Next
up was World Pinteur versus RSC Andylecht. World
Pinteur had started the day unbeaten in their
first three games but a 3-0 defeat last time
out had put Cup qualification in doubt. They
had slipped to fourth place in the table on
goal difference but a place in the Cup was still
possible. They needed to win and hope Big Time
Krakow lost. They also needed to over-turn goal
difference if Solly March FC were to win their
final game – which they did. World Pinteur were
not to know this though.
From
an RSC Andylecht perspective, they were currently
outside of the Plate qualification places by
a point. A win over their opponents would ensure
they qualified for the knockout phase. A draw
would be OK but only if Solly March FC were
to lose their final game.
In
a dramatic finale to Group A, World Pinteur
and RSC Andylecht played out a tense 1-1 draw,
with the decisive moment coming in the dying
seconds of the match. The draw was crucial for
World Pinteur, who needed a late equalizer to
secure their place in the Plate, while RSC Andylecht
faced elimination with any slip-up.
The
first half ended goalless, with both teams battling
for control but failing to find the back of
the net. RSC Andylecht emerged as the more assertive
side after the break, and their pressure paid
off when Simon Hickman broke the deadlock with
a well-placed strike, giving them a 1-0 lead.
As the match neared its conclusion, World Pinteur
pressed forward with urgency. Their persistence
paid off in the final minute when Pierre Lachaud
scored a crucial equalizer, leveling the score
at 1-1.
The
late goal proved decisive, as RSC Andylecht's
hopes of advancing were dashed, and they were
eliminated from the tournament. World Pinteur,
though not securing a win, managed to scrape
through to the next stage, their late equalizer
ensuring their continued participation in the
Krakow Trophy.
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