The
first match of Round 2 in Group B featured Elderly
Support, fresh off a narrow 2-1 victory in their
opener, taking on FC NoeNoe, who had impressed
with a 2-0 win in their first match. Both teams
were looking to maintain their unbeaten records
in what promised to be a thrilling encounter.
The
game began with a stroke of luck for FC NoeNoe
as an unfortunate own goal by Elderly Support
handed them an early 1-0 lead. However, Elderly
Support quickly regrouped and found an equalizer
through Malaz Shahhoud, making it 1-1. The game
was living up to expectations with both sides
attacking relentlessly. Haroun Kamarkeyl restored
FC NoeNoe's lead, putting them 2-1 up with a well-taken
goal. But Elderly Support had an ace up their
sleeve in the form of Can Ozturk, who scored his
third goal of the tournament to make it 2-2 just
before halftime.
The
second half continued in the same vein, with FC
NoeNoe once again taking the lead through Haroun
Kamarkeyl, who netted his second goal of the match
to make it 3-2. Elderly Support, showing remarkable
resilience, fought back yet again, and Andres
Mendoza equalized to bring the score to 3-3.
Despite
the high intensity and numerous chances, neither
team could find a winner. The match ended in a
thrilling 3-3 draw, keeping both teams unbeaten
in the tournament. For Elderly Support, it was
a demonstration of their fighting spirit and ability
to come back from behind. FC NoeNoe, while disappointed
not to secure the win, could take solace in their
strong attacking performance.
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In
a disappointing turn of events for Group B,
Empty Glasses FC, facing a challenging situation
with injuries to key players, decided to withdraw
from the tournament ahead of their scheduled
match against defending champions Shaheens United.
Shaheens
United were awarded a 3-0 walkover victory due
to the absence of their opponents. The withdrawal
meant that the defending champions would receive
the points and a boost to their standings in
the group, while Empty Glasses FC's exit meant
their tournament journey was cut short.
All
subsequent matches featuring Empty Glasses FC
would be declared a 3-0 win to their opponents.
In the interest of fairness, the FC NoeNoe result
from Round 1 would be amended to 3-0 (from the
2-0 result achieved on the field).
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The
next important encounter in Group B was FC23 meeting
FC Twente Bag with both teams seeking to improve
their standings after mixed results in their previous
fixtures. The former had taken a good point against
the defending champions whilst FC Twente Bag would
have been gutted to lose to a last minute winner
in their opening fixture.
The
match started with a competitive edge, and despite
both teams pushing for an early advantage, the
first half ended goalless. The deadlock was broken
in the second half when FC23's Hakim el Kardi
scored to give his team a 1-0 lead. FC23 continued
to apply pressure, and their efforts were rewarded
when Davy De Bruijn, continuing his good form
from the previous match, doubled their advantage
with a second goal, making it 2-0.
FC
Twente Bag fought hard to get back into the game
and managed to pull a goal back through Huw Kelly,
making the score 2-1 with just under a minute
left on the clock. The closing moments of the
match saw FC Twente Bag desperately searching
for an equaliser, but despite their best efforts,
time ran out before they could find the crucial
goal.
The
final whistle blew with FC23 securing a 2-1 victory.
The win was vital for FC23, giving them a significant
boost in their quest for progression – they were
one of four teams locked on 4 points. FC Twente
Bag, though competitive, could not turn the tide
in their favour and were left to reflect on a
missed opportunity.
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