Game 1 - Guangdong Tigers vs Toofan FT

In a captivating match between Tigers and Toofan, both sides showcased their attacking prowess but ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Mo Alamyan and Zaki were the standout stars, each playing key roles for their respective teams.

Former number one pick Hussein Syed added to the already stellar lineup for the Tigers, and on the other end, equally as tall if not taller, Sal Basharmal was playing his first game for Toofan, increasing the average height of this matchup in this battle of the Sequoias.

Toofan took the lead early, striking in the 16th minute when Mo Alamyan finished off a well-timed lofted assist from Hafez. The quick interplay sliced through the Tigers’ defense, who appeared to freeze, allowing Alamyan to slot the ball home calmly and put Toofan ahead 1-0. Toofan kept the pressure on with a Mohammad Razvi shot that was brilliantly saved by Tigers’ keeper, Kumayl.

The second half began with an electrifying moment of individual brilliance from Tigers’ winger Zaki. He collected the ball in his own half, flew down the left side, and beat his defender with a blistering pace. His low shot squeezed past Tejani in goal, leveling the score at 1-1. Zaki’s speed and composure were unmatched, marking him as a constant threat throughout the game.

Toofan kept pressing, and Mo Razvi tested Hussein Syed with a powerful strike, but the Tigers’ goalkeeper was up to the task. After several exchanges, Toofan finally regained the lead when Mo Razvi found Mo Alamyan with a clever pass. Alamyan outfoxed a defender with a behind-the-foot control before planting a low shot into the bottom corner, making it 2-1. There were chants of “get your hattrick in boiii” from the spectators, which got a thumbs-up response from what I can safely say is the most talented of the Alamyan bros….fight me!!

Tigers, however, weren't done. Their young core of Kashif and Ali Safder were creating problems for the Toofan defense. Add in one more name and watch out for him …Toni Kroos…ok, not really, but you wouldn't be too far off with the way he played in the midfield for the Tigers; I'm talking about Ehsan Hamrahi. He was a Marshall, and his constant presence was probably key to the Tiger's comeback. Some fancy build-up play landed Ali Safder's in the box with his initial shot saved, but he showed great determination, hustling to retrieve the rebound and finishing with poise to make it 2-2. Late chances for both sides kept the fans on edge, including a missed shot from Hafez and a last-minute save from Ammar F to deny Alamyan once again. Zaki’s cramp in the dying moments underscored the physical battle between the teams.