Written by: Sng En Teng, Christabelle
Edited by: Angelina Grace Pandiman
Photos by: Eusoff Works
The semi-final match was the only obstacle standing between EHunited and the grand finals. A dark overcast sky threatened to derail our action plan. Mere moments before the day’s proceedings unfolded, an onslaught of precipitation ensued, betowing a torrential downpour upon our ladies. Unfazed by the ongoing torrential downpour, our ladies decided to brave the rain to face off against their opponent for the day, King Edward Hall VII.
Starting us off was Angelina, Clae, Xin Tian and Avina. A quick team huddle between our ladies and then we were off. The rain did provide an added layer of difficulty when it came down to passing and dribbling; which would explain the relatively slower ball play throughout the match. But nonetheless, our ladies played to the best of their ability. Kicking a ball into puddles of water was certainly no easy feat. Once again, our defence was pressed to deliver an attack. Good effort was made by our ladies to gain possession and drive passes, however, the added element of weather seemed to have an effect on the accuracy of the passes. An interception by Angelina drives the ball over to Xin Tian who takes a shot at the post. However, the ball is saved by the keeper. We were at a nil-nil draw, which is something that the girls are no stranger to.
The second line was headed by Alicia, Celine, Lily and Nikki. A narrow miss by Lily maintains our nil-nil status. Communication and space were of utmost importance in this set. A shot by Alicia grazes the top of the post. It was still 0-0. A penalty kick granted to KE was quickly blocked by Lily and Alicia. Lily gains possession of the ball and returns with a counterattack. Celine and Lily take turns to strike a goal in, and were unsuccessful in upping the score difference. EHunited decides to adopt a new strategy that took it rather slow with the lineup. KE gains possession near the post, and Celine swings right by to stop them dead in their tracks. The whistle blows and the end of set one concludes. It was still at a checkmate of 0-0.
Celine zooms past KE to steal their ball!
The second half of both lines decided to raise the stakes and go in for the counterattacks and long shots. The rain was certainly making our ladies work for this victory. A sequence of long shots and interceptions brings us back to the current nil-nil situation.
After two intense sets and periods of extra time, the score remains locked in at nil-nil. It is pretty much anyone's game at this point. Our ladies proceed onto penalty shoot outs. A face off between the player and keeper, it is truly a game of both wit and foresight. Our captain, Clae steps up to take the first shot. Clae studies the keeper before going in for the kick. The ball slips right past the keeper’s reach in the lower right of the post. A goal for EHunited. KE takes a shot in the upper right and lands it. We were back in a tie. Angelina takes one in the upper part of the post, and the ball goes right over the keeper's reach. Another point to us. It was up to Avina to maintain the lead. KE takes a shot to the middle of the post, and the goal is swiftly deflected by Avina. We were in the lead at 2-1. Xin Tian was next in the line up. Her razor focus spotted an opening in the lower right. Xin Tian calmly approaches the ball and strikes it in, bringing this extraordinary match to a close. A penalty victory over KE earned a spot in the finals. A well deserved victory ladies!
a series of high fives from our line 1 penalty shooters as they all managed to SCOREEE
Last but certainly not the least, we’d like to give a special mention to our supporting crew – David for keeping the stream up and running while providing some amazing commentaries over Telegram throughout; Said for capturing insane vogue worthy action shots; Jie Long for shooting incredible sequences and Nic for his dedication and support for our ladies.
Our ladies are ready and loaded for their toughest match up yet, the final duel between Eusoff and Temasek. The question of who would prevail continues, tune in this Sunday, 23 January to witness a battle of the Football greats. Do subscribe to @ihgfootball on Telegram to receive some real time match-updates.
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