Amazing comeback

Again, there was a fantastic and constant support for the team from AB’s fans in the stands. Even when AB was down 0-2, the rhythmic shouts sounded towards the pitch.

Already after 8 minutes, FA 2000 quickly comes onto the field, a player runs towards the back line, makes a move into the box and is hooked. The referee awards a penalty, which Christian Toftdahl Hansen safely shoots into the goal to lead 1-0.
AB had a hard time setting the game, and also creating assists. FA 2000 had the best control of the passes, and a few minutes before the half-time whistle, the direct play ends in a good chance for the FA, which Hocine Derrar converts into a goal to lead 2-0.

The 2nd half throws off more chances for AB. A good pass from Marcelo Randolf to Christian Wagner, who tips the ball over the goalkeeper, but unfortunately the goalkeeper sends the ball onto the crossbar.
After 57 min. Christian Wagner is brought down in the box, but the referee’s whistle was surprisingly silent.
AB increased the pace, and when an opportunity arises outside the box in the middle, Layton Ndukwu shoots and the ball ends up in the goal to reduce 1-2.
Just 4 minutes later, Christian Wagner gets hold of the ball in the box and shoots the ball into the goal to equalize 2-2.

Towards the end of the 2nd half, Christian Wagner is close again, and Layton Ndukwu sees that the FA goalkeeper is far ahead in the box. Layton tries a shot, but the keeper is ready.
FA 2000 has several finishes with shots from distance, but Indy Groothuizen stood in the way.
No more chances and with the score 2-2 the game goes into extra time.
It didn’t take more than 2 minutes before Ilias Namli puts AB ahead with 3-2 to huge cheers on the stands. AB was back and fought heroically for the rest of the match.
AB stood well on the pitch and pressed high. It gave more chances, but FA 2000 also wanted to continue to play along. Well into the 2nd half of extra time, Layton Ndukwu plays his way through FA 2000’s defense and dribbles around the goalkeeper. Seen from the outside, it looked like a clear penalty, but the referee waved averted. With about 10 minutes left, Indy Groothuizen has to be substituted after a header and Albert Gaub-Jacobsen guarded the goal for the rest of the game.

A happy head coach David Roufpanah said after the game: “It was really good. We talked about before the game that we should prioritize getting back to our game. We shouldn’t let the opponent or the results affect how we play. I think we did well. Our first half was actually okay, even though it was 2-0 to FA 2000.
We didn’t play as badly as the result showed. So it was simple at half-time to show how we were going to play in the second half with some changes. I think we come out as a new team in the second half. It becomes a little more disciplined, a little more like we want to play and then we get the result. Good job by start 11 and good jumps by all the players. It was a really good team effort. Then we get the fantastic AB atmosphere that we get together with our fans and supporters. It’s just so good and now we’re going to enjoy the evening.”

Goalkeeper and captain of the day Indy Groothuizen sends this greeting: “AB Fans thank you for coming here today. It was a tough win, going into extra time, but we got the job done. Now we hope that we will face a Super League team in the next round – and also beat them.”