Repeat of last year in Map Games U13 final

The U13 juniors final of the annual Maimane Alfred Phiri Games 2018 (Map Games) will be a repeat of last year’s final between defending champions Love Reaching Community FC (LRC) and runners-up Alex Royal Tigers SC.

This follows a come-from-behind 4–2 victory by a gritty LRC who booted out the star-studded newbies of Alex football, Roosevelt Young Stars in the semi-finals played at the revamped Totalsports Safa Safe Hub, better known as Ground #1.

From the way Young Stars ruthlessly demolished all opponents on their long journey to the semis, they had been touted as the possible champions. But all that flew out of the window when they faced LRC and the win proved they were not crowned champions last year by fluke.

LRC secured their final spot through a brace by Siyabulela Mgijima, one of which was a penalty following a foul in the box. Daddy Makhafola also registered his name on the score sheet as did Sfiso Maduna. Daddy missed a second penalty awarded to LRC.

Young Stars scored their two goals in the first half through Modise Kgosi and Kelebogile Sebalo but Stars did not know what had hit them in the second half when a rejuvenated LRC turned the tables upside down to book a date with Tigers.

Tigers booked their spot in the final after routing Happy Birds 3–1 in the other semi-final at the same venue.

LRC coach Bandile Thindleni warned Tigers to prepare themselves thoroughly for a football showdown.

“I am delighted with this repeat of last year’s final as we both get the opportunity to prove who the kings of U13 football in Alexandra are,” he said.

“A lot was said after we were crowned champions last year. We want to put all to bed once and for all and prove that we were not champions by fluke.”

Tigers chairperson Malesela Ngoasheng said, “The fact that we almost got all of our four divisions [U13, U15, U17 and U20] into the finals is an achievement on its own and a testimony that there is development at Alex Royal Tigers SC.

“As for Thindleni’s comments on our meeting in the final again, all I can say to him is that we’re fully prepared for him and the best team will win on the day.”

Meanwhile, Alex Royal Tigers U15 team also qualified for the final of the Map Games after beating Black Poison 4–2. The score at halftime was 1–0 in favour of Tigers.

Tigers will now do battle with Gunners in the U15 final after the Gunners defeated United Stars 4–1.

Other results of the Map Games:

U13

Happy Birds FC 1 vs Alex Royal Tigers FC 6

Roosevelt Young Stars FC 2 vs LRC FC 4

U15

Alex Royal Tigers FC 4 vs Black Poison FC 1

Gunners FC 4 vs United Stars FC 1

U17

United Stars FC 0 vs Roosevelt Young Stars FC 1

Malandela Mighty Heroes 3 vs Alex Royal Tigers FC 2

U20

Gunners FC 4 vs United Stars FC 1

Real Midrand FC vs Malandela Mighty Heroes (ANLFA meeting to decide fate of the fixture)