Motunrayo Ezekiel delivered a moment of quality, but it proved too little, too late as Racing Power slipped to a frustrating defeat against Valadares Gaia in a dramatic Campeonato Nacional Feminino clash.
Motunrayo Ezekiel goal comes too late as Racing Power fall short
Racing Power found themselves chasing the game early after McKenna Martinez struck in the 18th minute, handing Valadares a narrow lead heading into halftime.
The game tilted in Racing Power’s favour in the second half when Joana Silva was sent off in the 58th minute, reducing Valadares to ten players and opening the door for a comeback.
Ezekiel spark fails to inspire Racing Power comeback
Instead of capitalising on their numerical advantage, Racing Power fell further behind as Martinez doubled her tally in the 70th minute, punishing their lack of cutting edge.
Ezekiel responded almost immediately, pulling one back just two minutes later for her third goal at the club, but the late strike could not change the outcome as Valadares held firm to secure the win.
The 22-year-old Super Falcons midfielder continues to show flashes of brilliance since her move to Europe, having joined Racing Power during the winter transfer window after spells in Spain.