Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo scored the winner and also provided an assist as AFC Toronto staged a 3–2 comeback victory over Vancouver Rise FC in their 2026 Northern Super League opener, www.aclsports.com reports.
Now wearing the No. 9 shirt after switching from 23 ahead of the new season, Nigerian forward Okoronkwo was involved in all three goals, setting up the equaliser before netting the winner against defending champions Vancouver Rise at Swangard Stadium, with kick-off at 10pm EST on Friday, 24 April.
Toronto made a bright start and went ahead in the 8th minute through Zoe Burns, with Okoronkwo instrumental in the build-up. She controlled a throw-in before linking up with Sarah Stratigakis, whose low cross found Burns to finish.
Vancouver Rise responded strongly, as Maria Camila Reyes levelled in the 18th minute before Latifah Abdu fired them ahead just before half-time to give the hosts a 2–1 lead.
Toronto regrouped after the restart and drew level in the 61st minute, with Okoronkwo once again at the heart of the move. From a well-delivered free-kick into a dangerous area, she picked out Sarah Stratigakis in space, and the midfielder made no mistake, firing an emphatic strike into the roof of the net to restore parity and swing momentum back in Toronto’s favour.
The comeback was completed in the 72nd minute when Burns’ corner delivery caused chaos inside the six-yard box. After a deflection in the crowded area, the ball dropped kindly, and Okoronkwo reacted quickest, showing sharp instincts to fire home from close range and complete the turnaround.
Her performance earned her Player of the Match honours following a standout display in the comeback win.
AFC Toronto will now return to BMO Field for their first home game of the season, where they face Halifax Tides on Sunday, 3 May.
