Eagles fly past South End in thrilling penalty shootout
Tagen Petersen of South End FC keeps his eye on the ball during their Bayhill Premier Cup qualifying fixture against Eagles Performance Academy at the Langa sports complex, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Eagles Performance Academy displayed remarkable grit and composure to book their place in the next round of the Bayhill Premier Cup Qualifying play-offs. The Goodwood-based academy, under the guidance of head coach Sameeh Mc Laurie, edged South End of Bonteheuwel 5-4 on penalties after a tense 2-2 draw at the Langa Sportsground on Sunday.
Eagles struck first when Adriano Adams calmly converted from the penalty spot to give them the lead. South End, however, responded with determination after the break, drawing level through a Jordan Wilson strike as the contest intensified. Corvin Jones restored Eagles’ advantage midway through the second half, seemingly steering his side toward victory. But with time running out, Sameeg Lucas produced a scorching strike to rescue South End and force the match into extra time and a penalty shootout, where the Eagles held their nerve to advance.
Jack Kiewitt of Eagles Performance Academy maintains his composure in front of goal during his side's Bayhill Premier qualifying match against South End at Langa, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Mc Laurie praised his players for their resilience and growth under pressure, highlighting the challenges of developing young talent at academy level.
“Building a team at age-group level is never easy because you can’t always hold on to players. But we’ve got a core group here who have been with the academy for some time. It was a game of two halves, and matches like this are how the players learn,” said Mc Laurie.
He also paid tribute to Christian Meier, who played his final match for the academy before departing for Europe to pursue a football opportunity.
Eagles Performance Academy(EPA) coach, Sameeh Mc Laurie, gives his charges a half-time pep during their Bayhill Premier Cup qualifying math against South End, at Langa, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
“This was Christian’s last game for us. He was not supposed to have played in this match, but we had a late withdrawal. He’s heading to Europe for a chance to further his football career, and we wish him all the best,” Mc Laurie added.
The Eagles will now turn their attention to the next round, which will be played next weekend, buoyed by a hard-fought victory that underlined their character and fighting spirit.
Ryan Allie, tournament director, has confirmed that Phase 4 of the qualifying prounds will be held at Langa this weekend.
Results:
Hellenic 1, Ravensmead 1 (Hellenic win 5-4 on penalties); De Nova 4, Belhar Spurs 2; Goal 50 0, Stanturf United 1; Liverpool-Du Noon 5, Symphony 1; Magebeni 0, Training 4 Change 3; Idas Valley 0, Greenwood 2; Khayelitsha United 1, Robinvale Spurs 2; Riverside Rangers 0, Beautiful Gate 1; Umtata United 2, Origan Spurs 1; Wolverhampton 4, Langa Hot Spurs 1; South End 2, EPA 2 (EPA win 5-4 on penalties); Lavender Hill 2, Lansur United 4
Eagles Performance Academy's Jack Kiewitt, left, and his teammate, Christain Maier, challenges for the ball inside the South End goalmouth, during their sides' Bayhill Premier play-off fixture against South End, at Langa, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
Geraldo Rhoda, goalkeeper of Eagles Performance Academy attempts to stop the ball during a tense penalty, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward