KPI v AO Football Match ends in penalty shootout drama after scintillating 4-4 draw

Reigning Champions KPI took on challengers and last year’s runners up AO in a thrilling encounter at the Alexandra Stadium on Sunday 7 May. A truly topsy-turvy game finished with a stunning last-minute equaliser to make the score four all, forcing the game to be decided a by a dramatic penalty shootout with each team having 10 penalties.

AO ran out convincing winners on penalties, but that doesn’t tell the story of a spectacular match full of goals where the lead changed hands four times.

Last minute equaliser

AO took an early lead only to be pegged back by KPI, who then powered into a 2-1 lead. AO then equalised and took a 3-2 lead before KPI grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, storming into a 4-3 lead. Last minute drama then ensued as 10-year-old Mia Topham danced through a static (and frankly exhausted) KPI defence beating several defenders before calmly slotting the ball home for a spectacular last-gasp equaliser to send the game into the dreaded penalty shootout.

Penalty shootout

AO proved to be too hot to handle in the shootout, scoring when it mattered under pressure, whilst KPI had six of their penalties saved, including the first four. KPI Manager Nick Mooney said, “The lads in the dressing room are gutted, because we couldn’t quite handle the pressure of the pens. But I’ve reminded them that football was the winner today: we scored some great goals and played some fluid football, we just need to work on the set piece defending which we’ll be discussing at length in our ‘de-briefing session’.

Stronger next year

”We’ve already got our eyes on the next game,” Nick added. “I may have to make some personnel changes due to one or two players being short on legs and one or two short on talent. But I’ve promised we’ll come back stronger next year to re-take our crown.”