Regular playing time of more than 90 minutes, extra time of 2×15 minutes and a penalty shootout were needed before the cup match at Gladsaxe Stadium was decided. AB pulled out victorious from the game and it was a deserved victory. AB’s Emiliano Gomez scored after 16 minutes, where he took a short move with a cool view and shot the ball into the roof of the net. The equalizer came in the 77th minute by an own goal by Tim Freriks. The extra time did not give any goals and then a penalty shootout was needed. It was very unfortunate for Vejle Boldklub that Indy Groothuizen had an absolutely fantastic penalty shootout, where he managed 2 penalties and VB sent a shot over the goal. AB also missed 2 penalties, but the cheers could break loose when Indy saved VB’s last penalty.
1,048 spectators had found their way to Gladsaxe Stadium on a wet and cold evening. The pitch was extremely soft and difficult to play on. However, both teams managed to create some chances despite the very difficult conditions. AB generally played a very good game and controlled the game for large parts of the game. AB was well organized on the field, and fought the best they have shown this season. From the 2nd half, VB presses on, but AB is still fine on the field. Chances arise for both teams, and it must be mentioned that AB’s defense was top notch.
After the equalizer to 1-1, VB puts more pressure on and has more chances, where the finishes either go over the goal or where AB’s goalkeeper is exemplary. As you know, a draw means a penalty shootout in a cup match, and it is not a discipline that AB is very familiar with. There were also nerves, but luckily it ended well.
It was a huge focused and dedicated effort from the entire squad and good management from the coaching staff. Again today, there was great support from AB fans, who throughout the game supported the team. The joy was also fantastic when the players ran out to the fence, where the most dedicated fans are staying.
AB is through to the Oddset Cup and will now play in the quarter-finals. Who the opponent is will be decided very soon and since it is a quarter-final, it will be decided over two games. The 1st match will be played in the period 5-7 December and the 2nd match in the period 9-11 December 2023.
A happy head coach David Roufpanah said after the game: “We are playing a good game. There are maybe 20-25 minutes where we are not aggressive enough. We play together and make a great collective effort. We put in a good performance and in the 2nd half we play with great energy. In extra time, we also play with great energy. The young players who come in also just keep going. We are involved in the whole game and also create good chances. It’s football and it’s great when we succeeded. We create a fantastic evening together with the spectators. Now we are going to enjoy it tonight and tomorrow there is new work for us. Then we start getting ready for the game on Saturday against Roskilde.”
Captain Daniel A. Pedersen followed up with these words: “It’s fantastic. That’s what cup matches can do. I think we are doing well and fighting our butts off. I think it’s great that Indy gets to be the big one at the very end. I really wonder about him. Fantastic fight by everyone and great atmosphere in the stadium. It was really a great night. We are with you all the way through. I think they are dangerous on set pieces and dangerous on a bit of chance. But we also have some great chances. We can close the game to 2-0 and we can score a minute before time in extra time, where we hit the post. I think it is deserved that we go further. I also think that we are very good on the pitch and there are some good saves by the players and Indy in the goal. You have to have a bit of luck to beat a Super League team. It was a fantastic evening”.
The starting line-up was:
1. Indy Groothuizen
3. Erik Lindell
4. Adrien Koudelka
6. Daniel A. Pedersen
8. Darren Sideol
11. Killian van Mil
22. Tim Freriks
24. Mark Garly Pedersen
28. Emiliano Gomez
29. Ibrahim Doumbia
40. Harsh Askham
The next match will be played on Saturday 4 November 2023 at 19:00 against FC Roskilde at Gladsaxe Stadion, and you can buy tickets for the match right here.
