an impressive campaign for the Super Falcons striker, who earlier netted a hat-trick in Pachuca’s 5–0 win over LD Alajuelense.
With that form, she has now scored in five of her last six appearances as Pachuca stretch their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions.
Gift Monday continues ruthless form as Spirit crush Monterrey
Over in Washington, Gift Monday extended her scoring streak with another clinical finish as the Spirit overpowered Monterrey Femenil 4–0 at Audi Field.
The 23-year-old Nigerian forward struck in the 57th minute—her ninth goal of the season—sealing Spirit’s dominance after earlier goals from Croix Bethune and Rosemonde Kouassi.
The victory sent Washington through as Group B winners on goal difference over Gotham FC, while also extending their unbeaten streak to 15 games in all competitions.
Monday’s form since joining from Tenerife has been incredible, with eight goals and two assists in the NWSL this season alone.
It’s obvious the Super Falcons duo are not done yet, as they will now look to continue to shine for various clubs on the continental stages.
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