Challenge

Lucas E. Abalos
Spectators: 40 (Terracing: 31, Seating: 9, VIP seats: 0) The mood of the audience was pleasant when Tomas Illescas made the kick off which started today's match. After 4 played minutes Venezuela got a freekick which was hit by Rigoberto Mina. Genaro Elivareo's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Jonathan Ferrant read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 4th minute of play. Tomas Illescas sent away a hard shot on goal in the 7th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Jonathan Ferrant made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Cecilio Tristan in the 11th minute of play. The supporters of Abuba Akotonon FC booed when Venezuela was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 13 match minutes in a wonderful position. Jose Correa didn't get a good kick on the ball. Cecilio Tristan received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 17th minute. Jonathan Ferrant tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Tomas Illescas scored 0-1 in the 19th match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Hugo Orlando Gatti, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot. After 23 played minutes Abuba Akotonon FC got a freekick which was hit by Robt Paulet. Emanuel Aurre made in the 27th minute of the game a quick throw-in and Ariel Artaldo immediately put the ball in play. Cecilio Tristan's shot straight on target was not completely harmless. The ball had pretty good speed, but Jonathan Ferrant firmly grabbed it by the left post. An unexpectedly hard shot by Cecilio Tristan in the 33rd minute of play forced Venezuela's goalkeeper Jonathan Ferrant to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Jose Correa's late challenge caught a Abuba Akotonon FC's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Jose Correa helped the player get up and apologised. Jose Correa hit a great freekick 35 minutes into the match. Jonathan Ferrant stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Cecilio Tristan's shot from short distance in the 35th minute. Genaro Elivareo sent away a hard shot on goal in the 37th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Rigoberto Mina kicked well hit freekick during the 42nd minute of the match. Cecilio Tristan who was well placed in front of the goal fired away a dangerous shot that in the 46thth minute tested the skills of Jonathan Ferrant when he managed to save the team from getting behind.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Cecilio Tristan was the one to do the kick off. After some fancy dribbling in the 54th minute, Genaro Elivareo managed to get in a good position for a shot. Abuba Akotonon FC's supporters rose to their feet, but Genaro Elivareo was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Jonathan Ferrant breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. After a defensive mix-up in Venezuela's zone, Cecilio Tristan stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Jonathan Ferrant came out of the goal and Cecilio Tristan tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Venezuela's Jonathan Ferrant played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Cecilio Tristan in the 59th minute of play. Jonathan Ferrant showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Cecilio Tristan, who was totally free with the ball in the 61st minute. Hugo Orlando Gatti showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Patricio Costa in the 63rd minute of the match. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Cecilio Tristan in the 64th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Jonathan Ferrant prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Jonathan Ferrant took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Cecilio Tristan, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. In the 71st match minute, Venezuela was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Rigoberto Mina to maneuver through the defense. Jonathan Ferrant made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Cecilio Tristan in the 74th minute of play. Tomas Illescas sent away a hard shot on goal in the 75th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Jonathan Ferrant showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Cecilio Tristan, who was totally free with the ball in the 78th minute. In the 83rd minute of the match Abuba Akotonon FC got a corner. Venezuela's goalie ran out to the linesman to protest the call, but the linesman resolutely pointed his flag at the cornerflag. Genaro Elivareo ran over to the corner to take the kick. A collision led to Abuba Akotonon FC getting a freekick after 85 minutes play. Emanuel Aurre hit a great ball. In the 86thth minute of the game Tomas Illescas who was perfectly placed tried to make a shot on goal, but Abuba Akotonon FC's Hugo Orlando Gatti was lucky and managed to grab hold of the ball. Venezuela's Jonathan Ferrant played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Vânderson Barbosa in the 88th minute of play. Jonathan Ferrant took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Genaro Elivareo, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Abuba Akotonon FC were disappointed that they only managed a draw, even though they felt themselves to be the better team.