The Ukraine women's U-18 futsal team extended their winning streak at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, advancing to the gold medal match for the first time in tournament history. In the semifinal clash held on November 8 in the capital of Senegal, the "blue-and-yellows" defeated the Italian national team 3:1, showing character and tactical flexibility to overcome an early game crisis and hold their lead until the final whistle. As a result, the Ukrainian team has guaranteed at least a silver medal at the Olympics, and will face Venezuela again in the final on November 11.
First Half: From a Fast Break to an Own Goal and a Double Response
The Ukrainian team set a high tempo from the opening minutes of the semifinal and opened the scoring in the 11th minute thanks to an accurate strike by Adelina Vlasenko. However, the Italians quickly leveled the score: in the 13th minute, an opponent's shot found its way into the Ukrainian net, resulting in an own goal by Angelina Zaporozhetz. Nevertheless, this setback did not break the Ukrainian squad. In the 18th minute, Valeriia Yukhnovets, following an assist from Zaporozhetz, put the "blue-and-yellows" back ahead, and a minute later Zaporozhetz made up for her own goal by finishing off a combination set up by Evelina Zavgorodnia. The Ukrainians went into halftime with a two-goal lead — 3:1.
Second Half: Goalkeeper Kira Gulenko as the Guarantee of Success
In the second half, the Italian team made a serious attempt to reignite the contest. The Italians attacked more actively, putting pressure on the Ukrainian defense. Goalkeeper Kira Gulenko played a pivotal role in preserving the winning score, saving the Ukrainian team from conceded goals on several occasions and displaying reliability in the most critical moments. The players managed to maintain their advantage and bring the match to a victorious end, securing a spot in the Youth Olympic Games final.
Final: Rematch for the Group Stage Against Venezuela
Ukraine's opponent in the decisive match will be the Venezuelan national team, which defeated Iran 3:2 in extra time in the second semifinal. This final will carry special significance for the Ukrainian futsal players: the teams have already met during the group stage, which ended in a Ukrainian victory after a dramatic encounter. Thus, on November 11 in Dakar, the two sides will meet once again, this time with the Olympic title on the line.
Historical Achievement and an Olympic Medal in the Bag
Reaching the final is a historic milestone for the Ukraine U-18 futsal team at the Youth Olympic Games: for the first time in its tournament history at this level, the squad has advanced to the gold medal match. Regardless of the outcome of the final showdown, the Ukrainian players have already secured an Olympic medal, at least silver. The futsal tournament final of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games will take place on November 11 in Dakar, and it is on this day that we will find out which team — Ukraine or Venezuela — will step onto the top step of the podium.
