Super Falcons forward Jennifer Echegini delivered a standout performance, scoring twice to inspire Paris Saint-Germain Féminine to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dijon in their Coupe de France quarterfinal clash on Wednesday.
The result secured progression for PSG into the semifinals of the French Cup, where they are set to face city rivals Paris FC Féminine in a highly anticipated derby encounter.
Dijon started brightly and nearly stunned PSG early on, creating two promising opportunities. The first effort drifted wide, while the second forced a crucial save from goalkeeper Mary Earps.
PSG’s rhythm was then briefly disrupted midway through the first half following injuries to Isabella and Jackie Groenen, who were replaced by Florianne Jourde and Merveille Kanjinga respectively. Despite the setbacks, the Parisians maintained their attacking intent.
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Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Echegini broke the deadlock with a superbly taken free-kick, giving her side a slender lead at the break.
Dijon responded with renewed determination after the restart and found a route back into the contest in the 54th minute after a penalty was awarded and calmly converted by Léa Declercq to level the score at 1-1.
With the tie delicately poised, PSG intensified their push for a winner. Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Kanjinga both came close, but neither could find the decisive finish.
As the match edged toward a potential penalty shootout, Echegini once again rose to the occasion. The Nigerian forward struck in the 87th minute to complete her brace and restore PSG’s advantage.
This time, there was no response from Dijon, as PSG held firm to secure a crucial victory in Burgundy, sealing their place in the final four and setting up a mouthwatering semifinal showdown against Paris FC.
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