'El Clasico' Awaits
Semifinal Review (Men)
Match 1 (Machanz Vs Pappadam (B))
The semifinal’s stated with last season’s champion playing against the tournament’s surprise package Pappadam B. The match started evenly as both team took time to settle in, and it was Machanz who took the initial advantage as Jorden punished Pappadam B’s lack of concentration with a fine finish. Jorden then added another one before Danesh made it 3-0 to Machanz as some good end to end passing from Machanz was finished off by Danesh into the far post. It was one-way traffic as Lingesh’s shot was deflected in by Kevin for another goal. Pappadam B started the second half by pulling a goal back as Shanta scored from a one on one situation with Vicky, but it was a mere consolation as Lingesh capitalized Pappadam B’s eagerness to score more goals by adding another two, thus assuring Machanz place in yet another final.
Match 2 (XLR8 (A) Vs 5558 Ninja Turtle (B))
The second semifinal saw last season’s finalist playing alongside newcomers 5558 Ninja Turtle B. the game had a cagey start as Ninja Turtle tried to prevent the crisp passing XLR8 from settling into the game, but Taha from XLR8 got his team ahead as his free kick was deflected into the net by Bharath of 5558 Ninja Turtle B. Taha then added another one before Bharath pulled one for 5558 Ninja Turtle B as his shot found the bottom corner of Hasnat’s goal. A goal from Mazly then prevented the inspired 5558 Ninja Turtle B from equalizing, before Taha completed his hat trick. Jj Singh the scored his first goal in the tournament as he volleyed in Steve’s looping pass therefore ensuring another repeat of last semester’s final.
Underdog’s Triumph
Semifinal Review (Women)
Match 1 (CiTY Girls Vs Red Hawks)
City Girls vying for another final appearance entertained Red Hawks. The game started with City Girls defending well and playing some good counter attacking game, but they can’t sustain the pressure applied by Red Hawks as Eshter unleashed a thunderbolt which found the back of the net. City Girls too had a fair share of chances with Nisha missing a glorious one after her header from an unmarked position went off target. Last season’s MVP then made it two for Red Hawks as a quick counter attack from them resulted in Eshter hitting a low shot past Tulika. City Girls then found some inspiration as Maneesha managed to work the ball into Red Hawks goal assisted by a Nishara with a well taken corner kick. Eventhough City Girls created more chances after the goal, Red Hawks defended brilliantly to seal a place in the final.
Match 2 (Emergency Vs Kupu-Kupu)
The second semifinal pitted two newcomers Emergency and Kupu-Kupu. Both team initially traded some half chances with Emergency being the better team as they kept possession well. Kupu-Kupu then scored via Najwa who managed to hold on to her teammate’s pass before taking a shot at the near post that found the net. Kupu-Kupu then played brilliantly as they withstood waves after waves of attack from the Emergency team with their top scorer Shal shooting from all angles while Kupu-Kupu threaten through counter attacks. The goal from Najwa was enough for Kupu-Kupu to make their first final appearance against the Red Hawks.
