The semi-final that the handball players of Aalsmeer played against the Lions was unusually exciting. With the equalizing of Destin van Dijk (31-31) in the final phase of regular time, after which it went wrong in extra time. A penalty that was used just before time plunged Aalsmeer into mourning: 37-36.
“It goes wrong with us. We miss too much”, Samir Benghanem was critical afterwards. Trainer Bert Bouwer was more positive. “Compliments to the team that we are coming back. We have a young team so I understand that you are playing with shit”, says Bouwer.
Second match Benghanem after suspension
Before the Final Four it was announced that the suspensions of Tom Bottinga and Samir Benghanem were reduced. This allowed Benghanem to play against Lions, as his penalty was reduced from six to four games. Bottinga could only play in an eventual final. Aalsmeer had placed third in the BeNe-League.
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Samir Benghanem: “It goes wrong with ourselves. We miss too much” – NH Nieuws
Both teams had little tension. After three minutes it was already 2-1 for Lions. The game then remained even and the score went from 4-4 to 9-6, when the Limburgers opened a small gap. The lead then remained two points to the disadvantage of the North Hollanders. In the end, the score at halftime was 14-12 for the opponent from Limburg.
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Aalsmeer trainer Bert Bouwer: “Compliments to the team that we are coming back” – NH Nieuws
Rescue in final seconds
After the break, the game picture was unchanged. The Limburgers kept their margin of two points and the score went from 16-14 to 20-17. Then Aalsmeer came back and in the 47th minute the equalizer was on the board: 24-24.
In an exciting final phase, the penny kept changing. Aalsmeer took the lead 26-27 for the first time since the first half. In the final phase, Lions was again on the right side of the score, until Destin van Dijk scored 31-31 in the goal ten seconds before the end.
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In the first half of extra time things remained exciting and both teams scored three goals: 34-34. After the break, the neck-and-neck race continued. In the final minute things went wrong for Aalsmeer. Jeromy van der Ban fouled, after which Thomas Dekker scored the penalty and plunged Aalsmeer into mourning: 37-36.
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