15042026 UKAF v French women Credit BFBS.jpg
It was a tough afternoon for the UK hosts against a classy French team
Football

Relentless: UK Armed Forces women taught a lesson in heavy defeat to French Armed Forces

15042026 UKAF v French women Credit BFBS.jpg
It was a tough afternoon for the UK hosts against a classy French team

The first-ever meeting between the UK Armed Forces and French Armed Forces women's football teams ended in a dominant win for the French.

UKAF, who were successful against the Dutch, Germans and Irish in 2025, were outclassed by a brilliant French team.

Jade Gaiffe, Collen Cruman, Grazziela Mazza, Romane Leveau and Loane Ballarin all scored in a 5-0 thrashing.

From the first whistle, the French looked stylish on the ball and well-drilled in defence but it was a set-piece that broke the deadlock in the eighth minute. Ballarin's delivery to the back post was met by a thumping header from Gaiffe and the visitors had the perfect start.

The one-sided nature of the match meant Jamie Lee-Bamford stopped a further French first-half lead with some good saves, but she could do nothing as Collen Cruman blasted in a second from close range.

Karl Milgate would have hoped for a reaction in the second half, but the chances of a comeback were snuffed out in eight fabulous French minutes resulting in three more goals. Mazza and Leveau both scored after flowing moves, but it was Bellarin's goal that will be remembered after a brilliant one-two and clever finish.

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