CSKA Moscow Triumphs Over Zenit in Russian Women’s Cup Final, Extending Cup Glory
In a dramatic finale of the Russian Women’s Football Cup, Moscow’s CSKA emerged victorious after a 4-1 victory over Saint Peterburg’s Zenit. The match showcased pace, precision, and moments of individual brilliance that shaped the outcome and highlighted the competitive depth in Russian women’s football. The scoreboard told a story of resilience from CSKA and a relentless push from Zenit, culminating in a decisive win that keeps CSKA on course for more silverware this season.
The first-half action concluded with a late breakthrough as CSKA opened the scoring in the final minute before the break. Gabrielle Ongene, a forward from Cameroon who has been instrumental for CSKA’s attacking play, found the back of the net to put the visitors ahead and set the tone for the second period. The goal injected energy into CSKA’s ranks and signaled the start of an intense 45 minutes that would test Zenit’s defense and midfield organization.
After the interval, Zenit responded with a long-range strike from Gabriela Grzywińska, a Polish midfielder, who fired a powerful shot past Elizaveta Shcherbakova to draw the score level briefly and restore early momentum for the hosts. The equalizer, however, did not spark a sustained comeback. It took roughly ten minutes for CSKA to reclaim their lead, with Nadezhda Smirnova converting a penalty to make it 2-1 and shift the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors. Smirnova’s goal not only quieted Zenit’s rising optimism but also demonstrated CSKA’s efficiency in finishing chances under pressure.
Midway through the second half, Francis Ordega, a constant threat on the flank, extended CSKA’s advantage to 3-1 with a well-timed finish that showcased her pace, technique, and ability to link play between the midfield and forwards. As the clock ticked toward the final stages, Smirnova added a second personal tally to seal the win and confirm CSKA’s dominance in the cup final. Her brace underscored CSKA’s strength in converting opportunities and maintaining defensive discipline to protect the lead in the closing minutes.
Historically, CSKA had previously claimed the Russian Cup title, marking their third triumph in the club’s history. Their first cup triumph came in 2017 when CSKA defeated Chertanovo, signaling the club’s potential in developing and sustaining a top-tier women’s program in Russia. In contrast, Zenit’s performance in this edition of the cup reflected a solid campaign and a willingness to push the tempo against a team with proven cup pedigree. The result leaves CSKA atop the national table, three points clear of Zenit, highlighting their consistency across domestic competitions this season.
Beyond the match specifics, the Cup final added a broader narrative to Russian women’s football, illustrating the growing competitiveness, tactical experimentation, and the emergence of players who are increasingly recognized on the national stage. The display underscored the importance of finishing efficiency, psychological resilience, and numerical depth in a knockout format where every moment can decide a trophy. In the wider sports discourse, the final contributed to ongoing discussions about the development of women’s football in Russia and the factors driving growth, including youth development, coaching standards, and institutional support for the women’s game.
Meanwhile, in the league, CSKA holds a steady position at the summit, three points ahead of Zenit, reflecting their strong form across the season and their ability to translate cup performance into league momentum. The cup result also reinforced CSKA’s ability to manage high-pressure matches and deliver when it matters most, a quality that coaches and analysts often cite as crucial for sustained success in both cup and league formats.
In related governance matters, recent commentary from football administration circles included discussions led by a former FIFA president who appealed to the IOC president regarding the politicization of sport. This broader context reminded fans and officials alike that sport remains intertwined with global discourse, and organizational decisions continue to shape the landscape for players, clubs, and national teams. The outcome of the Cup final sits within this larger narrative of sport’s role in society, emphasizing the ongoing need for neutrality and focus on competition on the field.