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Joy Omewa scores but Fortuna Hjørring crash out of Europa Cup after extra-time defeat
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria forward Joy Omewa was on the scoresheet but could not prevent Fortuna Hjørring from exiting the UEFA Europa Cup following a dramatic 4–2 extra-time defeat to Icelandic side Breiðablik in their Round of 16 second-leg clash on Wednesday.
Fortuna Hjørring came into the fixture leading 1–0 from the first leg but mounted a strong response at home. They extended their lead with two quick goals—Nikoline Nielsen opened the scoring in the 32nd minute before Omewa doubled the lead in the 47th minute, putting the Danish side 3-0 ahead on aggregate.
However, the hosts were unable to hold onto their advantage as Breiðablik fought back. Barbara Gísladóttir and Samantha Smith drew the visitors level, sending the tie into a tense finale. Deep into stoppage time, a heartbreaking own goal by Sarah Dyrehauge in the 97th minute pushed the match into extra time.
In the added period, Edith Kristjánsdóttir struck the decisive blow for Breiðablik, sealing their progression and ending Fortuna Hjørring’s European campaign with a 4–3 aggregate victory.
Omewa, who received a yellow card in the 80th minute, was later substituted for Risako Watanabe in the 93rd minute as the game dragged on.
Despite the disappointment, the Nigerian striker continues her outstanding individual season. She has now scored 12 goals in 13 league matches, alongside three goals in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and three in the Europa Cup.
Fortuna Hjørring will now shift their full attention to the domestic league, where they sit in second place and remain firmly in contention for a return to European football next season.
