The MAFL Championship goes to Europa United!
In an incredibly close game that was tied in the final seconds of regulation, United claims the title of MAFL Champion after beating out the Immortals by a hair in extra time!
United - Dynamos
Tula 25 • Europa Stadium
Shot for shot, play for play, United and Immortals battled it out for the championships in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.
In possibly the best MAFL game to date, the two teams gave it their all on Tula 25. The first half was played cautiously, as both teams made conservative choices and plays. Lanka made three shots on goal in the first half, but was denied all of them by Sulzberger, who was at the top of he game today. At the halftime whistle, both teams were sitting at nil.
Scoring finally opened 4 minutes into the second half Lanka set up a perfect opportunity—Hagendoorn took the shot and sent the ball flying just out of Badal’s outstretched hands as he dove for it.
Plays were fast and furious following Hagendoorn’s goal. The Immortals scored two more goals in quick succession to take a one goal lead over United.
"It’s been an incredible season, and I’m just incredibly grateful to have this chance to be part of MAFL history
Barnato celebrates after scoring the goal that ties the match—saving UNited from defeat.
A crucial goal by Barnato brings the match into overtime.
In the final seconds of the second half, Barnato calmly redirects a shot from Dennis from the top of the box that sends it sailing into the far left of the net. In a battle of wills, Sulzberger fends off a flurry of shots from the Immortals offence, Lanka and Hagendoorn, keeping United in the game, and giving them the chance to launch a counterattack.
An unexpected lull on the left side of the pitch gave Covaci the opportunity to breakaway down the field—and she took it. In an impressive feat of dribbling and ball control, Covaci took the ball to the left corner and slammed it hard into the right corner.
The final whistle prompted a wave of celebration across the settlements as United players ran through the pitch in celebration
“We’re happy to have made this far,” says Lanka of the Immortal’s loss, “No one would have predicted that we would be taking on United in the semifinals. But here we are. I couldn’t be any prouder of our team and the fans that stood by us through everything!”
The second ever MAFL Championship trophy was handed to United Captain, Fuchs, who was lifted up by fellow teammates. “Words can’t describe what I’m feeling right now,” said an emotional Fuchs, “It’s been an incredible season, and I’m just incredibly grateful to have this chance to be part of MAFL history.”
FAns cheer as Covaci scores the winning goal for United in extra time.
GOALS
2ND 4’ Hagendoorn (Immortals) scores with an assist from Lanka
2ND 8’ Dennis (United) intercepts a pass and counters to score into the top left of the goal.
2ND 14’ Lanka (Immortals) breaksaway and scores with a low, easy laser into the bottom left.
2ND 20’ Talpur (Immortals) heads the ball and smashes it right past Sulzberger’s left before he can react.
2ND 25’ Barnato (United) redirects a shot by Dennis to send it straight into the back of the net.
ET 6’ Covaci (United) sees an opening down the left and dribbles the ball down and shoots from the far left.
| SHOTS | |
|---|---|
| 17 | 13 |
| POSSESSION | ||
|---|---|---|
| 43% | 57% | |
| FOULS | |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3 |
Stats & Standings
| Top Scorers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Uday Lanka | 20 | |
| Readale Nash | 16 | |
| Darkeem Dennis | 16 | |
| Arwa Farra | 13 | |
| Yvonne Barnato | 13 | |
| Ilya Petrovich | 12 | |
| Qigang Lian | 11 | |
| Lennard Fuchs | 11 | |
| Marcus Ekberg | 10 | |
| Stephen Liu | 9 | |
Immortals challenge Al’amal in lead-up to finals.
Three weeks before the Season 2 Finals; underdog Immortals have come a long way since the beginning of the season to challenge Al’amal for a chance to be the MAFL Season 2 champions.
A fierce battle between Al’amal Sports Club and the Immortals have dominated the weeks leading up to the Season 2 MAFL Championship Finals. The Immortals have somehow climbed their way up the standings to challenge Al’amal for a spot in the finals.
The Immortals have come a long way since the beginning of the season and reached a critical turning point just after the midpoint of the season. With the replacement of ex-coach, Cezar Veduva, with club manager Andam Mirza, the Immortals finally ended their humiliating streak of losses and starting climbing the ranks.
Meanwhile, Al’amal Sports Club has played a solid season so far. Free from the team drama and lacklustre performances that plagued some of the other teams, Al’amal had stayed in the top three of the rankings quite consistently.
Uday Lanka, captain of the Immortals and Al’amal captain, Musaddiq Baddour.
We take a look at the team breakdowns today, as all eyes are on the two teams to see who will make it to the finals.
Defense
Defense has been one of Al’amal’s strong suits this season. A consistent and effective defensive line saw Al’amal rarely losing by more than 1 goal in the majority of their matches. On the contrary, the Immortals have had to make huge efforts for their defensive game to be viable.
Goals
Both teams have strong scoring outputs. While the Immortals have a offensive powerhouse in Lanka, the Al’amal balances the scales with the formidable combination of Farra, Baddour, and Guler.
Predictions
While the Immortals have certainly flipped the tables on everyone, our bets are still on Al’amal to be in the finals. They have the consistency and team-dynamics that will carry them through.