Naomi Girma's first goal for Chelsea proved decisive as the Blues beat Manchester United 2-1 after extra time in the Women's FA Cup fifth round at Kingsmeadow. The American defender poked home from a corner in the 102nd minute to send Sonia Bompastor's side into the quarter-finals.
Sam Kerr had earlier cancelled out Simi Awujo's strike in normal time. Awujo, a substitute, smashed home from a free-kick scramble in the 83rd minute, but Kerr levelled seven minutes later with a swift turn and finish from a Ellie Carpenter cross. The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.
Chelsea's substitutions proved pivotal. Sandy Baltimore, Wieke Kaptein and Kerr all made an impact, with Kaptein going close with a curling effort that drifted just wide. Manchester United struggled to match Chelsea's depth, with Marc Skinner's side also fatigued from their midweek Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid.
United pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made crucial saves, including tipping a looping Maya Le Tissier free-kick over the bar. The visitors had a late penalty shout for handball waved away as Chelsea held on to progress.
