Pogon Szczecin II W edged into the next round of the Poland Women's Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Academy Zamość (W) on 25 October 2026. A single second-half goal was enough to settle a tense cup tie, with the Szczecin reserve side showing composure to protect their lead through a nervous closing period.

Match overview

The game was played with the kind of intensity typical of knockout football, where the margin between progress and elimination is often one moment. Pogon Szczecin II W started with a compact shape and looked content to absorb pressure early, while Academy Zamość (W) saw more of the ball but struggled to turn possession into clear chances. The decisive breakthrough arrived after the break, and from that point the home side defended with discipline and limited their opponents to hopeful efforts from distance.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Academy Zamość created the first opening of the match, but a low effort from the edge of the box was comfortably gathered by the Pogon goalkeeper.
• 38th minute: Pogon had the ball in the net from a corner, but the referee ruled the goal out for a push inside the six-yard box.
• 63rd minute: The breakthrough finally came for the home side. Julia Nowak latched onto a loose ball just inside the area and guided a composed finish into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
• 81st minute: Academy Zamość came close to an equaliser when a header flashed narrowly wide of the far post.
• 90+3 minutes: Pogon cleared a late ball into the box and immediately won a free-kick near the halfway line, effectively ending the contest.

Tactical story

Pogon Szczecin II W set up in a disciplined 4-1-4-1 shape, keeping the midfield line tight and forcing Academy Zamość to play around them rather than through them. The home side were happy to concede territory in harmless areas and then break quickly when turnovers occurred. Academy Zamość enjoyed longer spells of possession, but their final ball lacked precision and their crosses were repeatedly cut out by a well-organised back line. The match became a test of patience, and Pogon passed it by taking the one clear chance that came their way.

Standout performers

Julia Nowak will take the headlines for the winning goal, but the performance of goalkeeper Oliwia Kaczmarek was equally important. She commanded her area well and made a crucial late save to preserve the clean sheet. In midfield, Maja Lewandowska covered ground tirelessly and helped Pogon win the second balls that kept the game under control. For Academy Zamość, Marta Zielińska was the most persistent attacking threat, though she was often isolated against a crowded defence.

Cup impact

The result sends Pogon Szczecin II W into the next round of the Poland Women's Cup and gives the reserve side a valuable confidence boost. For Academy Zamość (W), the defeat is a frustrating one because the game remained within reach until the final whistle, but the cup run will still provide useful experience for a squad that competed strongly away from home.