Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a match-defining save to keep Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup semifinal against Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper then watched her team complete a stunning 3-2 comeback from two goals down.
Substitute Nadine Noordam scored a 95th-minute winner to send Brighton to their first Women’s FA Cup final in club history.
The save that changed everything
Liverpool led 2-0 inside 22 minutes through Denise O’Sullivan and Beata Olsson.
Brighton responded quickly. Manuela Vanegas pulled one back within two minutes before Madison Haley equalised in the 54th minute.
Then came the moment that preserved Brighton’s dream.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Liverpool substitute Aurelie Csillag had a clear shot at goal, but Nnadozie stood firm. She parried the strike away, keeping the score level and giving her team a fighting chance.
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The save proved decisive. Noordam struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time, lashing home from 10 yards to send Brighton to the final.
A date with the champions
Brighton will face Manchester City in the final at Wembley Stadium on May 31.
City booked their place by beating Chelsea 3-2 in the other semifinal. They arrive as Women’s Super League champions, but Brighton will carry momentum into the showpiece.
Dario Vidosic’s side beat City 3-2 just two weeks ago, delaying their title celebrations. That result proved Brighton can compete with the league’s best.
