Ladystrikers FC were forced to settle for a share of the spoils after conceding a dramatic late equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Army Ladies FC in an away fixture on Matchday 6 of the 2025/2026 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League.
The visitors looked on course for a valuable away victory after taking the lead through Edem Atovor in the 26th minute, only for Esther Yiadom to strike deep into stoppage time (90+3’) to deny Ladystrikers all three points.
Match Summary
Ladystrikers FC started the contest with confidence and discipline, showing maturity in possession and defensive organisation against a physically strong Army Ladies side.
The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute when midfielder Edem Atovor capped off a well-worked attacking move with a composed finish, giving Ladystrikers a deserved 1–0 lead. The goal reflected the team’s control in midfield and their growing attacking cohesion.
After the opener, Ladystrikers remained compact, limiting Army Ladies to few clear-cut chances while continuing to threaten on the counterattack. The defensive unit, marshalled with authority, stood firm through sustained second-half pressure.
However, just when it appeared the visitors would secure maximum points, Army Ladies found a late lifeline. In the third minute of added time, Esther Yiadom capitalised on a late attacking surge to equalise, sending the home crowd into celebration and forcing a 1–1 finish.
Asana Hamidu Shines with MVP Performance
Despite the late setback, Asana Hamidu delivered an outstanding performance in midfield for Ladystrikers FC. Her energy, ball recovery, distribution, and tactical awareness earned her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Hamidu’s influence did not go unnoticed beyond the match, as she was also named in the prestigious Ramanatu Tahiru Matchday 6 Top 11 Players, underlining her growing importance to the team.
Coach Stephen Kojo Ampah Reacts
Head Coach Stephen Kojo Ampah praised his players’ effort while expressing disappointment at conceding so late:
“It’s a tough one to take because the players executed the game plan very well for almost the entire match.
We controlled key moments, scored a good goal, and defended with discipline. Conceding in the last minute is painful, but it’s also part of football.
The positive is our consistency, our mentality away from home, and the fact that we are climbing the table. This team is growing.”
League Impact
The draw sees Ladystrikers FC move up to 6th place on the league table with 7 points, continuing their steady rise in the standings after six matches.
With improved away performances, strong midfield displays, and increasing squad confidence, Ladystrikers FC remain well-positioned as the season progresses.
While the late equaliser denied Ladystrikers a famous away victory, the performance reinforced the team’s competitiveness, resilience, and tactical maturity. With key players hitting form and recognition coming at league level, the club will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures.