Hosts Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) girls’ team made history by clinching their first football trophy after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over British School of Al Khubairat (BSAK).
With 12 teams battling for glory in the Under-11 British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) tournament, one of the best in the region, competition was certainly going to be tough with teams travelling to Dubai from Bahrain, Muscat and Saudi Arabia.
Flipping the script: Bea Falconer (centre) celebrates scoring a goal.
That proved to be the case with closely-fought encounters. Having put in weeks of practice prior to the tournament, DESS rose to the occasion and found their scoring touch with 15 goals in their four victories.
Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to BSAK, they qualified for the semifinals and continued their good form with a 2-0 win over Dubai’s Horizon.
It was familiar foes BSAK who stood in their way of championship glory. With two strong sides, neither could break the deadlock and after extra-time, the match had to be settled by spot-kicks.
With all to play for, goalkeeper Niamh Gowdy held her nerve to save two penalties and along with Eleanor Withers and Zoe Sanderson- Davies’ strikes, it was DESS who were celebrating to prevail 2-1 winners.
There was more reason to celebrate for DESS with Bea Falconer claiming the golden boot award with five goals.
With the boys’ outfit finishing third in their competition, DESS coach Vicki Stevenson was thrilled to see the girls side lift the prestigious trophy.
“It was a great effort by all the girls at Dubai English Speaking School,” she said. “They put in a lot of hard work during practice and it paid off in the BSME Games.
Now they can take this momentum forward going into future tournaments.”