Chelsea Secure Extra-Time Win Over Manchester United
Naomi Girma, who joined Chelsea for a then-world-record fee in January 2025, scored the decisive goal as holders Chelsea edged past Manchester United to reach the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals. The United States international defender tapped in from close range in the 99th minute during extra time, opening her goal account for the Blues after United failed to clear a corner.
The match ended disappointingly for Marc Skinner's side, who had fought back from behind to force extra time. Substitute Simi Awujo equalized for Manchester United in the 81st minute by arriving at the back post to finish, cancelling out Sam Kerr's opener. Kerr, who came off the bench, had scored three minutes earlier by steering home a knockdown from Veerle Buurman.
Chelsea had defeated Manchester United in last season's final, and this victory provides Sonia Bompastor's team a psychological advantage ahead of their upcoming League Cup final meeting at Ashton Gate on 15 March.
Arsenal and Manchester City Advance with Convincing Wins
Arsenal, 14-time winners of the competition, secured a 3-0 victory over Bristol City, with captain Kim Little scoring for the second consecutive FA Cup match. Victoria Pelova and Frida Maanum also contributed goals in the second half, which was marred by a head injury to winger Olivia Smith, who was stretchered off.
Manchester City continued their dominant form by defeating second-tier Sheffield United 4-0. The Women's Super League leaders established a three-goal lead within 22 minutes, courtesy of two close-range finishes from Lauren Hemp and a low drive from Aoba Fujino. Laura Coombs added a fourth goal in the 90th minute to complete the rout.
Brighton Triumph Over West Ham Amid Manager's Return
In another all-WSL fixture, Brighton emerged 2-1 winners at West Ham. The match marked the return of manager Dario Vidosic to the dugout after a month away in Australia following the passing of his father, Rado, who was also Brighton's women's and girls' head of coaching.
Veteran Fran Kirby delivered a commanding first-half performance with a goal and an assist. Despite Leila Wandeler's 75th-minute goal for West Ham, the hosts could not mount a comeback.
Lower League Sides Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic Progress
Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic were victorious in the only ties not involving top-flight clubs. Oceane Hurtre scored a hat-trick in Birmingham's 8-0 win over Chatham Town on Friday night. Charlton Athletic edged out fourth-tier Oxford United with a 1-0 win thanks to Lucy Fitzgerald's penalty in the 76th minute.
London City Lionesses will host local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, 23 February at 19:30 GMT in the remaining fifth-round tie.
Women's FA Cup Fifth-Round Results
- Birmingham City 8-0 Chatham Town
- Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United (AET)
- Manchester City 4-0 Sheffield United
- Oxford United 0-1 Charlton Athletic
- Liverpool v Everton (22 February, 16:30 GMT)
- London City Lionesses v Tottenham Hotspur (23 February, 19:30 GMT)
Quarter-Final Draw Details
The draw for the quarter-finals is scheduled for Monday, 23 February at 19:00 GMT and will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 as well as the Adobe Women's FA Cup YouTube channel. The quarter-final matches are set to take place on Sunday, 5 April.
Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie have returned for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on , featuring interviews and additional content from the Women's Super League and beyond.
For the latest news on the Women's Super League, visit our dedicated page.
