Armakistan still sit on top of Group G despite a 2-2 draw with HopNation. The team now go into the last game against Ko-oren knowing that another draw will send them through to the knockout stages but if they are to win the group they will probably need to win the game against one of the top teams in the competition. The game against HopNation was again played at the damaged Sylph Cube and the first half saw little action. Armakistan's only shot on target was a weak effort from outside the box after Appleby had cut inside from the left and fired a low shot which the keeper dealt with easily. Armakistan had a slight advantage in possession but needed to create more chances.
The second half started off brightly for Armakistan, Darling was released down the right hand side by a lovely pass from Freddy Bell. The winger was then able to use his speed and skill to cross the ball into Bucklebury who with excellent vision picked out the unmarked Nick Kelly with a great one touch pass. Kelly, who for the first time in Armakistan history failed to score in a game during matchday 1, was able to get back to scoring ways with a well placed strike past the opposition keeper.
1-0
Armakistan were able to grab another goal in the 63rd minute and it looked as though they were going to grab another win. Bobby Bell rose the highest in the box to head home from a brilliant cross by Appleby who after collecting the ball out wide from Freddy Bell had humiliated his opposite number with some great skill to create the space to fire the cross straight on the head of 6ft 2 midfielder Bobby. His celebration he however earn him a yellow card as it took off his shirt to spun it around his head after scoring his first ever goal for the national side.
2-0
Sadly the win wasn't to be as Armakistan switched off and allowed their opponents back into the game with some sloppy defending which allowed HopNation to put together a lovely flowing passing move which ended up with Schytaing beating Daniels in a one on one situation as the keeper tried his best to close down the angle.
2-1
As Armakistan tried to stop the opposition, who now had the upperhand, from scoring again, Henry Potters picked up a yellow card for a strong challenge on the goal scorer Schytaing although the Armakistan captain looked like he had won the ball the freekick still stood. Droimpol took the freekick and was able to curl the ball around the wall and in off the post to tie up the game. The final whistle went 3 minutes later.
2-2
Now the team looks forward to the final group game and push on into the knockout rounds to complete a great Cup of Harmony run to finish off a great start to their first cycle of International football. Here are the current Group G standings after Ko-oren beat NMS 3-0:
Group G Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Armakistan 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1 4
2 HopNation 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4
3 Ko-oren 2 1 0 1 3 1 +2 3
4 New Montreal States 2 0 0 2 1 5 −4 0
Written by Edgar Frazen
Sports Pundit at Armakistan Sports Center (ASC)
Government Information Regarding the Hosts of CoH 60
Armakistan has declared its support for the government of Kinitaria in their recent struggles in Paravači. The government of Armakistan would like to offer help to it's firm friend Premier Kucinič by offering a battalion of 1,300 men to help them control the chaos. With the Armakistan football team currently playing in the CoH 60 being co-hosted by Kinitaria we feel this is a great time for our two countries to increase our ties.
The football team is however currently based in Kazamatsuri where it is with great sadness we announce that one of the team coaches, Henry Robertson, has been killed during an earthquake that caused part of building fall on the respected member of staff. Manager Thomas Boston has said the team will play on in his memory. The Armakistan government has offered aid to its Esportivan brothers and sisters and bolstered the security which is attached the the football team. We hope the chaos in both these countries ends soon.
Jacob Marston
Glorious Leader of Armakistan