Holders Stunned
Previously-unheralded Division Three side Hibernia became the talk of the town after they knocked reigning cupwinners Kim Tae Hee FC out today, in what was by some distance the highest-profile upset of the round. Makeshift forward Ng Leong Hock got the scoring going, and while he had to go off injured mere minutes later, Hibernia got another and then held grimly out, to record a most famous victory.
Other than that, there were a number of close shaves, but few truly remarkable upsets bar Tampines Phoenix F.C. shading Shining Lights. The ensuing draw would throw Grilled against former II.2 leaguemates Dream Seals, who outduked mosueinashuebox 5-3 in a bruising encounter.
"It won't quite be easy, but it's a very winnable matchup."
Zhu Changchun, the latest Grilled player to score against the Seals, commented. "Menke Boost looks as imposing as always, but I think we have the better overall package."
The Bunnies' participation in the local cups ended, however, after they were found wanting against FC Tobi 74, the well-organized local offshoot of German league side FC Rachel. Bunnies' discipline went to pieces after FC Tobi 74's Laudelino Boa-Hora put his side ahead in the 69th minute, which saw the over-competitive
Tham Leng Teck booked for trying to disrupt the celebrations, and
Milán Bolgár then sent off for an ankle-breaking tackle on Ventín Níñez.
Elias van Dal could do nothing but apologize profusely for his players' behaviour. "It got way out of hand. Bolgár is sorry for what he's done, and I will see that he is reprimanded appropriately."