By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Nigeria international Rinsola Babajide was on target for AS Roma Women as they played out a 1–1 draw against Inter Milan Women in the first leg of their Coppa Italia Femminile semi-final on Thursday.
Babajide broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, calmly finishing from close range after being set up by teammate Evelyne Viens to give Roma the lead early in the second half.
The Nigerian forward’s strike looked set to hand the hosts a narrow advantage heading into the return leg before Inter responded late in the contest.
Inter captain Tessa Wullaert converted a penalty in the 87th minute to restore parity and ensure the tie remains evenly balanced ahead of the decisive second leg.
Babajide was one of Roma’s standout performers in attack and was substituted in the 77th minute after an impressive display leading the line for the Italian side.
Her Super Falcons teammate Shukurat Oladipo also featured prominently, starting in defence and playing the full match to help Roma secure the draw.
The result leaves the semi-final finely poised ahead of the second leg scheduled for March 28, where both sides will battle for a place in the final of Italy’s premier women’s domestic cup competition.
Roma will now shift focus to their upcoming Serie A Femminile fixture against Fiorentina Women as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season.
