The Boys FC welcomed Aaron FC to Eldorado Park Extension 6 on 10 November 2024 for a league clash that kicked off at 3:40pm. In a tightly contested match, The Boys FC emerged victorious with a scoreline of 2-1, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess throughout the game.
The Boys FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Kamva Jonga took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Ridwaan Rubidge on the right, Alanzo McKenzie and Tyson Bowers in central defence, and Reese Mathee on the left. Neillan Abrahams operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Tyrique Koeries on the right, Warren Meyers on the left, and Suhail De Koker leading the line as the central striker, with Jayden Gentle and Leevin Zacheus providing support from the flanks.
The substitutes for The Boys FC included Nazeem Ely and Dejuanne Abdullah, who would be called upon later in the match to influence proceedings.
The match began with an early attempt from Tyrique Koeries, who fired wide in the fifth minute, signalling The Boys FC's intent. Just four minutes later, they took the lead when Jayden Gentle scored a stunning goal from outside the area, assisted by Warren Meyers with a precise short pass. The Boys FC were in high spirits, but their joy was short-lived as Aaron FC equalised in the 13th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Tyson Bowers, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net from close range.
Despite the setback, The Boys FC continued to press forward. Suhail De Koker had a shot saved in the 15th minute, while Warren Meyers also attempted to restore the lead shortly after. Ridwaan Rubidge's foul in the 25th minute momentarily halted their momentum, but Warren Meyers redeemed himself with a crucial block in the 27th minute, preventing a clear chance for Aaron FC.
As the first half progressed, Neillan Abrahams and Alanzo McKenzie both had attempts that failed to hit the target, leaving the score level at half-time. The referee's performance, however, left much to be desired, as indicated by a low rating.
The second half commenced with a quick yellow card for Ridwaan Rubidge, shown for a bad tackle just after the break. However, The Boys FC regained their composure and took the lead again in the 52nd minute when Alanzo McKenzie tapped in from close range, following a clever flick assist from Suhail De Koker.
Kamva Jonga was called into action shortly after, making a catch in the 56th minute, followed by a parry in the 61st minute, demonstrating his importance in goal. Warren Meyers continued to be a creative force, delivering a slide rule pass in the 58th minute that nearly led to another goal.
As the match wore on, Tyrique Koeries had another attempt in the 65th minute, but it was Kamva Jonga's heroics that kept The Boys FC ahead, as he punched clear in the 67th minute and dealt with another situation in the 70th minute. Ridwaan Rubidge showcased his defensive skills with a tackle in the 72nd minute, while Tyson Bowers made a vital header to clear danger in the 77th minute.
In the 75th minute, The Boys FC made their first substitution, bringing on Nazeem Ely for Warren Meyers, followed by Dejuanne Abdullah replacing Leevin Zacheus in the 79th minute. Ridwaan Rubidge continued to impress defensively, making a slide rule pass in the 78th minute that created a chance, and later clearing the ball in the 82nd minute.
Nazeem Ely had a shot saved in the 85th minute, as The Boys FC sought to extend their lead. Ridwaan Rubidge was again involved defensively, making a clearance in the 86th minute, while Kamva Jonga showcased his goalkeeping skills with another solid performance in the 88th minute.
The match concluded with The Boys FC securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aaron FC, a result that highlighted their determination and tactical discipline. The Boys FC will take great confidence from this performance as they look to build on their success in the league.