Sporting’s women’s football team is aiming to make history by winning the League Cup for the first time, signaling a season of high ambition.
Coach Micael Sequeira explicitly stated the trophy is the team’s primary objective. “It’s a competition like any other: we want to win, we want to go as far as possible,” Sequeira said. “And going as far as possible is, preferably, to win the trophy that, unfortunately, Sporting has not yet won. That is our big objective and, therefore, motivation is high.”
The team is set to open its League Cup campaign against Rio Ave in a Group B match in Vila do Conde.
Sequeira highlighted the challenge posed by their opponent. Rio Ave has conceded only one goal so far this season, operating as a “very compact, aggressive team.” He also noted the difficult playing conditions often present at Rio Ave’s home ground.
Beyond the domestic cup, Sporting is also preparing for a significant European challenge. The team will face Scotland’s Glasgow City in the Round of 16 of the Europe Cup.
Sequeira acknowledged the increased difficulty as the European competition progresses. “As you advance, there are no easy games anymore,” he stated, emphasizing the need for maximum strength and focus. “I believe we have the conditions to pass.”
Separately, Sequeira praised three Sporting players—Érica Cancelinha, Maísa Correia, and Carolina Santiago—who received call-ups to the Senior National Team.
He attributed their selection to consistent high performance in both training and matches. “It’s a natural consequence of what they have done,” Sequeira said, adding, “I knew this was going to happen.”