ISSFHK U20 Boys Football Cup Final

A fantastic final was held for the ISSFHK U20 Championship with KGV locked in an incredibly close and competitive game with HKIS. Although, ultimately, KGV came out the wrong side of a 2v1 defeat, gaining the Silver medal, they can take a lot of credit for advancing further in this competition than any other KGV U20 Boys Football team, having progressed through quarter and semi-finals within the preceding weeks.

The game started off slowly, with both sides failing to take control. It was a particularly physical encounter and after a heated exchange in the 25th minute both sides being reduced to 10 men. Some resolute defending and an outstanding goalkeeping performance from Aditya Chand kept KGV in contention for the trophy going into the half time interval on level terms.

Both teams started the second half strongly, determined to get the first goal. However, it was HKIS who broke the deadlock, capitalising on a mistake in the KGV back line. With 20 minutes left of the game, KGV pushed on looking for an equaliser. Despite their effort and endeavour, the superior possession and territory that had been witnessed counted for nothing when HKIS added an excellent breakaway goal to make it 2v0.

KGV maintained their focus and continued to probe the HKIS back line until with 5 minutes left, a low cross from substitute Tarun Panjabi found Theo Ivarsson who thundered it into the net. KGV, sensing the opportunity then dominated the remaining minutes, and went close on a handful of occasions before Jesse Yu hit the post in the dying moments to prevent what would have been an excellent comeback for the championship.

Mr. Matthew Ferriday