Article: Evelyn Karatzas
Photos: Anthony Caffery Photography

Gungahlin United 2 (Elke Aitolu 58’, Erika Pennyfield 62’) defeat Canberra Olympic 0 

A stunning free-kick from Elke Aitolu helped guide Gungahlin United to a first round win, defeating Canberra Olympic 2-0 at Gungahlin Enclosed on Sunday afternoon (19 July). 

After a long wait for restrictions to be eased, football in Australia’s capital finally made a comeback this weekend after a three-month pause.

After a slow first half as both teams struggled to get a foothold in the game, two goals in the space of four minutes brought the game to life. 

Following great defensive interceptions and good possession of the ball, Elke Aitolou scored a spectacular free-kick from 30 yards out, taking Olympic's keeper Angelica Pahina by surprise. 

Minutes later, Erika Pennyfield broke in behind Olympic's defence before cheekily lobbing the keeper in the 62nd minute.

Stella De Marco stood out throughout the game for her great defence and possession, as Gungahlin's confidence skyrocketed in the second half.

Olympic continued to persist and came close to scoring their first goal of the season on several occasions, with the best chances falling to former Canberra United midfielder Nicole Begg. 

Despite the loss, coach Andrew Woodman said Olympic's best form was yet to come. 

"It was a really disappointing result, yet we’ve had a positive pre-season and we know we are capable of more," he said. "We will continue to train hard this week and be better prepared for Woden Weston." 

Next weekend Canberra Olympic will be taking on Woden Weston FC and Gungahlin United will be going head to head against at Canberra United Academy.