Panorama F.C. - Highlands Park A 4-2 (29 November 2023)

Date 29 November 2023
Competition Summer League Division 1
Venue Panorama
Match Panorama F.C. - Highlands Park A
Final Result 4 - 2
Goals 2 Sizwe Mdunge
1 Theo Egbers
1 Wendell Peters
Assist 3 Brent Bailey
1 Theo Egbers
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Report

In a thrilling encounter that defied expectations, Panorama secured a momentous victory against Highlands Park A, one of the league's top contenders. This triumph marked their first win in Division One since June 2022, a significant milestone for the team.

The match, played on a subpar field due to ongoing upgrades at the main facilities, saw Panorama deploying their familiar 4-5-1 formation. The team welcomed back Goncalves and Liu, joining forces with the ever-reliable Bailey in a pivotal midfield triangle.

An early setback occurred when Imbriolo, returning to the defense, had to leave the pitch within the first 20 minutes. Solomon was quick to fill the gap, partnering effectively with Botoulas in the back line.

Despite the challenging conditions on a humid night, including inadequate lighting and a cramped field that often led to disarray, Panorama immediately took control. Their dominance was evident in the early stages, with Egbers and Bailey missing good chances. This pressure culminated in Egbers breaking the deadlock with a superb header, following a precise cross from Bailey.

Highlands Park A, known for their disruptive tactics, briefly unsettled Panorama, leading to a loss of focus and shape. However, Inward's performance maintained Panorama's slender lead. The equilibrium was short-lived as Highlands Park A capitalized on a free kick, leveling the score at 1-1.

Just as Highlands Park A seemed to be gaining momentum, Panorama struck back. A blunder by the opposition's goalkeeper allowed Mdunge to restore the lead for Panorama.

The second half saw Highlands Park A equalize swiftly, but Panorama responded with their trademark resilience. Their most productive strategy this season, involving Olgiati's wide play and Bailey's incisive wing runs, paid dividends yet again. Peters, benefiting from Bailey's assist, notched his first goal for Panorama. Shortly after, in a mirror image of the previous goal, Mdunge sealed the victory with a second goal, bringing the score to an emphatic 4-2.

This match was a testament to Panorama's tenacity and skill, especially following two challenging games. Their ability to overcome adversities and deliver a stellar performance against a formidable opponent speaks volumes about their potential in the league.

Some stats from the game:

  • After 3 attemtps, Panorama finally beat Highlands Park A.
  • Bailery, after reaching 50 career assists, scored a hat trick of assists today, moving him to 53 and 20 just this year, and beating an old club record set by Olgiati in 2016 with 18! Bailey's number in 2023 have been incredible, with 11 goals and 20 assits in only 25 games.
  • Mdunge, with his brace, is now only goal away from taking another club record from Olgiati (23 in 2018 and 2016)
  • Peters' first goal gave Panorama a new club record, with 19 different players scoring in 2023! 

GK Nick Inward 90
D Nick Ho Lam 90
D Tony Botoulas 90
D Greg Imbriolo 20
D Daniel Benites 50
M Olaf Olgiati 90
M Marco Goncalves 70
M Windsor Liu 90
M Brent Bailey 90
M Sizwe Mdunge 90
F Theo Egbers 70
sub Jacob Miles 15
sub Jarred Solomon 70
sub Marco Almeida 45
sub Wendell Peters 45