AoC National Cup – Round 2

St Charles College 3 – 1 SFX Academy

The second round of the AoC National Cup saw SFX Academy visit St Charles College, and as always when these two sides meet, it was a titanic battle.

It was St Charles who started the brighter, with half-chances for Nick De Paula and Rivaldo Murray — both narrowly missing the target. The early scares forced the opposition into making early substitutions and a change of formation. However, this did not stem the flow of the game, and it was STC who took the lead when Rivaldo was released by an inch-perfect through ball from Ayub Hassan. Rivaldo held off his marker and, although it looked as though he had dwelled too long, a neat chop inside and a cool finish between the keeper’s legs gave STC a deserved lead.

One soon became two when a wicked low cross from Hassan was turned into his own net by a covering SFX defender. SFX were soon back in the game, however, when a long ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by either defender or keeper, allowing the SFX striker to round Leon Agani and tap home.

The last ten minutes of the half turned into a real midfield battle, with Prodige Katshunga, Dorell Murray, and the already mentioned Hassan putting in a great shift to restrict SFX’s time and space as they looked to build through their midfield box of four. With two minutes of the half remaining, the ever-dangerous Rivaldo was released again. He outpaced the covering defender, rounded the onrushing goalkeeper, and coolly slotted home for 3–1… unfortunately, the assistant referee’s flag was raised and the goal would not stand. Oh, for VAR!

After a positive team talk, the game continued in similar fashion — SFX growing into the game and really pushing for an equaliser, but STC stood firm and looked dangerous on the break. Goalkeeper Agani was in the wars, saving bravely at the feet of the SFX striker and taking a whack to the head for his troubles. He bravely carried on — despite smashed glasses — and made several important saves to keep STC in the lead.

STC had several chances from set pieces, but headers from Rivaldo and defender Ned Malit could not find the target. With the game now into eight minutes of added time, we were indebted to Soulaiman Antifit, who made a game-defining block when a goal looked certain.

The spirit and work rate in the group were encapsulated in the 98th minute when Rivaldo released Murray, who put in a lung-busting 50-yard sprint. His initial shot was blocked, but the ball fell to the supporting Leslie Egwuonwu, who unselfishly laid it off to Hassan. He took a touch before unleashing a low, dipping shot beyond the despairing dive of the SFX keeper to give St Charles the win and a passage into Round 3 of the AoC National Cup.

Final Score: St Charles College 3 – 1 SFX Academy