Super Falcons-eligible midfielder helps Chelsea beat Man Utd in WSL Academy Cup Final

A day after she was omitted from the matchday squad for the UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal showdown between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, England youth international of Nigerian descent AshantI Akpan helped the Young Blues pick up silverware. 

The Warsaw native was named in the starting lineup as Chelsea defeated Manchester United in a five-goal thriller to win the WSL Academy League Cup Final. 

A midfielder by trade, Akpan went the distance for Chelsea U21s in Sunday's showpiece held at Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

The Red Devils opened the scoring through Isabella Reidford in the 24th minute but six minutes later it was all square again as Claypole restored parity. 

The Blues went into the break with a two-goal advantage courtesy of two quickfire goals from Priest and Blades.

The next goal of the game did not come until the 90th minute when Ashton slotted home the rebound after a shot struck the post, but it was too late for Manchester United to find an equalizer. 

Akpan has received two call-ups to Chelsea's first team, against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Reading in the Women's FA Cup. 

The 17-year-old made her senior debut when she replaced Sophie Ingle in the 64th minute against the Royals. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com 

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