Second
placed Kehar Club met third placed That's Right
in the Semi Finals. Ironically for That's Right,
Kehar Club had been the only (legal) team to beat
them in the group stages, although that had been
a thumping 5-0 defeat. The UK side were hoping
to fare better this time round. Alas, it was not
to be and with some tired legs on show the Kehar
Club ran out comfortable winners again by the
score line of 4-0.
Both
semi finals were played simultaneously to give
both winners the same time to prepare for the
final. Well that was the theory anyway, as Byraspor
(league winners) met Slepi Kone in the epic contest.
Byraspor took an early 1-0 lead and with chances
to extend the lead, but failing to convert. They
looked set to reach the final, however we all
know you are never safe at 1-0 and when Slepi
Kone equalised in the second half the momentum
of the game changed. The game was now much tighter
and tense. So it proved when Slepi Kone were down
to 4 due to a professional, tactical foul. The
final whistle went and with extra time looming,
the league winners with an extra man were favourites
again.
However,
Slepi Kone would not give up fighting. A valiant
extra time effort meant you could barely notice
it was 5 men versus 4. Extra time was golden goal
and both teams knew one moment of brilliance or
one mistake could decide this with seconds running
away. Byraspor won a penalty only to smack the
spot kick against the post. With the upright still
shaking the final whistle went.
Onto
the dreaded penalty shoot out in what was turning
out to be the most captivating match of the tournament.
Three penalties each and then sudden death, if
needed, would decide it. All the extra time and
tension were playing into the hands of Kehar Club,
who were now watching on to see who their opponents
in the final would be.
Byraspor
won the toss and put Slepi Kone in to take the
first penalty. Penalty one from each side were
safely despatched. Up stepped Slepi Kone for their
second, a pile- driver hit with real venom straight
down the middle made it 2-1. Then, Byraspor put
their second penalty wide of the left post. Slepi
Kone safely inserted their third and went through
3-1 on penalties. |