GSSA 2024: Rovers advance to men’s cup final in five-goal thriller, Denmark chase back-to-back women’s cups

A goal from the boot of Mohammad Nawroozi in the dying stages lifted Rovers to a Great Southern Soccer Association victory over Phoenix in the men’s division one cup semifinal last week.

After a four-goal opening half, the two sides were locked at 2-2 for most of the second half until Nawroozi finally broke the deadlock, netting a match-winner in the 86th minute on Wednesday, August 21 to advance into the cup final.

Corey Plug gave Phoenix the lead in the first half before Rovers’ Malachi Tsuki and Bradford Fakaafu combined in quick succession to grapple the lead.

Phoenix’s Malcolm Van Burgel then netted a goal in the 44th minute to equalise the scores on the stroke of half-time.

An overtime onslaught from Bayswater helped them progress through into the cup decider, defeating Polonia 4-1 in the second semifinal.

The two sides were locked at 1-1 at the final whistle courtesy of one goal each to Polonia’s Amos Staer and Bayswater’s Zachary Cash, which meant they were forced to play another 30 minutes.

That is when Bayswater flexed their muscles with Fred Opuni scoring a magnificent extra-time brace while Danial Azimi scored one to secure the clutch victory.

Bayswater will take on Rovers in the cup final on September 14 at 6pm.

Denmark will have the chance to win back-to-back women’s division one cups after they booked a final berth with a 3-0 win over Phoenix on Wednesday, August 21.

Abby Carter netted a brace in the victory while the luckless Phoenix conceded an own goal in the tough loss.

Caledonians defeated a spirited Rovers side 2-1 with Jessica Baines and Stephanie Grant each netting a goal, while Georgia Whitelaw was Rovers only goal-scorer.

In the men’s division one league competition on Saturday, Phoenix defeated Polonia 7-1 behind a hat-trick from Beau Timmer, Caledoanians hammered Stirling Rangers 8-1 with Levi Clay scoring a brace and Caledonians’ Joseph Love scored an 89th-minute winner against Rovers in a 4-2 triumph.

Denmark defeated Caledonians in the women’s division one league competition on Friday night with Lumeah Masih netting a brace, Phoenix beat Rovers 3-0 courtesy of a Aria Moesker hat-trick and Mt Barker won against Polonia on forfeit.