The Bermuda Football Association’s (BFA) Under-23 Summer League Knock-Out Cup Semi-Finals delivered an evening of captivating football at the BBA Field, with fans treated to a remarkable 12 goals across two intensely contested matches. Both encounters went right down to the wire, showcasing the exciting talent within Bermuda's youth football ranks.
Somerset Trojans 2 Dandy Town Hornets 3
The opening semi-final proved to be a nail-biting affair as the Dandy Town Hornets secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Somerset Trojans.
The Hornets took the lead in the 34th minute through Tajahri Rogers, but their advantage was short-lived. Just before the break, Rio Russell equalized for the Somerset Trojans in the 44th minute, sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
The second half continued in the same pulsating fashion. Enrique Swan restored Dandy Town's lead in the 60th minute, putting them back in front. However, the resilient Somerset Trojans once again found an equalizer, with Tai Cariah netting in the 81st minute, seemingly heading the match towards extra-time.
But the drama wasn't over. With six minutes of stoppage time played, Enrique Swan proved to be the hero of the hour, scoring his second goal of the game and the decisive match-winner, sending the Dandy Town Hornets into the final in emphatic fashion.
PHC Zebras 3 FC Bascome 4
The nightcap delivered even more goals, with FC Bascome edging the PHC Zebras in a sensational 4-3 encounter.
FC Bascome started brightly, taking a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute through Hunter Outerbridge. However, the PHC Zebras quickly responded, with Harlem Bean-Fox equalizing in the 14th minute. FC Bascome regained their lead in the 35th minute courtesy of a goal from Ben Osset, taking a 2-1 advantage into the halftime interval.
The second half exploded with action. FC Bascome extended their lead in the 59th minute through Desmond Crockwell Jr., seemingly putting them in control. But the PHC Zebras showed immense character. Harlem Bean-Fox pulled one back, scoring his second goal of the game in the 63rd minute, bringing the Zebras within one. Just seven minutes later, the scores were incredibly level again when Zakiyah Lee found the back of the net for PHC.
With the momentum swinging wildly, FC Bascome found the crucial winning goal in the 77th minute, with Christian Piney stepping up to secure their place in the final.
Both semi-finals were a fantastic advertisement for youth football in Bermuda, providing high drama, impressive goals, and showcasing the competitive spirit of these aspiring talents. Fans will now eagerly anticipate what promises to be a thrilling final.
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