Jena, April 15, 2026. The U17 junior team of FC Carl Zeiss Jena has reached the final of the DFB-Pokal for the first time. With a confident 2-0 victory over the youth team of RB Leipzig, the squad secured their ticket to the final in the battle for the coveted title.
- Competition: Semi-final of the DFB-Pokal der Juniorinnen
- Match: FC Carl Zeiss Jena vs. RB Leipzig
- Result: 2:0 (1:0)
- Goals: Anna Axer (34th and 74th minute)
- Outlook: Final on May 30, 2026, against VfB Stuttgart
Confident Victory Without Trembling
After the Jena team had to cope with a bitter semi-final exit last year – losing narrowly 5-6 on penalties to VfL Wolfsburg – they kept their nerves in the current season. The Thuringian side appeared dominant in the round of the last four teams and allowed the guests from Sachsen hardly any dangerous scoring opportunities.
Offensive player Anna Axer played a decisive role in FCC’s success. With two goals in the 34th and 74th minute, she scored a brace and sealed the 2-0 final score for the hosts. On May 30, the team led by coach Roy Bergner will face VfB Stuttgart in the final.
Background: Youth Development at FC Carl Zeiss Jena
The girls’ and women’s department of FC Carl Zeiss Jena has been a fixture in German football for many years. A successful U17 team is essential for the club to specifically guide young talents toward the women’s Bundesliga teams. Training and education traditionally take place at the facilities around the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, embedded in the Jena Paradiespark, where players are supported under professional conditions.
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Thanks to Axer’s brace: Jena follows VfB into the final
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.