In the first semi-final of the play-offs for the national title, Hovocubo was not surprised by FC Marlène. In Heerhugowaard, the reigning champion won 5-2. In the other semi-final, Amsterdam Lebo did provide a surprise by beating FC Eindhoven 3-1. The returns are next weekend.
Summary FC Marlène – Hovocubo – NH Sport / Edward Dekker
Tonight it was the fifth time this season that Hovocubo and FC Marlène crossed swords. On one occasion, the Heerhugowaarders drew the longest straw. In the cup the team from Hoorn won on penalties and in the championship group Hovo was the victor on both occasions.
In the first half, the home team was initially the better team, but Soufian Charraoui gave the guests the lead. In the second part of the first half, Faisal Mellah’s 0-2 followed in a switching moment, followed almost immediately by the 0-3 (Kevin van London own goal). “We give it away relatively easily”, coach Jeroen de Groot analyzed about that phase of FC Marlene.
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FC Marlène trainer Jeroen de Groot: “We give it away relatively easily” – NH Sport / Edward Dekker
Mo Darri made sure that the teams went to the changing rooms with a 1-3 halftime score.
Solid Hovocubo
In the second half, the Heerhugowaarders tried to fight back into the game, but Hovocubo did not flinch. FC Marlène had no luck when Stefan Dol hit the aluminum, but the same was true for Charraoui on the other side. “You can cancel them out against each other”, said Hovocubo trainer Sander van Dijk, who felt that his team was responsible for the match in a professional and solid manner.
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Hovocubo trainer Sander van Dijk saw his team book a decent victory – NH Sport / Edward Dekker
FC Marlène captain Mo Attaibi also hit the bottom of the bar once more in the second half and also the post.
After Charraoui’s 1-4, FC Marlène coach Jeroen de Groot bet on an overnumber situation in the last seven minutes by exchanging keeper Barry de Wit for an extra field player. By the way, De Wit kept a fine game and was therefore elected man of the match. Good for a beautiful bunch of flowers.
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Barry de Wit gave the flowers to his mother – NH Sport
In the all-or-nothing phase, Hovocubo player Ilias Bouzit gratefully took advantage. He shot the ball into the empty goal from a great distance. Not much later, however, it suddenly hit the other side: Martin van Eeuwijk put the 2-5 final score on the scoreboard in sports hall De Waardergolf.
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Soufian Charraoui looks back on a great game against FC Marlène – NH Sport / Edward Dekker
You will see a summary of FC Marlène – Hovocubo on our site tomorrow.
Lebo surprised
In Amsterdam, Lebo caused a surprise by winning the other semi-final against FC Eindhoven. It was 3-1 in sports hall Calvin after a 0-0 halftime score for Lebo, who finished fourth in the championship group. The Brabanters finished in second place and gained thirteen points more.
Friday is the second round in the best-of-three series. If necessary, the decisive third game will follow next Sunday. In both cases, the highest finished teams, so Hovocubo and FC Eindhoven, have the home advantage.
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