LadyStrikers FC began their 2025/26 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 loss away to FC Samartex Ladies at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts started brightly, taking the lead in just the 7th minute when Sandra Ankomah Akoto capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot home the opener. LadyStrikers worked hard to settle into rhythm, keeping possession and probing down both flanks through Bathsheba Nyarko and Adjoa Mensah, but struggled to find the finishing touch in the first half.
After the break, FC Samartex Ladies doubled their advantage from the spot in the 49th minute after the referee awarded a penalty for a handball in the box. Amina Adams stepped up and converted coolly to make it 2–0.
Despite the setback, LadyStrikers showed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit. The team’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Bathsheba Nyarko produced a moment of brilliance—latching onto a through ball and firing home to reduce the deficit to 2–1.
The final 20 minutes saw a spirited push from LadyStrikers, who kept FC Samartex Ladies on the back foot with several dangerous attacking moves. However, the equalizer proved elusive as the hosts held on to secure all three points.
Speaking after the game, LadyStrikers’ head coach, Stephen Jojo Ampah commended her players for their determination and promised an improved performance in the next fixture:
“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but the performance, especially in the second half, gives us confidence. The team is growing, and we’ll take the positives into our next match.”
LadyStrikers FC will now regroup and focus on their next encounter as they look to bounce back strongly in Week 2 of the Women’s Premier League.
Full-Time:
FC Samartex Ladies 2–1 LadyStrikers FC
Goals:
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7’ – Sandra Ankomah Akoto (Samartex Ladies)
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49’ – Amina Adams (Samartex Ladies, Pen)
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67’ – Bathsheba Nyarko (LadyStrikers FC)
Competition: Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League (Week 1)
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Venue: Nsenkyire Sports Arena
Full Time: FC Samartex Ladies 2–1 LadyStrikers FC
Scorers:
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FC Samartex Ladies – Sandra Ankomah Akoto (7’), Amina Adams (49’ pen)
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LadyStrikers FC – Bathsheba Nyarko (67’)
Source: Ladystrikers FC COMMS