Hats Off
The Birds supporters at Love Street Stadium were only too happy to stay behind and laud their players, as head coach
Tian Yonghang explained how important this finals was to the team. "The core guys of our new generation are entering their prime at 25, 26 years of age, and it's high time they get the experience of winning national-level trophies." Tian commented. "My personal regret has always been that it took too long for myself."
Results in the other semifinals arguably favoured Grilled too, as Featureship FC pulled off an upset against littlehorse to advance. The Pulau Ubin club had two Challenger Cups and a strong all-round team that most pundits would assess as beyond the Birds at the moment, but Featureship FC made the most of their all-out defence, to win through free-kick setups. Bert-Jan Limaye's 15th minute poach was equalled by Alejandro Scotta in the 73rd, but Janusz Sabat decided it in extra time.
Bunnies head coach
Vishnu Tallapaka gave Grilled Birds the edge, despite his side already losing twice - 0-7 and 0-1 - to Featureship FC this season. "It might not be politic for me to say so, but their league position and record suggests that they are very beatable. If the Birds show up, I think it's their cup to lose."
The Buns' own friendly trip to Ethiopia would end with a 2-0 win over III.12 leaders DeathHat FC, who attempted to make up for a deficit in technical ability with constant fouling. This got them four yellow cards, but also cost Farmer Bunnies
Toh Eng Guang and
Prakash Bhujbal to accumulated wear and tear. Goal-wise,
Koushan Khatibi gave the Buns the lead with a fourth minute raid, before
Ho Ah Kian pounced in the 66th.
Botswana III.14 visitors mastercyb_botswana were mauled 1-8 by Grilled International at Burung Memorial Stadium, via
Chua Jun Long hat-trick, braces by
Hardi bin Besar and
Leri Bezhanishvili, and a third-minute
Mohsen Zeynali half-volley off the crossbar. Mogomotsi Makakaba salvaged some pride after a quick turn and run by Kabo Tshekiso, though even the home fans were only too willing to cheer them on by then.