Joseph Dodji Etsevi
POS have been eliminated from the Seals Cup after suffering a heartbreaking 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to MBBS following a fiercely contested encounter at the SUB stadium.
POS started brightly and took the lead in the first half through a calmly converted penalty by Pogba, handing the side early control of proceedings.
The match, however, quickly became tense as frustration grew among POS players and supporters over what many described as inconsistent officiating from the center referee.
Despite dominating spells of the game, POS were unlucky not to extend their advantage after hitting the woodwork twice in a closely fought contest.
Tensions further escalated after several POS players were booked for challenges similar to those committed by MBBS players that went unpunished, leading to accusations of double standards from the stands and the POS bench.
MBBS eventually found an equaliser in the second half to force the game level, setting up a dramatic finish.
The biggest controversy of the match came when POS were denied what players and spectators believed was a clear handball penalty inside the MBBS box. Loud appeals from POS players and officials were waved away by the referee despite heavy protests around the stadium.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the game proceeded to penalties where MBBS edged POS 5-4 to secure qualification.
The defeat marks the third consecutive year that POS have been knocked out of the Seals Cup by MBBS, extending a painful run for the side against their rivals.
