by Staff Writer
Sunday, 8th February 2026
West Ham United Women produced a dramatic late turnaround to claim a vital 3–2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion Women yesterday.
With the match played at Chigwell Construction Stadium, Dagenham in the Barclays Women’s Super League, the game looked to be slipping away from West Ham during the first half as Brighton took the lead in the 40th minute.
Kiko Seike's well-struck effort from outside the box found the net to give the visitors a deserved advantage going into the break.
Brighton maintained control after the restart and extended their lead when Manuela Vanegas converted in the 63rd minute, leaving West Ham chasing the game with less than 30 minutes remaining.
Despite the battle, West Ham roared back into life in the late stages. Ffion Morgan sparked the revival with a stunning strike in the 82nd minute, clever and composed from long range to half the deficit and ignite the home crowd.
Just four minutes later Shekiera Martínez levelled for the Hammers in the 86th minute, firing home after a quick break to send Victoria Road into delirium.
The dramatic comeback was completed early into added time as Viviane Asseyi slotted home in the 90+1st minute, finishing from close range to secure a sensational late win for West Ham.
After the match, West Ham manager Rita Guarino praised her side’s mentality and refusal to give in. “This team showed incredible character today," she said. "Even when things weren’t going our way, the players kept believing and fighting for each other. This is the spirit we want to see every week.”
And Viviane Asseyi echoed her manager’s thoughts and highlighted the importance of togetherness. “We knew we could turn it around if we stayed focused and kept pushing," she added. "Everyone believed, and this result shows what we can do when we fight until the very end.”
The win provides a boost for West Ham and moves them up the WSL table, easing pressure and injecting confidence as they head into the next run of fixtures.
West Ham Utd: Szemik, Hansen, Nyström, Cascarino, Hanshaw, Siren (Gorry 64), Zelem, Wandeler (Morgan 64), Ueki, Asseyi (c), Martinez (Piubel 90+5)
Unused subs: Walsh, Endo, Belloumou, Tennebo, Brasero, Houssein
Goals: Morgan (82), Martinez (86), Asseyi (90+1)
Booked: Zelem, Martinez, Wandeler
Brighton & Hove Albion: Nnadozie, Vanegas, Minami, Kafaji (Tvedten 61), Symonds (c), Cankovic, Seike, Noordam (Camacho 90+1), Olislagers, Haley, Rule (McLauchlan 60)
Unused subs: Poulter, Baggaley, Rayner, Hayes, Tsunoda, McEwen
Goals: Seike (40), Vanegas (63)
Booked: Haley, Cankovic, Tvedten, Nnadozie, Noordam
Player Ratings
Kinga Szemik (7) Could do little about Brighton’s goals and stayed composed under pressure. Made a couple of important saves to keep West Ham within touching distance before the late turnaround.
Tuva Hansen (7) Worked hard defensively and showed good positioning, particularly in the second half as West Ham pushed higher up the pitch.
Eva Nyström (6) Had a difficult spell early on dealing with Brighton’s movement but improved as the game wore on and stayed disciplined late on.
Estelle Cascarino (7) Provided energy down the flank and grew into the game. Her attacking intent became more evident once West Ham started to apply sustained pressure.
Verena Hanshaw (7) Led by example and drove the team forward when they were two goals down. Strong deliveries and relentless work rate were key in the comeback.
Oona Siren (7) Kept things ticking over in midfield and showed composure in possession during West Ham’s best spell of the match.
Katrina Gorry (7) Battled tirelessly in midfield and helped wrestle control back late on. Her experience and intensity were vital when momentum shifted.
Katie Zelem (8) A calming influence in midfield who dictated tempo during the comeback. Used the ball well and played a big role in sustaining pressure in the final stages.
Leila Wandeler (7) Linked play neatly and made intelligent runs, contributing to West Ham’s attacking rhythm in the second half.
Ffion Morgan (8) Changed the game. Her goal sparked belief and lifted the entire stadium, combining energy, directness and end product when it mattered most.
Riko Ueki (6) Worked hard off the ball and stretched Brighton’s defence, even if clear chances were limited.
Viviane Asseyi (9) Match-winner. Showed composure and hunger to score the decisive goal in stoppage time and remained a constant threat throughout.
Shekiera Martinez (8) A powerful presence up front and crucial to the comeback. Took her goal well and caused Brighton problems with her movement and physicality.
Seraina Piubel (7) Added fresh energy late on and helped maintain attacking momentum as West Ham pushed for the winner.
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