Gi and Friends pull off upset win against FC Finesse
Entering action, GI and Friends were on the backend of a brutal 8-1 loss at the hands of Viet United and prior to that, two straight wins. They owned the 5th best record in the league and were looking to close the gap on the teams above them. Their opponent, FC Finesse, were perfectly tucked into 3rd place following two wins in their last three games. These two teams previously matched up against each other in the 3rd matchday, resulting in a 3-2 win for FC Finesse.
The game started off fast and heavy with both teams having key chances to open up the scoring. FC Finesse had a chance right in front of goal after a mistake in the GI half but were shut out due to some great goalkeeping and defending. In the 7th minute, following a quickly taken throw-in, GI and Friends had a counter attack when a great cross was played over goal and Gnocato headed it in to make it 1-0. Following conceding a goal, FC FInesse went right back on the attack. They had a plethora of chances from near and far but GI and Friends did a good job holding them off and forcing them into tough situations on attack.
In the 15th minute, a late challenge from Khorshidi was worthy of the game’s first yellow card. However, FC Finesse were unable to make the free kick to follow count. A few aggressive moments came from FC Finesse in minutes 17 and 20 after an extra shove towards a GI and Friends’ player in the midst of an attack. The latter offense by Chiedu was awarded a yellow card. In the 23rd minute, a quick counter attack by GI and Friends caught FC Finesse off guard and the ball made its way to Gnocato once again who blasted the ball into the top corner. It was 2-0 at half-time and GI and Friends were starting to take control of the game.
Out of half-time, FC Finesse continued their press and pursuit of a goal. A ball was played beautifully to Wadawasina in the 26th minute but the ball skyrocketed over the net. In the 30th minute, a confusion in the box following a throw-in was worthy of the game’s 3rd and 2nd yellow card for GI and Friends. For the remainder of the 2nd half, it was all FC Finesse on the attack. They had plenty of chances but were shut out after some terrific and acrobatic saves from Soares. FC Finesse weren’t doing themselves any favors tonight as they kept putting shots wide or over the bar. In the dying moments of the game, in the 48th minute, the ball was played to Atolagbe in front of goal who passed it to #20 right in front of goal to finally get FC Finesse on the board. Unfortunately, that was practically the last kick of the game for FC Finesse as GI and Friends held onto the ball until the final whistle was blown.
Following that horrible loss in the last matchup, GI and Friends bounced back in spectacular fashion to pull off, perhaps, the biggest upset of the season. Following their 3rd win of the season, GI and Friends are now only two points behind Unmeggable FC. For FC Finesse, this is their first loss in four games. For them, hopefully they can bounce back as they continue their pursuit of the top of the table.
GI and Friends – FC Finesse – 2:1
Goals: Gnocato (7′, 23′) – Ekaose (47′)
YC: Khorshidi (15′), Antao (30′) – Chiedu (20′)
