The Mighty Mangoes Play Their Debut Football Match
The Aga Khan Academy, Maputo salutes their soccer team, the mighty Mangoes in their debut match against Matola ‘C’.
Matola 'C' vs the AKA, Maputo 'Mangoes':
What can I say but this was a thrilling match. The Mangoes were pitched against a physically bigger team of 12-year-old schoolboys from Matola 'C' Secondary School. Like David and Goliath, team Mango rose to the challenge. Straight off they scored a goal and then another. It looked like Matola ‘C’ were going to crumble as the mighty Mangoes swarmed over like bees round a honey pot. Matola 'C' clawed their way back into the game by scoring one goal, but then the Mangoes were back on their doorstep knocking in another two.
By half-time, Matola 'C' were looking defeated as the Mangoes had dominated the first half. As they entered the second half, the Mangoes beamed with confident smiles as the cheerleaders sang. A number of substitutions were made. It looked like the Mangoes were going to dominate the second half again – especially when Ali Ussene kicked a searing rocket from the halfway line, across the pitch and into the goal mouth.
But sadly it was not to be. Matola’C’ found their legs, and as the younger Mangoes grew tired the older boys grew stronger. First one, then a second and then a third goal were scored. Finally, our man of the match, Hezler Muando, made a daring break and fired past the Matola 'C' goalie to score. But it was too little too late – sadly the older boys got their game together and hammered in more goals.
The final score: Matola 'C' 7 (Captain Kevin), AKA Maputo 'Mangoes' 6 (Captain Yaseen).
They may have been beaten but they were not defeated – what a great showing in their first match from the mighty Mangoes. Mums and Dads – I will invite you to the return match in January – you won’t be disappointed!!
Submitted by Nick Manley
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