Lithuanian champions Gintra recorded their second Topo centras Euronics A League victory.
At home in round two, Gintra battled hard to 2:1 (1–0 at half-time) defeat Vilnius MFA Žalgiris-MRU.
Lineup: A. Klevečkaitė, A. Mikutaitė (C), V. Mana, L. Kubiliūtė (46; min, T. Shamase), T. Romanovskaja, L. Peabody, S. Amorim, K. Hawkinson (62' min. M. Proscevičiūtė), M. Galkina, A. Kazarina, E. Šupelytė.
Goals:
„Gintra“: A. Kazarina (45') and M. Galkina (87') one each.
„MFA Žalgiris-MRU“: P. Yanchuk (76') – 1.
Newcomer Thubelihle Shamase also debuted, entering at the start of the second half.
The first half began with a dangerous Kazarina run into the area, but Meda Šeškutė saved her shot. Despite possession and territorial control, the hosts struggled to create clearer chances. Near half-time, Kazarina escaped the defenders to score her first A League goal in yellow and black and put Gintra ahead.
The intense, uncertain contest continued after the break. Hesitant Gintra play gave the visitors an opportunity, and Polina Yanchuk equalised in the 76th minute.
Gintra showed championship character in the remaining time. Sustained pressure finally produced an 87th-minute winner from Marija Galkina.
Their next Topo centras Euronics A League match is away to Hegelmann of Kaunas District on 21 April.
Before then, on 14 April, Gintra begin their Baltic League campaign against Estonia's Saku Sporting.
Coach's comments: