The
final match of Group B brought together two sides
with plenty still to play for. Juventude Desportivo
Gaia entered the contest knowing a point would
secure top spot in the group, while AFC Shooters
were eyeing third place and a potentially more
favourable route in the Plate competition. The
English team also had the backing of FC Mahou
fans, who hoped a Shooters upset might lift their
own team to the summit.
As
they had in each of their previous group games,
Juventude turned to talisman Daniel Videira—and
once again, he delivered. The prolific forward
struck twice in the first half, continuing a remarkable
run of form with his fourth consecutive brace.
Fabio, AFC Shooters' own in-form frontman, gave
his side hope with his third goal of the tournament
to make it 2-1 at the break.
The
second half saw more end-to-end action as both
teams pushed for a result that could shape their
knockout fates. Fabio added his fourth of the
campaign, but Tiago Colisto's composed finish
for the Portuguese side ultimately settled the
contest. The 3-2 win ensured Juventude Desportivo
Gaia topped Group B with a perfect record and
consigned FC Mahou to second. AFC Shooters, despite
a valiant effort, had to settle for fourth and
a place in the Plate semi-finals.
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