Ghantoot Polo secure spot in IFZA Gold Cup semi-final

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The IFZA Gold Cup (Dubai Open) 2021 is slowly whittling the line-up for the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

The fifth day featured two matches with the first one between Ghantoot Polo and IFZA-Mahra Polo teams.

The Ghantoot Polo team were off to a perfect start. Dominating the proceedings, they made the affair one-sided in the first half after commanding a six-goal lead. Trying to make a comeback, the IFZA-Mahra Polo however managed to narrow the gap in scores by the penultimate chukker.

Rallying in the final minutes of the game, IFZA-Mahra Polo tried to level the game with Isidro Strada and Jacinto Amadori were on target, but the significant goal lead of Ghantoot Polo was enough to seal the win at 12 goals to 10.

Each carrying a victory under their belt, Habtoor Polo and Bangash Polo teams delivered an exciting game for the spectators at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

Federico von Potobsky claimed the first goal with an open backhand shot and Benjamin Panelo ended the chukker at two goals for Bangash Polo.

Facundo Sola closed the gap in scores during the second with two goals but an excellent defensive play by Haider Bangash led to another goal from Potobsky, keeping Bangash Polo on the lead.

Bouncing back, the Habtoor Polo managed to steal the lead during the third chukker that was surpassed by strong defense from Bangash during the penultimate chukker.

The final chukker was a race for the Habtoor Polo team to close in on their opponent and incurred several penalties in the process.
Felix Esain delivered a critical goal for Habtoor Polo from 100 yards, that was matched by two goals from Benja that closed the game with a win for Bangash at 9 goals to 6.