New head coach Olli-Pekka Ojala could not mark his Gintra debut with victory. The defending Baltic Women's Football League champions opened their 2024 season with defeat to the Estonian runners-up.
In difficult weather, Gintra conceded late at home and 0:1 (0–0 at half-time) lost to Saku Sporting.
Lineup: G. Vasilenko, A. Mikutaitė (C), V. Mana (90' min. U. Bujokaitė), L. Kubiliūtė, L. Peabody, S. Amorim (46' min. K. Hawkinson), M. Galkina, A. Kazarina, E. Šupelytė (90' min, D. Misiūnaitė), T. Shamase, M. Proscevičiūtė (80' min. S. Railaitė).
Goals:
„Sporting“: K. Saulus (88' min.) - 1.
The match took place in extreme conditions. Strong winds gave neither team much opportunity for quality football. Playing with the wind in the first half, the hosts could not score or establish an advantage.
The second half remained chaotic, with few clear scoring opportunities. A late long-range strike produced the only goal, giving the visitors their first victory in Šiauliai.
Afterwards, Ojala thanked his players for their efforts and congratulated the opponents. He acknowledged that quality football was almost impossible in those conditions, but stressed they were the same for both teams and Sporting deserved their win.
The Lithuanian champions play again next weekend, facing Hegelmann of Kaunas District away in the Topo centras Euronics A League on 21 April.
Match highlights and comments: