On Monday, January 22, 2024, in an exciting match at the Ambedkar Stadium, Fredica Torkudzor’s late heroics helped HOPS FC defeat Sethu FC 2-1. Both teams’ tenacity and resolve were on display in the fiercely contested game, which gave the hosts a vital three points in the end.
Sethu FC was regarded as the favorite going into the match. They are currently fourth in the standings with eight points from six games. Early on, they controlled the ball and created a lot of opportunities, but HOPS FC chose to play more defensively and depended on counterattacks led by Gladys Amfobea and Fredrica.
After a masterful through pass from Kajol D’Souza to Kaviya Pakkirisamy, who coolly slotted the ball past the HOPS FC defense to give Sethu a well-earned lead, the score was broken in the 29th minute.
HOPS persevered and showed tenacity in the face of the setback, working hard to equalize. Fredrica had a great opportunity right before halftime, but she was unable to locate the goal, so the hosts were behind at the half.
A resolute HOPS FC attempted to tie the game in the second half, and in the 59th minute, their efforts were rewarded with a penalty. But Anjila Subba, the goalkeeper and captain of Sethu, made an incredible save to keep out substitute Sapna, preserving Sethu’s narrow lead.
HOPS FC was not deterred by the loss; in fact, their persistence paid off in the 75th minute. Aarti tied the score with a skillfully executed move that found the back of the net from close range. The equalizing goal gave both the players and the fans of HOPS fresh life.
As things started to go their way, HOPS FC launched a last-ditch attack in extra time. Fredrica Torkudzor proved to be the day’s hero in the 92nd minute, securing a thrilling late winner that filled Ambedkar Stadium with joy. The Ghanaian international took advantage of the chance and completed an incredible return for HOPS.
With this victory, HOPS moves up to fifth place with seven points from six games. Conversely, Sethu Football CLub, with eight points from six games, is still in fourth place despite the loss.
The way the game played out was evidence of how unpredictable football can be, with close games often seeing dramatic changes in the closing minutes. After taking the lead thanks to a goal from Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Sethu was unable to hold off HOPS FC’s unwavering resolve.
Early in the game, Ghanaian internationals Fredrica and Gladys Amfobea tried to score, but Sethu’s compact defense stopped them. But in the end, HOPS’s tactical change in the second half and their reluctance to give up won them the game..
The 29th minute’s clinical finish by Kaviya Pakkirisamy demonstrated Sethu FC’s early dominance. Taking advantage of Kajol D’Souza’s accurate through ball, the midfielder demonstrated the attacking unit’s fluidity and understanding for Sethu
As the first half went on, HOPS FC found it difficult to penetrate Sethu FC’s disciplined defense. Just before halftime, Fredrica had a good chance to tie the score, but the Ghanaian striker missed the mark, letting HOPS fall behind by a goal.
The game changed when HOPS FC was given a penalty in the 59th minute. Anjila Subba, the captain and goalkeeper for Sethu, came out on top when she made an incredible save to stop Sapna’s attempt to tie the game. Subba’s input highlighted how important it is to have reliable goalkeeping at critical junctures.
HOPS FC persisted in pressing forward in the 75th minute, and their efforts were rewarded. Aarti restored HOPS’s position in the match with a clinical close-range finish, paving the way for an exciting conclusion.
The match reached its climax in added time, with Fredrica Torkudzor taking center stage. The Ghanaian international scored the game-winning goal in the 92nd minute, capping an incredible comeback for HOPS FC, by seizing a pivotal moment.
To sum up, the match between HOPS and Sethu was an emotional rollercoaster that demonstrated how unpredictable football can be. HOPS’s tenacity and perseverance overcame Sethu’s early lead, leading to a thrilling comeback victory. A memorable show took place at the Ambedkar Stadium thanks to the valor of Fredrica Torkudzor and the never-say-die mentality of HOPS FC.
HOPS FC Starting XI
Anshika (GK), Sharda, Ritu, Kipgen (C), Fredrica, Gladys, Aarti, Mamta, Shailja, Varshika, Rajni
Sethu FC Starting XI
Anjila (GK) (C), Purnima, Ngopawdi, Babina, Apurna, Priyangka, Malavika, Gita, Kajol, Nirmala, Kaviya
