Cardiff City were defeated 2-0 by ZFK Ljuboten of North Macedonia in their final game of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Having been on the back foot for large parts of their last game against FC Twente, the Bluebirds started this game well and created plenty of chances. Lisa Owen’s cross found summer signing Laura Curnock, but she saw her strike saved. Nieve Jenkins and Molly Kehoe were next to have attempts on goal, but again, the Ljuboten keeper was on hand to deny them both.
City did manage to get a shot away that beat the keeper, but Curnock’s shot whistled past the post, as Iain Darbyshire’s side pushed for that crucial opening goal.
However, they were given a sucker punch before the break, as Hava Mustafa put Ljuboten ahead. A strong first half from the reigning Genero Adran Premier champions, but they found themselves behind at half-time.
Just like in the first period, the Bluebirds started the second on top. Substitute Fiona Barry got a strike away, but not for the first time this afternoon, it was saved by the keeper. City kept ramping the pressure up. In the space of two minutes, the keeper saved twice from Curnock, while Ffion Price fired just over the bar.
With time running out, Cardiff started pushing players forward at will. Shannon Evans headed over the bar, while yet again, Curnock’s attempt was met with a save from the goalkeeper. And how City would rue their missed chances, as in the second minute of added time, Mustafa added her and Ljuboten’s second to seal the win.
A strong display from the Welsh champions, who dominated for large parts of the game, but just couldn’t find a way through. The Bluebirds’ focus will now turn to the new Genero Adran Premier season, which they begin away to Wrexham on Sunday 15 September.
