CBN cup experience pt 2

The knockout stage brought in a whole new rhythm to the game as several teams were bend on staying put in the competition. The next match brought a greater challenge as we were set to face Nursing and Mls. The match was evenly matched in the first half as both teams displayed wonderful style of football. The second half came to a frustrating start as the opposing team started on a high press. We were force to our half of the pitch as they kept a high line. They were ruthless but were not able to convert any of their changes. We were able to hold them to penalties. Quite confident of our goalie,we were optimistic we could make it through. Public health converted their first penalty and so did we. The second shootout was almost caught by the goalie but the force was quite effective. We also converted the second and it was all levelled. The game was brought to life as our goalkeeper saved the third penalty , and we converted the third. The fourth penalty was once again saved by the goalie and it was left to us to seal it. The decisive penalty was played with such precision as the opposing goalkeeper could only watch as it found its way to the back of the goal post.

There we were in the quarter finals. We weren’'t the favourite to remain at this stage of the competition but gracefully,we progress further. The quarter final was totally one sided as we outclassed our opponents(BAMS). We were completely dominant. The decisive goal came from our defensive midfielder, macqueen; about 20 minutes into the second half as he fired a long ranged shot that found its way into the back of the net. We were relentless as we went in search of a second goal ,one which were close to securing as our main striker fell in the penalty area but the referee was quick to wave it off.The game ended 1-0.

We were totally not favorites to reach the finals as we were set to face a neighbouring team Wood product Engineering. We previously lost to them in the final of the Tech cup few months back. We put out a poor performance as we conceded 4 goals in the first half of the game. The team spirit was diminished as we made a lot of flaws in the game. The second half saw both team put in effect to score goals. We were able to create a few chances but converted none. The half saw the opposing team add to the demolition as they put in another goal in the second half . The game ended 5-0. The loss brought up a lot of argument as quite a number of teammates left the team at the very spot. This was a telling point in the competition beacuse we still had a third place match to play and I couldn’t risk jeopardising the whole effort we put in. I resolved the issues which made some players return to the squad.

The third place was our only hope of going home with something. We either go hard or go home. It wasn’t where we wished to find ourselves but it was all we had to fight for. We prepared well for the match as we hoped for a flawless victory against Electrical Engineering. We were quite disadvantaged as we had a few injured players. The date was set and both teams set to the pitch with the hope of winning the match. Both teams played great football and for the whole of 90 minutes, neither team found the breakthrough. We were up to extra time which saw both teams continued in goalless draw. The breakthrough strike came mid way into the second half extra time as a through ball was made to our advancing left back, Daniel; who hit the ball first time and took a big deflection into the net. The celebration was glorious,as our fans were totally joyous and the others stunned. The final whistle was blown much to our relief. We were bronze medalist. This happens to be one of the most beautiful moments in my life.

Thanks for reading