What Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor thinks of matchwinner Naomi Girma | OneFootball

Naomi Girma #4 of United States celebrates after a scoring the team’s first goal during the first half of the international friendly match between United States and Argentina at Lynn Family Stadium on October 30, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-1 after extra-time to reach the quarter-finals of the Women’s FA Cup.

And the winning goal came from a slightly unlikely source – Naomi Girma, scoring her first goal for the Blues.

Head coach Sonia Bompastor was delighted for her defender, saying to the club website afterwards: “I’m really delighted for Nay, especially because she is an important player for us.

“She’s a great leader. Coming into a new team, sometimes it takes time for you to settle in, and even if she had a great debut, sometimes things don’t always go like this.”

Bompastor: Naomi Girma has suffered with injuries

“She had some injuries, which may have affected her confidence a little bit, and for me, as a manager, having her at the best level will help a lot for us to perform and win trophies.

“So that’s what I’m hoping for, for her to stay fit, available, and perform at her best.”

Sam Kerr had opened the scoring after 78 minutes, but Simi Awujo equalised three minutes later – pushing the game into extra time.

Bompastor: Kadeisha Buchanan is a great leader

Another player who has suffered with injury is Kadeisha Buchanan, who has been out for over a year after suffering an ACL injury.

She made her return off the bench at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, and Bompastor welcomed her back.

“It’s really important to have Kadeisha back because she’s also a great leader. She’s an important player for us. She was able to come into the team today to play a tough game and bring her impact in the game.

“She was confident, she’s a great defender, and she has a lot of quality with the ball as well. So, for me, again, going into the business end of the season, we need as many players as possible available.”

Chelsea will also face Manchester United in the final of the Subway Women’s League Cup next month.