The
first match of Round 5 in Group B featured an
important game for FC NoeNoe against FC Twente
Bag. FC NoeNoe, aiming to secure their place in
the Cup, knew that a win would guarantee their
advancement. However, a draw or loss would require
them to rely on favours from elsewhere, particularly
needing a result better than Shaheens United's.
For FC Twente Bag, the match represented their
last chance to make an impact, as FC23 was set
to receive a 3-0 walkover, effectively concluding
their campaign.
The
game kicked off with FC NoeNoe asserting their
dominance. Haroun Kamarkheyl, already a standout
performer this tournament, opened the scoring,
netting his 7th goal of the tournament. Aryan
Janatgol then added a second before halftime,
giving FC NoeNoe a comfortable 2-0 lead and putting
them in a strong position for the remainder of
the game.
The
second half saw FC NoeNoe continue their attacking
prowess. Munib Ur Rahman extended their lead to
3-0, further solidifying their grip on the match.
Despite a late goal from Jip Gravenberch for FC
Twente Bag, the 3-1 scoreline was ultimately insufficient
for them to mount a comeback. As the final whistle
blew, FC NoeNoe's 3-1 victory was enough to secure
their place in the Cup, achieving their goal of
advancing. FC Twente Bag's campaign ended with
this defeat and they would be eliminated.
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The
final match of Group B was a high-stakes showdown
between Shaheens United and Elderly Support, both
teams with everything to play for. Elderly Support,
in a precarious position, needed a win to clinch
the group title. A draw would suffice for them
to secure a Cup spot in second place, while a
defeat would see them relegated to third and the
Plate. Conversely, Shaheens United, defending
their title, required nothing less than a win
to advance, knowing that anything less would consign
them to the Plate.
The
match kicked off with both teams fully aware of
the implications. The first half saw no goals
and little to separate the two sides. Elderly
Support, seemingly content to play for a draw,
focused on a solid defensive strategy. Their approach
involved long ball clearances and a cautious defensive
setup, ensuring they remained compact at the back.
As
the second half unfolded, Shaheens United pressed
forward, desperately seeking the goal that would
turn their fortunes. Despite their efforts, they
found Elderly Support's defense resolute. The
defending champions pushed and probed, but they
were unable to break through the well-organized
defensive line of their opponents. Elderly Support
seemed happy to punt the ball away and not commit
anyone to keep possession upfield. The game ended
0-0, a result that suited Elderly Support perfectly.
Their strategic approach paid off, as they secured
their place in the Cup, having achieved the draw
they needed. Shaheens United's title defence was
thwarted, and they would be relegated to the Plate
for this tournament. It was a frustrating end
to the group phase for Shaheens United who faced
the disappointment of missing out on a Cup berth
despite being unbeaten.
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