Lionesses defeated by Madrid CFF in Lezama

Lionesses defeated by Madrid CFF in Lezama

The Lionesses fall at home in an entertaining match where Zambia international Kundananji scored the visitors' goals

Athletic Club Women lost 0-2 to Madrid CFF on Matchday 11 of Liga F. The game was a thriller with plenty of chances for both sides, especially in the first half.

Zambia international Racheal Kundananji killed off the match in the second half, finishing off two masterful counter-attacks to sink the Lionesses.

The major positive for Athletic was Maite Zubieta's debut,  the 18-year-old midfielder coming on as a substitute in the final stretch of the match.

As Iraia Iturregi predicited in her pre-match press conference, the game was to a back and forth affair. The first half saw numerous chances for both teams in a high tempo encounter. Athletic's first effort came via Pinedo, who had a long-range shot saved by Paola Ulloa.

At the other end, Mariasun Quiñones was undoubtedly the standout performer, making several fine saves to deny Madrid CFF.

Kundananji was always looking to get in behind the Athletic defence, Quiñones forced into action on several occasions. In the 27th minute, Valdezate, at the near post, headed narrowly wide from a Nevado corner.

In the 36th minute, Quiñones again prevented Kundananji scoring in a one-on-one. Jone Amezaga had the final chance of the first half, going close with a left-footed shot.

The contest kept the same high tempo after the break. In the 56th minute, Kundananji finished off a dizzying counter-attack, covering many metres with the ball at her feet in just a few seconds.

The 0-1 scoreline stung, but there was still plenty of time to go. Mariana Cerro tried her luck from distance in the 62nd minute, the effort going narrowly over the bar. Kundananji's second goal was almost a carbon copy of the first. The Zambia international was again the quickest, this time making it 0-2 in the 65th minute.

Nevado went for goal with a powerful close-range shot but Ulloa denied the Lioness. Valdezate also went close after a great counter-attack. At the end of the game Ane Elexpuru had another chance, but Paola was yet again on hand to help the Madrileñas.

Athletic Club had the good news in the form another debut for a home-grown player, Maite Zubieta coming on on late in the game to enjoy her first minutes of senior football.