Epic Clash: Phantom Troupe Edge Out Guangdong Tigers in Youth Showdown
Phantom Troupe 2 - 1 Joojeh 65 FC
20 Oct. 2024
Game 8 - Phantom Troupe vs Joojeh 65 FC
The battle between the Phantom Troupe and the Guangdong Tigers was a high-stakes, high-energy contest, showcasing two of the youngest and most exciting teams in the league. It was a game that fans were eagerly anticipating in this clash of rising stars. Phantom Troupe struck first in spectacular fashion.
Mohammad Rizvi, after receiving a silky pass from Mohammad Jaber on the left flank, rifled a shot into the bottom right corner, leaving the crowd and Guangdong keeper Kashif Zaidi stunned. It was a goal that felt like it belonged in the guide for unstoppable shots, but Rizvi's focus was all business as Phantom took an early 1-0 lead.
Not long after, Reza Rizvi found himself in a prime position following a fantastic through ball from his brother Mohammad, but his finish was just wide of the post. The opportunity was there, but the back of the net remained untouched. Cue the sigh of relief from Tiger’s supporters — and a few awkward stares between the Rizvi brothers. Mohammad Rizvi stayed dangerous throughout the first half, this time getting on the end of a perfect air through ball.
But Kashif Zaidi, determined to keep his side in the match, pulled off a great save. Minutes later, Zaidi denied Mohammad Jaber as well, diving to keep out a fierce strike. Not to be outdone, Phantom’s own Ali Numa saved a long-range bullet from Zaki. The Tigers found their equalizer through Ammar Farishta, who scored from the smallest of angles after Zaki’s pinpoint free kick. A Fan of the Tigers, Abdellah celebrated as the game swung back to 1-1, and the tension only grew from there. To be fair he celebrated for both sides really.
Low turn out of spectators probably due to the heat. Phantom Troupe had another moment of magic left. Mohammad Jaber stormed down the right wing, beating two defenders before delivering a perfect cross to Feda, who tapped it in to give Phantom the 2-1 lead. Three yellow cards were handed out, two to Phantom and one to Guangdong, as tempers didn't really flare but maybe some competitive zeal.
In the dying moments, Ali Numa performed a miraculous double save, denying both Ammar Farishta and Zaki from close range, sealing a well-fought 2-1 victory for Phantom Troupe over a resilient Guangdong Tigers. An epic battle, and another chapter in this budding rivalry.
Phantom face off against veterans of the league JooJeh 65. JooJeh 65 will have a tough time keeping up with the pace of the Troupe. Guangdong have dropped in the rankings and need a good result against a full strength Toofan side who will welcome back Hadi Ahmed and Hafez Golzarian