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Football: Urawa see off Niigata on penalties to lift 2nd Empress' Cup
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| Kemarin, 22:00
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HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) -- Urawa Reds lifted their second Empress' Cup on Saturday, edging Albirex Niigata 5-4 in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the final.
Urawa keeper Sakiko Ikeda was the hero at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima after she saved a penalty during the shootout before scoring from the spot herself to seal the title they first won in 2022, denying Niigata their first major trophy.
"We were left frustrated last year, and we've been talking about returning the favor," said the 32-year-old Ikeda after Urawa lost the final in a shootout 12 months ago against INAC Kobe Leonessa.
"I had this image of stopping a shot in the shootout. I'm happy to have saved one and contributed to the team."
Urawa led in the 11th minute when Yuzuho Shiokoshi's sublime through ball from the halfway line set up Nadeshiko Japan defender Hana Takahashi, who slotted home to prove her scoring prowess, having started the match as Urawa's lone forward.
Niigata defender Mizuki Sonoda had a powerful strike tipped away by Ikeda in the 26th minute, but they were level two minutes later through a fine effort from midfielder Yume Takikawa, who found a gap in the Reds defense and fired into the far corner.
Niigata were inspired by captain Nahomi Kawasumi, the 2011 World Cup winner with Japan still going strong at 39, dominating the regular 90 minutes but without finding a winner. Big chances arrived for both sides in extra time but failed to break the deadlock.
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