The Gauntlet Begins

In a sizzling start to the double-elimination HTU Gauntlet tournament, we saw plenty of sunburn and sensational plays as eight hopeful teams took the field. Let’s dive into the highlights and heartbreaks from Round 1.

Match 1: The Flaming Wodkas FC (2) vs The Great Awakening (1)

In a sun-drenched showdown, The Flaming Wodkas FC poured on the heat—literally and figuratively. Almedin Erlić kicked things off with a slick pass to Lambertus Davidse, who fired a precision shot that set the Wodkas ahead early. The Great Awakening did their best to awaken their attack, but the relentless pressing stifled the game. After another strike from Davidse made it 0-2, Tekukuni Thambyrajah seized a late chance to give Awakening a lifeline, countering with a slick goal. But in the end, the Wodkas had brewed up just enough power to edge out a 2-1 win.

Match 2: FC Addis (4) vs Viking Sørløse (1)

FC Addis unleashed their fury on Viking Sørløse in what became a scorching spectacle of skill. Viking’s Mauryliusz ‘Loppen’ Łopiński briefly ignited the home fans with an early goal, but Addis replied with a stunning strike from Nicola Bellavia to level the score. From there, it was all Addis, with Sleymane Seblani and Bellavia adding to the tally, finally running away with a 1-4 victory. By the end, Viking Sørløse was left trying to find shade from the scorching onslaught.

Match 3: Tactical Assassins (8) vs Al-Athori SC (1)

This game was practically an action thriller! Tactical Assassins launched an unrelenting assault, led by the sharpshooting Izz al Din Yateem, who claimed a hat trick to the delight of the crowd. Al-Athori SC did manage a brief counter, but their hopes were snuffed out faster than you can say “8-1 drubbing.” The Assassins showed no mercy, and the scoreboard gleefully ticked upwards with each passing minute. The final scoreline was as brutal as it was beautiful for Assassins fans.

Match 4: SK Brann (4) vs Kigali team (2)

SK Brann and Kigali brought drama to the pitch with a back-and-forth battle that saw brilliant counter-attacks, dazzling dribbles, and some nail-biting close calls. Kigali took an early 1-2 lead, with Rolando Stoll finding the net. But Brann wouldn’t be burnt; they clawed back, scoring three unanswered goals in the second half. By the final whistle, Brann had stormed to a 4-2 victory, with Knut Belsvik’s mesmerising moves leaving the fans in awe.

The Road Ahead

As we head into Round 2, The Flaming Wodkas FC will face FC Addis and Tactical Assassins take on SK Brann in the Winners’ Bracket. Meanwhile, in the Losers’ Bracket, Viking Sørløse and The Great Awakening will battle for survival, as will Al-Athori SC and Kigali team.

Stay tuned for more sun-soaked showdowns, ferocious footwork, and maybe a few shade-seeking stragglers as the HTU Gauntlet tournament heats up!