DURBAN FC beat Toronto Blizzard on penalties to claim their maiden Engen Knockout Challenge Durban title at a packed Moses Mabhida Sports Complex on Sunday.
The teams were deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes. With the final evenly contested and both teams holding their own tactically, various scoring opportunities were spurned as the clock wound down to the final whistle.
The penalty shoot-out went into sudden death after both teams missed two penalties each in the mandatory five.
The Durban FC keeper then stepped up and scored his penalty to set in motion wild celebrations in the Durban FC camp.
Over an actioned-packed weekend, 16 of the best youth teams in Durban contested the 2017 Engen Knockout Challenge.
In the first semi-final Toronto Blizzard stunned Young Cavaliers, scoring two goals in each half to book their place in the final.
In the second semi-final Durban FC beat defending champions and tournament favourites, Umquele High 6 -5 on penalties after the game ended goalless.
Ntokozo Nzimande of Durban FC was named both the 2017 Engen Knockout Challenge Durban “Midfielder of the Tournament” and “Player of the Tournament”.
Nzimande won a one-year endorsement from Engen Knockout Challenge technical partners Umbro for his efforts.
Speaking after the final, the tournament’s convenor of selectors Duncan Crowie commended the players for the fine football on display over the three days.
“We have seen some great football at the Moses Mabhida Sports Complex this past weekend witnessed not only by family and friends, but also scouts from professional clubs and agencies as far as Johannesburg.” said Crowie.
“I trust that the Engen Knockout Challenge will again launch the professional football careers of many of these budding talents,” added the former Santos legend.