Rush FC - Panorama F.C. 1-3 (11 October 2023)
| Date | 11 October 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competition | Division 2 Winter League | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Venue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Match | Rush FC - Panorama F.C. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final Result | 1 - 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goals |
1 Marco Goncalves 1 Sizwe Mdunge 1 Theo Egbers |
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| Assist |
1 Olaf Olgiati 1 Brent Bailey 1 Daniel Swanepoel |
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| Yellow Cards |
1 Tunga Mushore |
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| Red Cards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Match Report |
In a thrilling climax to the Winter League 2023, Panorama emerged champions, but not without its fair share of suspense. Following their routine 3-1 victory over Rush FC, all attention shifted to Discovery Soccer Park in Sandton, where the fate of the championship hinged on whether Randburg could eclipse Panorama's goal difference. Although Randburg commenced their match later, the challenge was evident; they were trailing by four goals in the standings. Despite a remarkable 8-1 victory, Panorama's win ensured they retained the crown, marking a back-to-back triumph after their Summer League 2023 success. Dialing back to the pivotal game, Panorama boasted a strengthened squad with the return of stalwarts Almeida and Swanepoel. Coach Olgiati opted for his reliable 4-5-1 formation, which fluidly morphed into a 4-3-3, aiming to quell nerves with some early net busters. However, the looming trophy appeared to be more of a jinx than a jewel. Panorama's dominance was clear, yet they struggled to connect meaningful passes or deliver precise crosses. The atmosphere was palpably tense compared to their last two outings. Thankfully, Mdunge, the top scorer of 2023, broke the deadlock, netting the first from his favored left flank, courtesy of Bailey's assist. A setback arrived when Mushore faced a 10-minute sin-bin, prompting Liu to step in as the goalkeeper. Yet, Panorama remained undeterred, providing scant opportunities for Rush. With chances coming thick and fast for Olgiati, Bailey, Botoulas, and even Ho Lam, the breakthrough seemed inevitable. And it was Olgiati who set up Goncalves for the second goal; a spectacular long-range effort that left the Rush FC's keeper floundering. The latter, it must be said, was in inspired form, pulling off save after save against Panorama's onslaught. The momentum continued in the second half, with Panorama's defense actively participating in the offense. But it took nearly half an hour before Egbers, aided by Swanepoel's pass, netted the third. Fresh legs, in the form of Miles, Janes, Almeida, and Tuffney, were introduced to sustain the pressure, though Rush showcased resilience. The drama wasn't over, however. Rush FC clawed one back from the spot, adding an unexpected twist to the tale. But as the final whistle blew, and with Randburg's result confirmed, it was jubilation for Panorama as they celebrated their eighth league title and their second consecutive win.  Some stats from the game:
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