On the third day of the IFZA Gold Cup 2023, it was Bangash Dodson & Horrell Polo and IFZA Habtoor Polo who emerged victorious, putting on remarkable displays of skill and teamwork.
At the start of the afternoon, Benjamin Urquiza scored an opening goal, helping Bangash Dodson & Horrell secure an early lead with a score of 7-2 until the second chukker. Although AM Polo's Isidro Strada and Cesar Crespo exhibited impressive teamwork and skills, it was the white-shirted players of Bangash Dodson & Horrell who dominated the second half of the match, resulting in a final score of 8-5 in their favor. In the penultimate chukker, Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum, the Patron of the AM Polo team, scored a beautiful goal, but despite their efforts, Bangash Dodson & Horrell ultimately emerged as the victors with a score of 11-9.
Match Progression:
3 -1 | 7 -2 | 8 - 5 | 11 – 8 | 11 – 9
Top Scorer: Tomas F. Llorente – 6 goals
The second match of the day began with an opening goal by Felix Carlos Esain from the Mahra by AIX Investment Group Polo team, but it was Matthew Perry of IFZA Habtoor Polo who concluded the first chukker with a two-goal lead, resulting in a score of 3-1. Both teams displayed remarkable counterattacking skills, leading to a tied score in the second and fourth chukkers, with 8 goals each. The game intensified during the last stretch, and for the first time in the IFZA Gold Cup 2023, a golden goal was played. Bautista Bayugar seized the opportunity and took a 40-yard penalty shot, resulting in a win for IFZA Habtoor Polo.
Match Progression:
3 – 1 | 5 -5 | 7 – 6 | 8 – 8 | 8 – 8 | 9 - 8
Top Scorer: Bautista Bayugar – 6 goals
The next round of qualifying matches will be on the 19th of February:
14:00 – Clinova Noa Capital Polo vs. Dubai Wolves by CAFU | Field 1
16:15 – UAE Polo vs. Ghantoot Polo | Field 3