AOCAF Cup LIX - Everything Thread

by **Banija** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 11:31 am

The Busukuma Post
Covering All of Banija, All of our News, All of the Time

Banija's Election Primer- What do you need to know?

Kizza Makoni after the party leader's speech in Hoima

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- At the Collective Resistance Union's party conference, Kizza Makoni delivered a stunning announcement- he was going to convene the cabinet upon his return from Hoima, and ask for an early election to be called. It is not uncommon in this country, nor is it in the Parliamentary system of governance, to have early elections, though it is when the government is as stable as this single party majority. In Banija, usually after about 3 years, the usual coalitions grow stale, the infighting grows as parties try to separate themselves in terms of voters, and then they ask for, and get, a general election. But in this unprecedented time of a single party majority government, the concern here is obvious- the CRU's falling polling numbers, after voter fatigue with a pair of consecutive majority governments, almost said that he had to call an election to have a chance at becoming the strongest party once again, less they start to get worse with the year remaining.

Here, of course, we'll give a brief overview of the four main parties, and for our readers, the overview of the Banijan political system in general. How do elections in this country work? Who is eligible to vote? What happened last time around? How to understand the last election, and what that means for the next one? Those questions will be answered in this article.

Q1: How does the system work?

Banija operates off of a Westminster style Parliamentary system, which is a part of the nation's semi-constitutional monarchy. The Royal Family, of course, has power over all foreign affairs, and the elected Lukiiko has power over all domestic affairs. The Lukiiko elects a Katikkiro who picks and chairs the cabinet(outside of the Waziri) and is the country's head of government. The Banijan system borrows from the Quebecois Parliamentary system, which influenced Banija a lot, but ultimately, is mostly organically formed. The Lukiiko has 500 elected members, and it is a mixed political system. 250 members are elected via first past the post constituencies, while 250 members are elected via the proportional vote. And yet, people have a lone vote- any vote for a candidate goes both to the candidate in their constituency, and that vote also goes to the candidate's party, assuming that candidate is in a party. If the candidate is an independent, then of course that vote does not go into the proportional representation system.

For the 250 seats, the Royal Election Commission draws constituency boundaries, which cannot cross regional lines. Based on population, each region gets a certain number of seats, which get reallocated after each census. The regional breakdown is as follows. Each region is assigned seats based on population percentage, the closest possible to the exact percentage matched with 250 seats, but rounded down. Any remaining seats get assigned to the region with the least amount of seats, to get to 250. Another exception we have, is that the Mukegara Tribe, who are an interesting people in their own right. As a protected minority tribe who have limited autonomy, and a population of only 50,000, they are guaranteed a single seat of their own in the Lukiiko by the Banijan Constitution. The major parties do not compete in Mukegara. Since they are located in Hangaza, one seat is taken from the Hangaza region and given to their tribe who, while having their own political parties, elects someone who sits as an independent.

The Below is the apportionment after the last census.

The other 250 seats, of course, are done via proportional representation on a national basis only. It used to be regional proportional presentation, but it was changed by a prior PPM government(WC74 Cycle) to straight up national proportional representation in order to prevent regional parties from gaining strength at a national level, and severely limit their representation in the Lukiiko. A clearly political move, of course, and it was aimed at the Busoga Islands, where a nascent regional party was ascending- and it was successful in preventing the party from running for the Lukiiko. Of course, in the long run, it ended up not mattering thanks to Matthias Mutebi, but the system stays to ensure that parties maintain national platforms that don't exasperate regional divisions.

The seats are given to parties who garner at least 5% of the national popular vote, based on their share of the popular vote and that share of 250, with that raw number rounded down. If 250 seats are not allocated via this format, any remaining seats are given to the party that won the most number of popular votes. When we go over the last results in the next edition of this paper, it'll be easily understandable.

Q2: Who is eligible to vote?

This is an easy one. The rules for voting in any governmental election, from the Lukiiko down to a local school board election, are set nationally. Regions and localities cannot add or subtract voter eligibility requirements. The basis, of course, is age. There are four categories of citizens who have the automatic right to vote, if they are at least age 18 and they are residents of Banija- Banijan citizens, Commonwealth citizens, Busoga Islander citizens, and Baker Park citizens. The only exemptions to that rule are present prisonsers(ex-prisoners can vote) and Bishops of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, the national church, who do not vote, though regular clergy can. The only non-residents of Banija who are allowed to vote are Banijan diplomats or Banijan soldiers who are abroad, and their immediate families if they are abroad with their families. So, for example, somebody like Lemuel Bereket, the national team goalkeeper, cannot vote because his full-time residence is in Exton, Apox.

There are rules, however, on these non-Banijan citizens voting. Any non-Banijan citizen who votes in Banija cannot have voted in their country's last national election, as defined by the Banijan foreign ministry. If they vote in their country's last election, they have to wait for another election to occur in their home country, that they do not participate in, before they are allowed to vote in Banija. Any participation in an election in their country of origin shall make them ineligible to vote in Banija again, until they then miss another election in their home country. IT is, of course, to prevent voters from participating in multiple democratic systems at the same time. There is no length of residency requirements for Commonwealth citizens, Busoga Islander citizens, or Baker Park citizens, as long as their full-time residency is in Banija.

There are other groups, based on specific nationalities, that can vote as well. Any citizens of Farfadillis who are registered in the country as refugees can vote, and they are not subject to rules regarding participating in their country's last election. This broad exemption, of course, is subject to renewal once every 5 years in Banija.

There are citizens of other countries that can vote in Banija if they are full-time residents here, and have been for 7 consecutive years. These people, of course, are subject to the same rules about participating in foreign elections. Those countries are as follows: Equestria, Geisenfred, Timuria, Hapilopper, Qasden, Siovanija & Teusland, Valanora, Eshan, Ko-oren, Mriin, and Cosumar. Any citizen of a country that has not been previously listed is not eligible to vote in any Banijan election, no matter how long they have been a resident of Banija, unless they obtain Banijan citizenship. And of course, the overarching rule- accredited diplomats to Banija, and the immediate families of accredited diplomats to Banija, shall not be able to vote in Banijan elections, no matter the circumstances.

Q3: Who is eligible to Run?

Any Banijan citizen, who is at least age 22 or older, and who has not been otherwise banned by the Guardian Council, is allowed to run for the Lukiiko. Now, there are different requirements to run for a constituency, as opposed to appearing on a party list. To say this- only the party leader and deputy leader can run both for a constituency seat, and appear on a party list. Otherwise, candidates cannot run both on the party list and for a constituency seat.

To run for a constituency seat, one must be a resident of the region the constituency is in, though they do not have to be residents of the constituency itself. However, if a non-resident of the constituency is elected as its member of the Lukiiko, they must establish full-time residence within their constituency within 180 days of getting elected. If they do not certify to the Speaker that they have established full-time residency within their constituency within 180 days, they then must forfeit their seat and a special election must be called, and that person will not be eligible to be a candidate. Parties are eligible to run in every seat in the country, and shall otherwise follow their own processes to determine their candidates for each constituency seat. Independents face a high bar, and to be eligible to get on the ballot, they must garner signatures from eligible voters representing 5% of the total constituency population, or be endorsed by a party that has provided a full proportional list to the Royal Election Commission.

Parties shall use their own processes to determine their party lists. Any person appearing on a party list, however, must be a baptized member of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which is the national church. This ensures that party leaders and deputy leaders are baptized members of the faith. There is no religion requirement to be a candidate for a constituency seat.

Q4: How does the campaign work?

Voting is a fairly simple process within the Kingdom. The vast majority of votes are cast on election day, which is an automatic national holiday. Absentee votes are allowed for any reason, though absentee ballots, outside of Banijan diplomats and soldiers, cannot be mailed from outside the country- absentee ballots must be filled out in Banija. Election counts usually take about a day or so, so unlike in many countries where results are known that night, results are usually tallied and preliminary results are announced by the Royal Election Commission on the night following the tally.

As for the campaign itself, there is a 45 day campaign election period. There is no public funding of candidates. All parties that run for office must be certified by the Guardian Council, who are known to block parties and candidates who advocate for 'unconstitutional policies', most commonly banning parties that advocate a republic, or that advocate the total de-coupling of the church from the state. There are usually two leaders debates, organized by the REC. While there are donation limits of $4,000 NSDs per person per candidate(and $10,000 NSD limit per direct party donation), there are no spending limits for parties. On election day, campaigners must be at least 200 feet from the entrance of any building that contains a voting booth.

And, of course, now we have the basics. In the next part of the primer, we'll do an in-depth breakdown of the last election results, and what they mean for the looming ballot.

by **Sarzonia** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 5:18 pm

The miracle of the emotional 1-0 loss to Tropicorp wasn't just that Sarzonia more than held their own against the 13rd ranked team in AOCAF. It wasn't the fact that Sarzonia won the possession battle 52 percent to 48 percent. It wasn't that Sarzonia outshot Tropicorp 10-8 with four shots on target to Tropicorp's six.

The miracle was that the Stars were still mathematically in the running for one of the playoff positions from Group B.

Sarzonia's Carlton Sandt had another spectacular game, and he couldn't be faulted for the spectacular goal scored by Cocoabo #91, as older brother Horace Sandt quickly told anyone who wouldn't listen, "there's no fucking way I would have made that save."

The Stars were still one point clear of Torisakia in the Group B table with their 1-1-5 record after Banija defeated them 1-0 in an away contest. The Kadongo Kamu will be sending François Tantoh to start in goal against Carlton Sandt.

"If he wants to approach me about what it's going to be like living in Banija, I'll be happy to talk to him about that," the young goalkeeper said. "As for right now, I'm focusing on the match."

The Stars may not qualify for a spot in the knockout rounds, and there's no Cup of Harmony-type tournament for Atlantian Oceania football, but Sarzonia will be able to look at the 10 matches that saw the young team stand toe-to-toe with experienced national sides with pride.

"We gave them everything we had. We more than held our own. It was definitely a far cry from our previous match away," Manager Bryan Ostrom said. "We have to be realistic because Banija won the bronze medal in the last World Cup. We're going to go out there and play our best football and see what happens."

No one's going to expect the Stars to earn an away result against the fourth ranked team in the region, even though the Stars are finally beginning to find their sea legs. Even so, they've so far proven to be anything but the laughing stock most observers would have expected an Under 21 national team to be against senior national teams.

"Credit Margaret for that," forward Jake Campos said. "She can only do so much, but we've gotten better as the Cup has gone along, which is all you could possibly expect."

by **Audioslavia** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 5:57 pm

They were a crack, renegade outfit of elite infra-dimensional soccer athletes, but that didn't mean they just waltzed into any joint and won football games.

From across the ocean, in a land shaped like a googly-eyed tooth sitting on a rock, the Fiefdom of Cosumar had their own opinions on which team should win a soccer game.

And that opinion included the words 'not' and 'Audioslavia' and 'on my watch'.

Not content with mowing the grass with Audioslavian butt with a 4-1 win on matchday two, the Cosumarites had the nerve to hit three goals passed a furious Harrison Bird yesterday. An act... of war. Soccer war.

Let it be known, no man can stop the infra-dimensional soccer bulls and live to tell the tale. Cosumar, your days are numbered. Our days are numbered too. Our days are numbered because, if you look at a calendar, that's how days work. Numbering them helps people understand what day it is and how many days are left until an event, and that event, Cosumar, is pain.

You will not be warned. You will not know what's happening to you even as it happens, and when it's finished you might not even know anything happened at all, but it will happen. And on that day, mark our words, you will know that that sweetest, coldest dish - revenge - has been served. Or maybe you won't know. But then you'll see that you marked our words and you'll remember, and then you'll be like 'oh no did it happen yet', and the answer rolling across the seas from the west will be a thunderous, decisive maybe.

The Audioslavian Soccer Bulls will not go down without a fight for a third time.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Daily 2029
NL, transfers overshadow AOCAF
by Fiona Devlin, Staff Soccer Writer

The Commonwealth National Team will look to maintain their unbeaten run in the group stage of the AOCAF when they face Timuria at President's Park on matchday 8.

Much of the buzz around squad has centered on the current multiverse transfer window. Past successes in tournaments have seen opportunities for several players to be able to continue their careers abroad, and there certainly seems like there will be more than a handful of prospective transfers looking to make a move away from the NSL.

At present, there are also several domestic clubs who are quietly making low key contact with players from outside the Commonwealth; it's not the actual negotiations that are unusual, it's the actual clubs themselves.

As the proposed restructuring of the National League pyramid is moving ahead, there appear to be signs that some new players on the transfer scene will be jumping in as net buyers.

The FAC is expected to announce a new distribution scheme for the League, possibly as soon as the final home match of Group C at Keller Field against Mriin. The word in the boardrooms is that there will be a substantial increase in the total windfall (up to a 20% increase, some say) and there will still be a an overall profit for the Association.

One of the beneficiaries of the increase will be associate member clubs, and it is possible that those clubs will be extended an invitation to compete in the FAC Trophy, following the changes expected in the FAC Shield leagues and the Conference.

As an additional note concerning the FAC, they have picked up a new sponsorship for the imending mixed gender division, as Turori-based Cocoa-bo have agreed to a package including pitchside advertising, and television ads.

by **Valanora** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 9:46 pm

With the search for the manager complete, the VSC had to make a quick decision on the assistant manager as well, with the Marauders taking part in the AOCAF and had already gone through half the group stage without a man at the helm. Donaldson was asked for his preference or if he had anyone in mind for the role himself that he wanted to bring along. It seemed that the person he had in mind however was likely not going to fit the system and idea that the two sides had come to agree on, and so the manager was quickly sent out to the team to introduce himself and get them ready for their next match as they were in quite the tussle to escape out of their group. It was their hope that such fights to escape the group would be a thing of the past with their new man in charge and that the side would begin to move back to the state where qualifying for the Finals and getting out of the group stage of both it and the AOCAF would not be this insurmountable challenge it had become over the last few decades. Trying to retrieve that glory and dominance that had been the Marauders motus operandi during the two decades of the World Cup 40s, where they had two undefeated campaigns, including one campaign where they won every single match, and had captured three of their five titles.

Looking back at those glory years, it was clear that a strong manager who could create great tactics and gameplans had been a key, yet so had been the assistant manager that could be the link between the players and the manager. Not a disciplinarian by heart, but someone who keep things in order if the squad started to go awry from where they needed to go in order to get results and achieve success. Where a manager might have had amazing technical and attacking strategies, it was often the assistant that would come up with the methods that the defensive unit would use in order to neutralize the opposition's attacking players and give input to on to whether to stick with the traditional Vanorian formation or use an alternate for any specific match. All that criteria was a lot to ask for, yet this was one of the biggest jobs in the world of international football and those who applied for the position knew what they would be getting into and had internally already made peace with that fact and what it would require of them to achieve success at their position.

That lead to them going back to one of their applicants for the full managerial call and to a familiar coaching tradition, that from Pasarga and Jens Reiniger who was renowned for being an intelligent defender during his playing days. He seemed to be the perfect fit and counterbalance to that of which Donaldson would provide as the head coach of the squad. Reiniger's defensive steel mixed with Donaldson's tactics would in their eyes be bringing the Marauders back to their glory days and hopefully to a similar such dominance as that which was deemed the era of "Two Now Stand" in the history texts. It was a time when only the Elves of Valanora and the Purple Peril of Starblaydia would be lifting the trophy, some even going as far to say that if not for the Starblaydii that the Marauders would have an unparalleled run as a five-peat as champions. Now though, they had the two men that would be the head of the Marauders' revival and hopefully be guiding them towards a strong showing in the AOCAF as they get to know the squad that is at their disposal.

by **Chromatika** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 10:33 pm

AOCAF Cup LIX
Match Day 8 Results

Group A

Starblaydia 2–2 Audioslavia
Cosumar 5–2 Schiavonia
Nellietopia 2–5 Chromatika

  Group A                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Cosumar                         8    6   0   2    26   11  +15    18
2 Starblaydia                     8    5   2   1    15    8   +7    17
3 Chromatika                      8    5   2   1    24   13  +11    17
4 Audioslavia                     8    2   3   3    12   17   −5     9
5 Nellietopia                     8    1   2   5     8   24  −16     5
6 Schiavonia                      8    0   1   7     7   19  −12     1

Group B

Tropicorp 2–2 Saltstead
Demot 2–1 Torisakia
Banija 5–3 Sarzonia

  Group B                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Banija                          8    8   0   0    19    7  +12    24
2 Tropicorp                       8    5   1   2    14   10   +4    16
3 Demot                           8    4   1   3    16   13   +3    13
4 Saltstead                       8    2   3   3    11   14   −3     9
5 Sarzonia                        8    1   1   6    13   22   −9     4
6 Torisakia                       8    1   0   7     9   16   −7     3

Group C

Baker Park 2–2 Timuria
Lochario 1–2 Mriin
Sultanate of Oontaz 1–0 Cult of Motherbread

  Group C                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Mriin                           8    6   2   0    25   13  +12    20
2 Baker Park                      8    5   3   0    21    7  +14    18
3 Lochario                        8    3   1   4    10   12   −2    10
4 Sultanate of Oontaz             8    2   3   3     8    8    0     9
5 Cult of Motherbread             8    2   1   5    10   19   −9     7
6 Timuria                         8    0   2   6     6   21  −15     2

Group D

Ko-oren 0–0 Anthor
Valanora 3–0 Dogsmouth
Bolgano 2–4 Vilita & Turori

  Group D                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Vilita & Turori                 8    8   0   0    26    9  +17    24
2 Valanora                        8    5   1   2    16    6  +10    16
3 Ko-oren                         8    3   2   3     6    8   −2    11
4 Anthor                          8    2   3   3     9    8   +1     9
5 Bolgano                         8    2   1   5    10   19   −9     7
6 Dogsmouth                       8    0   1   7     0   17  −17     1

Group E

Hapilopper 2–3 Siovanija & Teusland
Equestria 3–0 Busoga Islands
Qasden 6–2 Gyatso-kai

  Group E                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Equestria                       8    8   0   0    27    6  +21    24
2 Qasden                          8    5   0   3    19   13   +6    15
3 Siovanija & Teusland            8    4   0   4    18   18    0    12
4 Busoga Islands                  8    2   1   5    14   21   −7     7
5 Gyatso-kai                      8    2   1   5    10   19   −9     7
6 Hapilopper                      8    1   2   5    11   22  −11     5

Group F

Krytenia 2–3 95X
Freeport 0–3 Flavovespia
Farfadillis 4–4 Euran Oceania Territories

  Group F                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Farfadillis                     8    5   1   2    18   12   +6    16
2 Krytenia                        8    4   2   2    16   14   +2    14
3 Freeport                        8    3   3   2    18   17   +1    12
4 95X                             8    3   2   3    16   16    0    11
5 Flavovespia                     8    2   2   4     9   12   −3     8
6 Euran Oceania Territories       8    1   2   5    13   19   −6     5

Advance to Round of 16
Eliminated

Third-Place Teams

The winners and runners-up from each group, as well as the four best third place teams, will qualify for the knockout rounds.

   Third-Place Teams             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
A3 Chromatika                      8    5   2   1    24   13  +11    17				
B3 Demot                           8    4   1   3    16   13   +3    13				
F3 Freeport                        8    3   3   2    18   17   +1    12				
E3 Siovanija & Teusland            8    4   0   4    18   18    0    12				
-----------------------------------------------------------------------				
D3 Ko-oren                         8    3   2   3     6    8   −2    11				
C3 Lochario                        8    3   1   4    10   12   −2    10

by **Dogsmouth** » Wed Oct 23, 2019 10:36 pm

Some time ago...

"Holy shit," Colwyn murmured to himself as he slid and depossessed Laborious fucking Hawk. The Dogi may not know much about multiversal football, but one cannot exist in the GSW without knowing Hawk. Without knowing that Valanora has five titles. That they're perennially one of the top teams in the multiverse. And yet... and yet. This match was still even, eighty damn minutes in, with even arguably The Greatest Player To Have Lived For All Time finding the mud a challenge. They'd just been rolled over by Bolgano. This might as well have been a dream.

It wasn't much of a dream for Meredyth. She'd damn near gnawed her fingernails off three separate times, despite all the work she'd put in to kick the habit. Little details like fucked up nails make things like barking in the locker room a little less effective, when you're second guessing how you look when pointing or flipping the bird. But fuckin' hell, how does anyone keep their head on straight when Allandren Fresco is testing your keeper? Much less one who's let past five in two games? But somehow, dog bless her, Lauren has kept up with the assault. Fuck if Cynthia's gotten anything close to a whiff of the goal, they were on a track for a point. The first point international Dogi history. Against motherfucking Valanora--ah fuck she's biting again.

The timer running low was punctuated with Amelia and Olivia Nygård contriving to get tangled up in the penalty area, but the refs couldn't make heads or tails if who started it or if it was even malicious at all. It was just a profoundly sad bit of accidental mud wrestling that summed the whole match to a T. They'd barely extricated themselves when the refs signed for three minutes of extra time, and god damn if anyone on the pitch actually wanted to play those three minutes. Hawk is Hawk, of course, and managed another good shot on target anyway. Lauren had it hand, though. Leaped like she'd been on a trampoline and pocketed it like it was no big deal. Meredyth still couldn't believe the confidence she had, not with how these games had been going. Ah, shit, maybe that's being too hard. The whistle rang and she'd just managed the unlikeliest clean sheet in history.

Now they just need to get Cynthia to score a few goals.

Meredyth stood outside Cynthia's hotel room after their second defeat to Bolgano. This time at home. And for the seventh straight game, without a goal. This... was not going to be a fun talk. Especially not with the sore shoulder she was about to get barging the door open.

by **Timuria** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 7:22 am

Red Wolves Double Point Tally

by Tufan Nursultan

Baker Park 2–2 Timuria
Jessica LeClair (12, 70);Ismail Burhan (35), Tayyar Ozel (83)

The Red Wolves finally managed to add to their meager point tally with a credible and hard fought 2-2 draw that knocked Baker Park off top spot, though their progression is already assured. The result has gone some way to stabilising the management team's position, with the decision to totally overhaul the starting XI seeming to be paying off at this point under the watchful eye of the Football Federation who are said to be carefully reviewing the management team from here on out.

The match began with both teams on the front foot, with an opening chance falling in the 2nd minute to Jessica LeClair whose shot was tipped over by Murat Yigithan. The ensuing corner resulted in a header from DeAngelo Simmons being caught gratefully by Murat Yigithan. The first chance of the match for the Red Wolves fell to Ragip Eyuboglu who stung the palms of Kyle Moyer who tipped the ball wide. Jessica LeClair would not be denied a second time, being allowed through on goal and placing the ball just out of the reach of Murat Yigithan, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.

A chance fell to Tayyar Ozel in the 31st minute, however his shot clipped the underside of the bar and fell into the grasp of Moyer who almost carried the ball over the line with his own momentum. The Red Wolves would however equalise with a well placed effort from the edge of the box from Ismail Burhan who rarely features in the starting XI and clearly wanted to make the most of this chance. A chance fell to the hosts in the 43rd minute as Maria Fernandez's shot clattered off the bar and was cleared safely by Beyhan Enver.

The second half began with both sides creating ample chances, but being thwarted by the goalkeepers, both putting on excellent performances despite the sheer explosiveness play from both sides. Most notably Azer Erdinc put Ismail Burhan through on goal and he was agonizingly close to scoring as his shot rolled just past the far post. The hosts would retake the lead as Jessica LeClair stole the ball from a ponderous Hasan Maratov and rounded a stranded Murat Yigithan and slotted home into an open goal. Bekir Altingunes looked frustrated by his team's mistake looking likely to cost them a result yet again.

However, it would transpire that his frustrations were premature as Tayyar Ozel found his way past the defence and shot with power past Moyer who got a hand on the shot but was unable to force it to deviate from the target. This goal would ensure that the Red Wovles did not end this cup with a solitary point, but they are still on the lookout for their first win.

Elsewhere in the group Mriin saw off Lochario away from home with a 2-1 victory and Sultanate of Oontaz earned a hard fought 1-0 victory over Cult of Motherbread with both guaranteed spots for progression decided it will now be an uphill task for the remaining teams in contention to ensure progression as a third place team.

What they said after the match:

Bekir Altingunes: "It's rather bittersweet for me, am I pleased that we came here and took a point off a very good side? Absolutely. Am I also disappointed that we had a legitimate chance to win the match and failed to do so? Yes. At this point we're playing for pride and to look for positives to take into the World Cup Qualifiers and there's a lot of both from this match which makes me very happy and if I'm allowed to continue as the manager I'll be sure to note the performances from these players, because they looked like they actually wanted to play for the national team tonight and that matters."

Player Ratings:

Murat Yigithan 7/10 - Despite conceding two goals he had a very good debut and will look to continue to impress in the final two matches.

Hasan Maratov 5/10 - Made a crucial error that likely cost the Red Wolves a win, will need to show growth in the final two matches.

Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu 6/10 - Performed admirably and showed the grit and determination that made him so well known in the SuperLeague.

Levent Ahmedoglu 6/10 - Had a quiet and therefore probably good match for a defender.

Beyhan Enver 6/10 - Made one crucial clearance and generally marshaled the right side of defence really well.

Berkin Batuk 6/10 - His energy was more consequential today, winning the ball back in key areas over and over.

Azer Erdinc 6/10 - May have finally learned where the line is between being an enforcer and getting sent off.

Ragip Eyuboglu 6/10 - Didn't cause too much trouble and seemed ever so slightly wasteful in possession.

Tayyar Ozel 7/10 - Grabbed the important equalising goal and created problems for Baker Park.

Metin Aytacoglu 6/10 - Was not quite able to match the quality expected of Ertan Renda, but then who can?

Ismail Burhan 7/10 - Got himself an important goal not just for the team, but for himself personally.

Substitutes:

Metin Boz 6/10 - Didn't have very long to make an impact, but was solid when called upon.

Yusuf Ihsanoglu 6/10 - Came on late in the match and didn't really have much of a chance to be important to the outcome, still he didn't make any mistakes.

Person of the Match: Jessica LeClair - An excellent performance from the attacker, getting two very good goals and pouncing on an utterly foolish error.

Player of the game for Timuria: Murat Yigithan - Played very well in his debut and seems to be intent on seizing this opportunity presented to him with the team's elimination.

Schedule and results:

MD1: vs Sultanate of Oontaz D 1-1
MD2: @ Lochario L 1-4
MD3: vs Baker Park L 0-5
MD4: vs Mriin L 1-4
MD5: @ Cult of Motherbread L 1-2
MD6: @ Sultanate of Oontaz L 0-2
MD7: vs Lochario L 0-1
MD8: @ Baker Park D 2-2
MD9: @ Mriin
MD10: vs Cult of Motherbread

The next match: The Red Wolves' extended road trip continues with a trip to Mriin, who currently sit atop the group and have nothing to lose beyond the pride of progressing as the top side in the group.

by **Flavovespia** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 7:55 am

Freeport 0–3 Flavovespia

In a complete turnaround, Flavovespia turned up at Freeport and inflicted a 0-3 defeat on them, a result few could have predicted. The 2nd win of the group stage for the team, largely matching the expectations of Flavovespia, and now 4 games against Freeport without loss. Unlikely to ultimately change much in terms of qualifiers to the knock-out stages, it at least lifts some of the pressure off of the team.

Cole changed up the side to a 4-2-3-1, with several changes. Andrew Bullivant made his debut in goal, with a back 4 of Johnson, James, Gardner, Shepherd. King and Jensen made up the defensive midfield, with an attacking midfield 3 of Feld, Hall and Fu, with Mason up front.

The changes did seem to shore up the Flavovespian defence, as in the early exchanges there was little in the way of an attacking threat from Freeport. No shots registered on goal for the first 15 minutes by the host, and Bullivant had very little to do on his debut for Flavovespia. That said, Flavovespia weren’t overly creative at the other end, Feld and Fu on the wings were struggling to get into the game, leaving Hall with a lot of work to do.

The first half burst into life in the 24th minute, with Freeport’s first real chance. Through the middle, their #9 got themselves into a prime position to hit the net, but could only blast a shot into the path of Bullivant, who pushed it away. Then at the other end, Mason was set through on goal, but his attempt with a chipped shot saw it go skyward, and nowhere near the net.

It seemed like there was no shortage of action with both teams getting shots on target in the later stages of the first half, however ultimately the first half would remain scoreless. Flavovespia were likely the happier of the two sides, not conceding an early goal, playing well away from home, and the formation change seemingly working to a degree.

Into the second half, and Flavovespia came close in the 50th minute, with a good cross from Johnson. However Mason couldn’t steer his header goalwards, and the score remained 0-0. Cole had seen enough, and in a few minutes Mason was subbed off for Ramon Martin. Freeport responded with a quick attack of their own, but the #10 overran the ball, and couldn’t get a shot away before the ball went out for a goal kick.

It was the 64th minute when there was a breakthrough and it was the substitute Ramon Martin who scored the first goal of the game and his first international goal. Hall got clear of the defender marking him, and worked a neat through ball to Martin. A good shot took the ball beyond the keeper and into the net, making it 0-1 to the visitors. Flavovespia had an away lead, and were hoping to turn it into a victory.
75 minutes in, and the visitors managed to double up the lead. This time Martin was the provider and Hall the scorer. Martin dropped deep to receive a ball. The centre backs took the bait, leaving a large hole for Hall to burst into. Hall stayed onside, despite Freeport protests, and had the skill to rifle in a powerful shot to double Flavovespia’s lead. It wasn’t over yet, but now Flavovespia looked much stronger.

10 minutes later, and Flavovespia got the 3rd goal of the game. Freeport were pushing up to find a goal, and were left vulnerable at the back. With their right flank exposed, Guoliang Fu had plenty of space to dribble the ball unchallenged into the box. The Freeport keeper tried to close him down, but was dribbled past by Fu, who then tapped it into an empty net. 0-3, and the game looked all but settled.

There was little late drama, Flavovespia content to sit on a 3 goal lead, and Freeport unable to break down the defence or midfield of Flavovespia. At full-time it was 0-3, and Flavovespia had taken a very impressive away win, with a change in setup and personnel on the pitch looking good, and with plenty of positives to take away.

Qualification to the knockout stages still looks a distant dream, as it requires more upsets to get enough points. However with 8 points on the board now, Flavovespia will come away from the AOCAF reasonably happy, with hopefully a platform to build off of for World Cup 84 and AOCAF 60 in the upcoming years.

by **Banija** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 10:41 am

Part I
Part II

The Busukuma Post
Covering All of Banija, All of our News, All of the Time

Where we stand- analyzing the last election results

Kizza Makoni at the Collective Resistance Union's campaign kickoff rally

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- Elections, of course do not occur in a vacuum- they occur often in the shadow of the previous election held. And that is most certainly true in Banija. In this second part of the three part election preparation, we will go in depth over the results of the last election, analyze them, and talk about what they mean for this upcoming election. We'll talk about who won it, why they won it, and simply interesting things to note.

First, of course- the raw results.

Key to Raw Results
National Capitol Region- Coterminous with Busukuma, the national capitol. Its own legal region, has limited self-governance
CRU- Collective Resistance Union. Banija's most left-wing party.
FJP- Free Justice Party. Center-left, mostly centrist. Formerly the dominant force on the left pre-Mutebi. Shell of its former self.
PPM- People's Protection Movement. Center-right. Major party on the right.
CPL- Christian Patriots League. Hard-right. Extremely socially conservative, propped up Mutebi's government but largely seen as sidelined in that Administration.
PV- Popular vote.

1. Banija's largest region, Moravica, a bastion of the right

The Moravica region has always been known as a right-wing region, and it has traditionally been dominated by two parties- the People's Protection Movement, and the Christian Patriots League. While, of course, inner Istria itself is diverse, this makes some sort of sense. The Moravica Region is the economic beating heart of the country, and contains 25% of the population. But all the history in the region. The Kasanke tribe, the country's majority ethnic group, has its roots here. The whole country has its roots here. The church's roots are here, with the temple in the regional capitol of Herzegovina City, and the University of Loyola-Istria looming over Banija's largest city in the southern part of the region. It is a region where the left has consistently struggled time and time again, and the last election was proof of that.

The People's Protection Movement almost got 50% of the popular vote within the region by itself, and the CRU finished in a distant third, garnering just shy of 20% of the popular vote within the region. The CRU finished with 9 seats in the region, which to be fair, is not a bad performance at all. Of course, it pales in comparison to what the right has done in this region. Their growth in this region, however, is limited. They won 8 of 9 seats in and around Istria, and a lone seat in the constituency that contains the Northern Moravica University campus. Of course, they will heavily pursued in the country's largest region in the next election by the PPM. The PPM knows that any path they have to a majority is always going to go through Moravica, and while they won 40 seats there last time around, they will look to gain at the expense of the CRU. The Free Justice Party knows that Moravica is a vote rich region, and especially in the Istria suburbs, and they'll try to claw back.

The Christian Patriots League gets most of its strength in rural Moravica, especially in the North, in the exurbs of Herzegovina City. Basically anywhere north of Northern Moravica University is fertile territory for the CPL. That sub region, far northern Moravica, between Herzegovina City itself, all the way up to the country's northern border with Timuria, has the highest temple attendance rates in the entire country. The CPL won 13 seats there last time around, and as they look to expand, they'll battle directly with the PPM in a lot of that area for more seats and influence.

2. Ankole & Busukuma- the bastion of the left

Ankole sits centrally in Banija, the only region that does not either have a coastline, or sit on an international border. It is in what many consider south central Banija, just east of Kitara and north of the National Capitol Region. It is, indeed, landlocked, and very associated with the nation's capitol, Busukuma. While we talk about the bastion of the right, if you look at the National Capitol Region and Ankole, you'll see where the left's base is at. In Ankole, specifically, you will find the only region where the Free Justice Party won constituency seats in the last election. While, of course, the FJP's leader did not win his own, the far southern part of Ankole, just outside of the National Capitol Region's borders, you'll see strength for the Free Justice Party.

The Collective Resistance Union, even in its days as more of a minor party, than one competing for leading governments, has always dominated Busukuma. But still- them winning 2/3s of the popular vote in Busukuma last time around was the highest vote share that they've ever gotten in Busukuma. They of course swept the capitol's five constituency seats, as if that was ever in doubt. They continue to make themselves more popular in the national capitol, but their expansion into Ankole has been tough. This used to be the heartlands of the Free Justice Party, before of course the Mutebi Administration allowed the CRU to step in and take control. And now, it is one of the strongest bases of support. If you look at two parties on the same side of the aisle battling, Ankole will see a struggle between the CRU and the FJP, as the FJP knows that this region is their best shot to take a couple of constituency seats off of the CRU.

The CRU will believe in its own ability to main strength in Ankole, however. There is a reason that their most recent party conference was held in Hoima- that vote rich area will allow them to keep control of a number of key constituencies in Banija's most left-wing region, and it is key to building their majority. It's always tough to build a majority in this country for a single party, but the CRU has done it- and defending seats here, when they will be under pressure from all sides elsewhere, will be crucial. And then, of course, there's the People's Protection Movement. They won't win this region- this region has never been a fan of the PPM. But they do hold a seat out here. They would do well to cut into the CRU stronghold here.

3. The difference- The CRU's strong ground game

The Collective Resistance Union generally has the strongest ground game out of the four major parties, and this was very true in the last election. After a full-term of CRU single party majority governance, this was the party that would go to extend their term for another 5 years, earning 265 seats- 124 of the seats awarded via proportional vote, and a strong showing in the constituencies, earning 141 first past the post seats. But of course, their own results were astonishing- they had won over 45% of the popluar vote, 15 points ahead of the People's Protection Movement, and almost 40 points ahead of the Free Justice Party, who after being so strong for so long in Banija, just barely limped ahead of the finish line to even get proportional seats.

What made the difference for them? Their ground game. Dr. Aloysius Nnangobya, the Chair of the Political science department at Northern Moravica University, and older brother of the more famous Dr. Sololeya Fekadu, said that the energy around Kizza Makoni was still extremely strong in the last election. "Of course, in the election prior to the last election, every party in the country was tainted except for the CRU- they simply walked into a majority." Said Dr. Nnangobya. "But for the re-election campaign that they used last cycle, they did well to keep their majority. Their popularity is fading, and their institutional advantage of being seen as 'non-tainted' is certainly going away, but it has not faded completely. 15 points in the national popular vote is a huge gap to make up for the PPM, and with the strength of Makoni's ground game, it may be next to impossible.

Look at the regions we'd consider swing- Hangaza, Banija's second largest region, saw the CRU win just shy of 50% of the popular vote, and nearly three quarters of the regions constituencies. That'll be heavily targeted by the pols at PPM. Aksum, while a smaller region, has a PPM-CPL coalition as the regional government. They could certainly make in roads here at the Lukiiko, even if its not as vote rich. The chances of being able to overtake the CRU completely are slim, considering the 15 point gap in the popular vote, but if they can get them within striking distance, they know that the next leader can take them over the top. But the regions to watch, have to be Hangaza, Bunyoro, and Aksum. If the opposition can make up serious ground in those regions, it will be close. But if the CRU can maintain their advantages in the three eastern-most regions, then their path to maintaining a third consecutive single party majority is open.

The CRU ground game is sure to falter. There is only so much energy remaining after 9 consecutive years of governance- but how much will it falter? That is unknown.

In the next part of our election guide, we'll go in depth into all four parties, what they are running on, and what their goals are for the upcoming poll.

Sports Headlines

- Lakiska SC and Kadongo Kamu central midfielder Kizza Okafor says incoming Lakiska SC goalkeeper Carlton Sandt a 'fantastic talent' as Banija triumph over Sarzonia U21s in 8th consecutive AOCAF LIX Group stage victory
- Banijan national team players under pressure to complete window dealings before the AOCAF knockout stages as Marcus Waters asks for his players 'undivided attention' after AOCAF group play
- Namakula Kawesa causes small controversy by endorsing the Collective Resistance Union in the next election- told to 'stick to sports'
- Banijan tops AOCAF group with two games remaining as they triumph over Sarzonia, 5-3, at the Stadium of the Restoration

by **Freeport Isles** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 12:38 pm

The Confederation of Freeport
National Hoofball Team - AOCAF Cup 59 Roster

Introduction
Introduction

Quick Facts
AOCAF Ranking: 30th (3.55 pts.)
Style Modifier: +3.25
Nickname: The Condottieri
All-Time Record: 31-28-43 (0-0-0 at AOCAF Cup 59)
Major Achievements: Fourth Place (Baptism of Fire 68); Qualified (Cup of Harmony 73, Cup of Harmony 75)

Team Uniforms

Home - Away - Third

The Freeport national hoofball team receives its kits from Generosity Sporting Equipment, an Equestria-based sportswear company that has recently begun to stake a claim on the international hoofball kit market, with teams in Atlantian Oceania and Esportiva among those to hire their designers.

Group F
The Condottieri have been drawn into Group F for the group stage of the 59th AOCAF Cup, alongside Farfadillis, 95X, the Euran Oceanian Territories, Krytenia, and Flavovespia.

#6 -

Farfadillis (28.32 pts.)
#12 -

95X (13.76 pts.)
#19 -

Euran Oceania Territories (9.75 pts.)
#26 -

Krytenia (5.52 pts.)
#30 -

Freeport (3.55 pts.)
UR -

Flavovespia (0.00 pts.)

Tournament Schedule

Group Stage - Group F
MD1: Freeport vs. Krytenia at Condottieri Coliseum (cap. 94,925) in Freeport, FPT
MD2: Freeport vs. 95X at West Wharf Park (cap. 54,850) in Freeport, FPT
MD3: Flavovespia vs. Freeport at Rovers Arena (cap. 55,000) in Loxthorpe, FVA
MD4: Freeport vs. Euran Oceania Territories at Archon Arena (cap. 60,495) in Freeport, FPT
MD5: Farfadillis vs. Freeport at La Fantás (cap. 100,000) in Ferdullaele, FFD
MD6: Krytenia vs. Freeport at Isserson Olympic Stadium (cap. 100,000) in Emberton, KRY
MD7: 95X vs. Freeport at 95X International Stadium (cap. Unknown) in Pacific City, NFX
MD8: Freeport vs. Flavovespia at Black Spire Stadium (cap. 49,990) in Freeport, FPT
MD9: Euran Oceania Territories vs. Freeport at Flynn Arena (cap. 96,500) in Fligsive, EOT
MD10: Freeport vs. Farfadillis at Condottieri Coliseum (cap. 94,925) in Freeport, FPT

Roster Pool (Group Stage)

Goalkeepers
Position Summary

GK - #1 - Kukiri (Zebra - Female) - 30 y/o -

Klyde (FSF Härlighet Ligan) - -C-
GK - #13 - Night Thunder (Pegasus - Male) - 23 y/o -

Bruul Skewers (MNL Premier Division)
GK - #20 - Aideen Carman (Human - Female) - 25 y/o -

Westpike (Brenecian A-League)
GK - #28 - Soulful Wish (Pegasus - Female) - 26 y/o -

Freeport United (UHA United League)

Defenders
Position Summary

LB - #17- Calyx Dawn (Earth Pony - Male) - 27 y/o -

Freeport United (UHA United League)
CB - #5 - Bloodblade (Minotaur - Male) - 26 y/o -

Crawford City FC (FSF Härlighet Ligan)
CB - #4 - Alastair (Griffon - Male) - 22 y/o -

Manechester City HC (UHA United League)
RB - #21 - Lena Auteberry (Human - Female) - 24 y/o -

Corvette Maulers (NFA First Division)
CB - #14 - Flare Eclipse (Unicorn - Male) - 31 y/o -

Keenan Athletic (FSF Härlighet Ligan)
RB - #3 - Sharp Focus (Pegasus - Female) - 29 y/o -

Carredington (FAE Flame League)
LB - #2 - Spotted Spirit (Pegasus - Male) - 27 y/o -

Canterlot Stars (UHA United League)
RB - #36 - Guinevere (Unicorn - Female) - 19 y/o -

Olask Islanders (FSF Härlighet Ligan)
CB - #33 - Elias Kaspar (Human - Male) - 28 y/o -

KF Werzin (Pug Qusmyra)
LB - #31 - Lesedi Maina (Human - Female) - 24 y/o -

Ritter Town (NFA Second Division)
CB - #40 - Knut Norling (Dwarf - Male) - 26 y/o -

Condottiere (FHA Championship)
CB - #00 - Air Raid (Pegasus - Male) - 28 y/o -

Llandudno Local (FAE Flame League)
LB - #29 - Gumdrop Swirl (Earth Pony - Female) - 25 y/o -

Blashpool City (FAE Flame League)
CB - #27 - Fezzik (Zebra - Male) - 30 y/o -

AFC United of Cierbanor (Apox National League)

Midfielders
Position Summary

DM - #18 - Temptation (Changeling - Female) - 20 y/o -

Freeport United (UHA United League)
CM - #9 - Thorn Bristle (Earth Pony - Male) - 27 y/o -

Crystal Springs HC (UHA Second League)
CM - #7 - Storm Chill (Pegasus - Female) - 31 y/o -

Everfree Forest HC (UHA United League) - -VC-
RM - #21 - Ivory Feather (Griffon - Female) - 22 y/o -

Ponyville United (UHA United League)
AM - #12 - Meadow Evergreen (Unicorn - Female) - 20 y/o -

Bruul Skewers (MNL Premier Division)
CM - #25 - Corsair Gust (Pegasus - Male) - 27 y/o -

Mallox (FSF Härlighet Ligan)
DM - #6 - Eindride Cleary (Human - Male) - 32 y/o -

Herzegovina Phoenix (Banijan Soccer League)
CM - #00 - Lolicia (Zebra - Female) - 18 y/o -

Trebuchet Cham (Zwangzug First Division)
LM - #00 - Dawn Walker (Pegasus - Female) - 23 y/o -

Crystal Springs HC (UHA Second League)
CM - #24 - Gossamer (Pegasus - Female) - 21 y/o -

Condottiere (UHA United League)
RM - #38 - Valiant Heart (Unicorn - Male) - 29 y/o -

Freeport United (UHA United League)
AM - #00 - Emerald Eyes (Earth Pony - Female) - 31 y/o -

Apple Orchard HC (UHA Second League)
DM - #41 - Gristlecharm (Dragon - Male) - 21 y/o -

Treftadaeth Alliance (FSF Härlighet Ligan)
LM - #00 - Player (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o - [NAT] Club Team (ASC League)

Forwards
Position Summary

LW - #8 - Puzzle Piece (Changeling - Male) - 25 y/o -

Crystal Fair HC (UHA United League)
ST - #10 - Torvald Royle (Human - Male) - 29 y/o -

Istria City FC (Banijan Soccer League)
RW - #11 - Sonar Amethyst (Bat Pony - Female) - 22 y/o -

Cassandra City (FSF Härlighet Ligan)
ST - #16 - Cerulean Blitz (Pegasus - Male) - 20 y/o -

Lonngeylin Coast (V-League Stellar Division)
ST - #00 - Brigitte (Griffon - Female) - 27 y/o -

Freeport United (UHA United League)
RW - #32 - Katrien Hagen (Human - Female) - 29 y/o -

Marque (Brenecian A-League)
ST - #00 - Azalea (Zebra - Female) - 21 y/o -

Condottiere (UHA United League)
LW - #00 - Player (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o - [NAT] Club Team (ASC League)

Manager & Staff
Coaching Staff Summary

Manager -

Twilight Striker (Unicorn - Female) - 55 y/o
Assistant - [NAT] Name (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o
Assistant - [NAT] Name (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o
GK Coach - [NAT] Name (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o
Scout - [NAT] Name (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o
Scout - [NAT] Name (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o
Fitness - [NAT] Name (Species - Gender) - 00 y/o

Strategy & Play Style
TBD (Formation: 4-3-3)

Nation & Stadium Info

During the AOCAF Cup 59 group stage, the Condottieri will play their home games at a several different venues in and around the city of Freeport's metropolitan area, with the biggest matches to be held at Condottieri Coliseum, the still fairly new high-capacity stadium built by the Freeport Hoofball Association with the financial backing of the Council of Thirteen for the national team and major domestic fixtures. Regardless of the exact venue however, expect the locals to be out in force with more than a little enthusiasm. Flags, flares, signs, and drums are fixtures at all hoofball games in Freeport as fans will go to extreme lengths to support their team. Fights are fairly common as well at the club level as teams are frequently a symbol of neighborhood or district pride in the city of Freeport itself or that of the smaller cities and towns as a whole in the outlying islands of the archipelago. The FHA is sparing little expense with regards to match day security for the national team, however, so as to not keep foreign supporters (and more importantly: their tourism money) out of Freeport, which is all the more important with the island nation co-hosting the later rounds of the tournament, so fights probably won't mar the match day experience of foreigners.

That said, Freeport didn't earn its historic reputation as a haven for pirates, smugglers, and lowlifes of every sort without reason. The Council of Thirteen has kept Freeport clear of most serious criminal activity, or at least kept it from ruining the city-state financially, since coming to power centuries ago. Crime has been brought down further and some of Freeport's worst poverty and inequality issues have been alleviated with the relatively recent reforms introduced by Archon Sunset Shimmer, but the islands are still far from an idyllic tropical paradise. Foreigners should be cautious when visiting Freeport, though so long as they steer clear of the rougher areas of the city-state and generally avoid causing any disruption to the business of Freeport's wealthy elite, they should be relatively safe. But, as a rule, if you go looking for trouble in Freeport, whether it's from a pickpocket, a street gang, a mercenary guild employed by a sufficiently wealthy (and vengeful) Freeport business-owner, or - if you're really stupid - the Council of Thirteen or the Archon Sunset Shimmer herself, trouble is sure to find you.

Freeport

Condottieri Coliseum | cap. 94,925 | National Teams

Archon Arena | cap. 60,495 | Freeport United (UHA United League)

West Wharf Park | cap. 54,850 | Coastal Corsairs HC (UHA Second League)

Black Spire Stadium | cap. 49,990 | Condottiere (UHA United League)

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes - Only that the player was injured and how they were injured, I will determine actual severity
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes - Same restrictions apply
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes - Please contact me ASAP if you plan to use this for a match RP
Godmod other events: Yes - If you think I might have objections, please contact me first to clear it
Other Notes: Please feel free to contact me via TG or on the NS Sports Discord channel if you have any questions regarding my RPs or requests for more information on Freeport.

by **Sarzonia** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 3:17 pm

The match that saw the Sarzonian Under 21 national team eliminated from contention for the knockout stages of the 59th edition of AOCAF was in an unexpected venue for the Stars.

The Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma.

A couple of sombre Stars players noted with some relief that they weren't eliminated in front of their supporters at Joe Gibbs Stadium in Woodstock, although that was still small comfort.

They had something to look upon with pride; namely, scoring two goals in stoppage time to turn what had been a 5-1 embarrassment into a statistically better looking result. For all his success leading toward his signing for a Banijan Soccer League club, goalkeeper Carlton Sandt had a rare truly poor outing, allowing all five goals within a 20-minute span of the first half.

"I felt a lot of pressure out there to show the Banijan supporters that Lakiska SC were right to sign me," Sandt admitted after the match.

"He let the moment get too big for him," manager Bryan Ostrom said. He said his decision to send in goalkeeper Glen Baker to start the second half was really intended "to give Carlton a chance to clear his head and to give Glen a chance at some playing time."

It was the first time Baker saw the field after his three-match suspension by the team, which was tacked onto the automatic red card suspension he received for using a homophobic slur during Matchday 2 against Tropicorp. During his time away from the team, Baker visited LGBTQ centres in Woodstock, Portland, and Nicksia where he sat down with every person who wanted to talk to him about his comments. Baker said the experience was eye-opening.

"I really learned how words people don't even think about can hurt," he said. "When I was growing up, that word was just a generic insult. It didn't mean anything to me or to any of my friends." His voice trailed off and he got a look in his eyes.

"Or at least I don't think it meant anything," he said. "I don't know if any of my friends are LGBTQ," he said. "I'm pretty sure I made it more difficult for them to be their authentic selves around me, and that's a regret that's going to stay with me for a while."

"That was his idea entirely," Ostrom said of Baker visiting the LGBTQ centres. He also said Baker would still undergo sensitivity training mandated by The Health and Athletics Department. Vice President for Health and Athletics Carter Marshall said he was, "very disappointed" with Baker using the slur.

"We have a standard and an expectation of certain behaviour, and that failed to meet our expectations," he said. "We're confident that Mr. Baker will refrain from using that language in the future. "

Ostrom said Sandt would start the team's final home match against Demot, then Baker would start the away finale against Saltstead.

"We want to make sure Glen has a chance to get out there and show what he can do," he said. "We also want Carlton to play in front of our supporters for what may be the last time in this tournament."

Clearly, though, it might not be the last time Sandt appears in a Sarzonia kit and plays in front of Stars supporters. Sources inside Sarzonia's football governing body report they were giving "some consideration" to fielding a national team and competing in a future World Cup. However, Ostrom quickly disavowed knowledge of the deliberations.

"That's a decision that's well above my pay grade, he said. He also said no one approached him about the possibility of taking a managerial role, or even a position as assistant manager, for the Stars senior side.

"No one's said a word to me," he said. "We're busy doing what we can here to prepare this club for its next match against Demot, and we'll let the chips fall where they may."

by **Valanora** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 8:09 pm

In a normal weekend, the Marauders playing hosts to some also rans in a tournament would be no big fuss, as it is just one of the many mundane things that happens during the course of a tournament. No team gets to pick the schedule that is given to them, they merely have to go out there and play the games before them as they are populated in the fixture list by the way of the group draws. However this was no mere other game for the Marauders against no mundane also rans in a tournament, this was a game about sending a message to a team that had gotten a little full of themselves thanks to what was down to a poor shooting day that the Marauders had had when they faced off in the first half of the group stage. Dogsmouth had gotten into their heads that because of one fluke result after ninety minutes of poor shooting that they would be able to replicate that success and get one over on the Marauders in the Hatire Memorial. They were gravely mistake and were put on blast in front of a packed stadium that was all to eager to urge the Marauders to push for more, though their new manager and assistant had reeled back the attack in the second half rather than stepping on the throat of their opponents.

Each attacking thrust into the Dogsmouth half was met with loud cheers and applause, singing was prevalent throughout the match, and at the end of the ninety minutes, the Marauders were walking out victorious in a three to nil drubbing of their opponents. While that draw in the first half still is the only points that Dogsmouth have to their name in the tournament, it was clear with every shoulder barge, every tackle, and every attack on goal that the team was wanting to leave absolutely no doubt in the mind of their guests who the superior footballing talent was. It was also something of an audition for many of the players for the new assistant and head manager of the team, the team having only a brief introduction and light training session with the new brain trust of the Marauders before the match took place. Several of the players were nervous if they were still going to be in the two new managers' plans once the World Cup Qualifiers came around and now had the rest of this tournament to impress the new bosses.

Impress they did and in every facet of the game and in securing their victory over Dogsmouth, they also secured their passage into the knockout rounds with two matches in spare, with a bit of helping hand to the draw that took place in Ko-oren between the hosts and Anthor. Unfortunately the Vilita & Turori with their perfect record in the group stage have the group wrapped up with no chance for the Marauders to overtake them in the last two group stage matches. With three games where the squad dropped points, it is obvious that they came into the tournament not quite themselves, though without a manager to guide them that is also likely to have contributed to the failure to be competitive with their northern rivals. Still, the squad has seemingly turned the corner in the second half, with some impressive victories and will now look to get some rotation in and more acclimatized to their new manager's style and tactics as they steel themselves for the challenges that will be ahead in the knockout rounds. No man is an island and no small group can make a team, no matter how talented Hawk and the hero quartet are, and it will take a full gelling of the squad if they are to try and be a title contender now that their ticket into the knockouts has been punched.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

BP through, top spot looms
Frank Armitage
The Daily Mail Chief Soccer Writer

Reporting from Shirley:

The Commonwealth of Baker Park National Team were held to a 2-2 draw here by Timuria, but other results made clear by the end of the match that they would be advancing to the final 16 of the AOCAF with 2 matches to spare.

Both Mriin and Baker Park are well clear of third placed Lochario, guaranteeing both passage to the knockouts. As is the case in World Cup play, this means that the Commonwealth have advanced past the group stage in 3 consecutive appearances in the regional championship.

Forward Jessica LeClair would be satisfied if the Bees played the Red Wolves several more times in this tournament; she added the brace to go along with her hat-trick from the earlier meeting, although the defense--which has been a strength so far--allowed a lead to slip away late.

There is one final away day before the squad learn to which co-host they will decamping for the final rounds, a trip to the Sultanate of Oontaz. On the heels of this most recent result, and the previous match between the two sides in Mansfield--a 0-0 stalemate--it is certain that the squad will not be taking anything for granted.

They sit 2 points behind the Reavers and should both teams come away with the same result on matchday 9, they will go into the finale with the top seed in Group C on the line.

by **Chromatika** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 10:31 pm

AOCAF Cup LIX
Match Day 9 Results

Group A

Nellietopia 2–4 Starblaydia
Chromatika 2–1 Cosumar
Schiavonia 1–2 Audioslavia

  Group A                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Starblaydia                     9    6   2   1    19   10   +9    20 vs. Schiavonia (MD10)
2 Chromatika                      9    6   2   1    26   14  +12    20 @   Audioslavia (MD10)
3 Cosumar                         9    6   0   3    27   13  +14    18 vs. Chromatika (MD10)
4 Audioslavia                     9    3   3   3    14   18   −4    12
5 Nellietopia                     9    1   2   6    10   28  −18     5
6 Schiavonia                      9    0   1   8     8   21  −13     1

Group B

Banija 5–5 Tropicorp
Sarzonia 4–3 Demot
Torisakia 1–1 Saltstead

  Group B                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Banija                          9    8   1   0    24   12  +12    25
2 Tropicorp                       9    5   2   2    19   15   +4    17
3 Demot                           9    4   1   4    19   17   +2    13 vs. Banija (MD10)
4 Saltstead                       9    2   4   3    12   15   −3    10 vs. Sarzonia (MD10)
5 Sarzonia                        9    2   1   6    17   25   −8     7
6 Torisakia                       9    1   1   7    10   17   −7     4

Group C

Sultanate of Oontaz 1–5 Baker Park
Cult of Motherbread 1–1 Lochario
Mriin 5–4 Timuria

  Group C                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Mriin                           9    7   2   0    30   17  +13    23
2 Baker Park                      9    6   3   0    26    8  +18    21
3 Lochario                        9    3   2   4    11   13   −2    11 vs. Sultanate of Oontaz (MD10)
4 Sultanate of Oontaz             9    2   3   4     9   13   −4     9 @   Lochario (MD10)
5 Cult of Motherbread             9    2   2   5    11   20   −9     8 @   Timuria (MD10)
6 Timuria                         9    0   2   7    10   26  −16     2

Group D

Bolgano 1–4 Ko-oren
Vilita & Turori 3–1 Valanora
Dogsmouth 0–0 Anthor

  Group D                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Vilita & Turori                 9    9   0   0    29   10  +19    27
2 Valanora                        9    5   1   3    17    9   +8    16 vs. Bolgano (MD10)
3 Ko-oren                         9    4   2   3    10    9   +1    14 vs. Dogsmouth (MD10)
4 Anthor                          9    2   4   3     9    8   +1    10
5 Bolgano                         9    2   1   6    11   23  −12     7
6 Dogsmouth                       9    0   2   7     0   17  −17     2

Group E

Qasden 3–1 Hapilopper
Gyatso-kai 0–2 Equestria
Busoga Islands 4–3 Siovanija & Teusland

  Group E                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Equestria                       9    9   0   0    29    6  +23    27
2 Qasden                          9    6   0   3    22   14   +8    18
3 Siovanija & Teusland            9    4   0   5    21   22   −1    12 vs. Gyatso-kai (MD10)
4 Busoga Islands                  9    3   1   5    18   24   −6    10 @   Hapilopper (MD10)
5 Gyatso-kai                      9    2   1   6    10   21  −11     7
6 Hapilopper                      9    1   2   6    12   25  −13     5

Group F

Farfadillis 5–3 Krytenia
Euran Oceania Territories 3–1 Freeport
Flavovespia 2–1 95X

  Group F                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Farfadillis                     9    6   1   2    23   15   +8    19
2 Krytenia                        9    4   2   3    19   19    0    14 vs. Flavovespia (MD10)
3 Freeport                        9    3   3   3    19   20   −1    12 vs. Farfadillis (MD10)
4 Flavovespia                     9    3   2   4    11   13   −2    11 @   Krytenia (MD10)
5 95X                             9    3   2   4    17   18   −1    11 vs. Euran Oceania Territories (MD10)
6 Euran Oceania Territories       9    2   2   5    16   20   −4     8

Advance to Round of 16
Eliminated

Third-Place Teams

The winners and runners-up from each group, as well as the four best third place teams, will qualify for the knockout rounds. The group winners will be seeded 1st-6th, the runners-up will be seeded 7th-12th, and third place teams will be seeded 13th-16th.

   Third-Place Teams             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
A3 Cosumar                         9    6   0   3    27   13  +14    18				
D3 Ko-oren                         9    4   2   3    10    9   +1    14				
B3 Demot                           9    4   1   4    19   17   +2    13				
E3 Siovanija & Teusland            9    4   0   5    21   22   −1    12				
-----------------------------------------------------------------------				
F3 Freeport                        9    3   3   3    19   20   −1    12				
C3 Lochario                        9    3   2   4    11   13   −2    11

by **Banija** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:50 am

Part I
Part II
Part III

The Busukuma Post
Covering All of Banija, All of our News, All of the Time

Live Election Blog

A Banijan woman casts her ballot in Herzegovina City

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- And here we are! The night has arrived, all the politicos and aspiring politicos can rejoice- the people have gone to the polls! Will Kizza Makoni continue as the Katikkiro, or will the Kiongozi get the promotion he has been working for his whole life? Who will vote for whom? The election has been tightening across the campaign, as the People's Protection Movement especially awaits with bated breath- could they overcome what was a 15 point deficit from the last election, to even win? Seems unlikely, but you never know how the ball will bounce sometimes.

*All times are Banijan Standard Time

Election Day

7:00 AM- The first polls have opened! Aksum and Hangaza polling stations are open. There are long lines in places throughout the country, as many expect similar turnout to last time- Banijan voter turnout generally stays stable, around 50 million voters. Of course, there are reported longer waiting lines than usual in rural polling places in Aksum, with our reporters telling us that it's going to be a long night out there.

8:00 AM- The next polling stations are open. Bunyoro, Buganda, Ankole, and Busukuma have all opened.

8:30 AM- Moravica's polling stations are now open.

9:00 AM- Polls have opened across the entire country, with Kitara opening their polls at 9 AM. While, of course, it's extremely early, there's a surprise in light lines being reported from Istria. There is heavy turnout among the Farfadillis refugee community in Busukuma, who should be a firewall for the Collective Resistance Union.

9:30 AM- Now seems like a good reminder to say that the Royal Election Commission is hosting election observers from multiple nations. The governments of the Equestrian States, the Freeport Isles, and Siovanija & Teusland, all in the Glorious Southwest, have sent election observers throughout Banija. With Election Day today, and Count day tomorrow, we imagine the next time they'll sleep is in two days from now, eh?

10:15 AM- Another reminder that the Royal Election Commission is hosting election observers from outside of Atlantian Oceania as well. The United Republicans Party, a political party in the Sherpa Empire, has sent observers. And a pair of Esportiva based organizations have sent observers. The National World Freedoms Committee, a NGO based in Damukuni, has sent election observers. The South Esportiva Treaty Organization, via its Special Commission on Multiversal Freedoms, has also sent election observers. The art of the Banijan election- they'll surely enjoy it.

1:30 PM- As voting continues throughout Banija, let's talk briefly about the Kadongo Kamu- what the heck happened at Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den? Banija's last home game of the AOCAF, 10 total goals between them. Of course, you can check out our sister publication, the All-Banija Sports Magazine, for further analysis, but that'll certainly be one to follow. After 360 consecutive scoreless minutes, they've allowed 8 goals in their last two home games at the AOCAF. Will the Banijan back line prevent them from finally getting a major tournament trophy?

3:00 PM- We've been watching the lay of the land. All quiet's on the electoral front, so they say, for now. As is tradition, the RRP, The Radical Republican Party, staged peaceful protests outside of a few election booths. There were no other incidents regarding them. They are a minor political party, banned from the ballot by the Guardian Council for advocating republicanism in the Kingdom, and for advocating the elimination of the Puritan Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a national church. It is, of course, the third straight election they have been banned, and they traditionally protests at polling stations. RRP protesters were found in Istria, in Busukuma, and in Hoima.

4:45 PM- A small power outage has been reported in a neighborhood in Pumbasa, Buganda- a city of 155,000. The Royal Election Commission has confirmed that effected polling stations will be allowed to stay open late. The effected constituency in question is the North of Pumbasa District- a projected swing seat between the CRU and PPM. We'll update you when we get a chance.

6:00 PM- There is an hour until the first polls close. Remember, as long as a person is in line by the poll's closing time, they have the absolute right to vote- results don't start pouring out for at least 90 or so minutes.

6:45 PM- Polls close in 15 minutes in Hangaza. Of course, in the country, it is illegal to release exit polls before the last polling sites close, so we won't see any until about 9 PM.

7:00 PM- Polls have now closed in Hangaza. Long lines reported in Jinja City, a boon for the CRU as they look to hold onto the country's 2nd largest region amidst what many see as a rural tide turning away from the CRU.

7:30 PM- Polls have now closed in Aksum. This was one of the regions to watch- it was always going to be heavily targeted by the PPM. Could the CRU majority be dented in this region?

8:00 PM- Polls are closing in Ankole and Busukuma, a pair of left-wing strongholds. Busukuma Southwest is a constituency to watch. The FJP is known to have heavily targeted that seat, a traditional FJP bastion in this heavily CRU region, but many think recent refugees from Farfadillis will keep the seat in CRU hands. The other four seats in this region, of course, will certainly stay in the hands of Kizza Makoni.

8:30 PM- Polls are closing in both Bunyoro and Buganda at this time. The Mukegara, whose polls opened at 7 AM, are also closing their polling stations at this time. Their parties, of course, are unique to that subregion, and sit in the Lukiiko as Independents regardless.

8:45 PM- Effected polling stations in the North of Pumbasa District have been re-opened. Royal Election Commission has announced that effected pollign stations will be open until 1 AM. That means exit polls cannot be released until 1 AM- originally they could be released in 15 minutes from now.

9:00 PM- Polling stations have closed in Kitara. That leaves just one more set of polling stations open- in the country's biggest region, Moravica. Long lines are reported in and around Busembe, great news for the CRU as they strive to maintain their majority.

9:15 PM- Lots of positive vibes coming from the PPM camp. Party leadership saying the party achieved turnout goals in a lot of the country.

9:30 PM- With 30 minutes until polling stations close in Moravica region, lighter turnout than expected in Istria. However, heavier turnout in the outer limits of the region, in places like Slobochia and Suwawa. That'll be welcome news for the People's Protection Movement, who will look to establish Moravica as a firewall, and make inroads in Moravica. Even in Istria, lots of PPM blue shirts were seen knocking doors today, maybe they can take seats there?

10:00 PM- And polling stations have officially closed in Moravica. Shorter than usual lines in Istria, a bad sign for the Collective Resistance Union.

10:30 PM- Well, the PPM is already so strong in this region, growth is limited. But the interesting thing to follow, is the CPL v. the PPM in the Northern part of this region. Good news as they seem to make progress on the right- PPM officials believe they can make gains against the CPL as well here, which would be a pleasant surprise for them.

10:50 PM- Without exit polling, its' really hard for people to tell where they stand? Thanks to the extension in Pumbasa, there won't be exit polls until 1 AM. So all parties seem upbeat- but it's impossible that everybody won, right?

11:00 PM- Outside of Pumbasa, it seems as if voting is wrapping up across the country. Votes are being sealed and election workers are heading home- tomorrow is when the long, hard work of counting votes begins. Votes are being sealed, and per usual circumstances, being held under armed guard- one of the few times the Banijan military can be deployed domestically in times of peace. We are getting word that votes are still being cast in Herzegovina City, in Busukuma, especially Southwest Busukuma, and in Busembe, but otherwise, voting seems to be done. Now time for the really fun stuff, eh?

1:00 AM- Hey, it's count day! And polling stations are finally closing in Pumbasa- God bless those workers. What is next? Naturally, exit polls. Pollsters are going to bed across the country- it's sure to be another long night tomorrow. You know where to find us for Banija's top-notch election coverage!

by **Timuria** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 6:43 am

Entertaining Affair Sees Red Wolves Lose

by Tufan Nursultan

Mriin 5–4 Timuria
Solara Vol (13, 46), Malia Yonen (33), Portia Taani(78, 88);Ismail Burhan (41), Tayyar Ozel (50), Mehmet Karaman (80, 85)

While they were mostly playing for pride no one would have expected such an entertaining affair to take place as the Red Wovles rediscovered some of their attacking potency, though they also continued to be well acquainted with their defensive problems in a back-and-forth 5-4 defeat at the hands of group leaders Mriin. The result confirms that the national team will finish last in the group.

With both sides adopting an offensive posture, there was always the potential for this to become a high scoring affair, the first chance of the match fell to Metin Aytacoglu whose effort struck the outside of the post before it harmlessly went out of bounds. The scoring would begin with a cross being met by the power head of Solara Vol who leaped well above Levent Ahemdoglu and powered it past Murat Yigithan who was found rather flatfooted in response to the sheer force she was able to exert on the ball. The Red Wolves had an opportunity to equalise in the 21st minute but Azer Erdinc's shot was tipped over by Mara Solaani.

A free kick conceded by Azer Erdinc who might have considered himself lucky not to get a yellow card, resulted in the hosts doubling their lead as Malia Yonen fired the free kick just beyond the grasp of Murat Yigithan. It looked at this point as if the Red Wolves were marching towards yet another severe defeat that had been their routine fate at this cup. Ismail Burhan was put through on goal by an incisive Metin Aytacoglu through ball and Ismail powered the ball into the bottom corner meaning the Red Wolves would only enter the break down by one goal.

The second half began in an inauspicious way for the Red Wolves as Solara Vol doubled her tally with yet another aerial duel that she won with Levent Ahmedoglu on her way to slotting the ball past Murat Yigithan. Tayyar Ozel would pull a goal back for the national team with a thunderous long range effort from 30 yards that rocketed its way into the top corner. Ismail Burhan would have an opportunity to equalise and double his tally minutes later but found his effort rolled slowly just past the far post.

As the match began to approach its end Portia Taani seemed to put the match beyond doubt extending the host's lead to two goals. Mehmet Karaman who was thrown on out of desperation managed to ensure the final periods of the match would be entertaining as he headed the ball just out of the reach of the goalkeeper meaning the Red Wolves were a single goal behind. He would then stun the home crowd as he found his way through on goal and placed the ball perfectly in the bottom corner for the equaliser. However, the Red Wolves joy would be cut short as Portia Taani would seal the three points for the hosts as she chipped the ball over a helpless Murat Yigithan for her side's fifth goal.

Elsewhere in the group, Baker Park dealt Sultanate of Oontaz a serious blow in their quest to qualify as a third placed team with a thumping 5-1 victory and Lochario were prevented from taking home all 3 points as Cult of Motherbread drew 1-1 with them.

What they said after the match:

Bekir Altingunes: "Every match since we've been eliminated, I've seen as a learning experience and some of the players who had a tougher time today are much less experienced on this stage than others and that's okay, that's why we're playing them now so we can begin to understand how they cope at this level. I'm sure neutrals enjoyed the match and we certainly have a lot to learn before we can come to places like this expecting results, but there's a lot of positives to look at, but we can't be scoring four goals away from home and coming away with nothing, that has to change and I'll see to it."

Player Ratings:

Murat Yigithan 5/10 - Struggled at times, though he wasn't put in the strongest position by his defence, you can't excuse a keeper for conceding so much.

Hasan Maratov 5/10 - Had a difficult match, will need to learn from this to keep his place in the squad.

Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu 6/10 - Managed to put in a gritty, tough performance, but ultimately was part of a unit that struggle mightily.

Levent Ahmedoglu 5/10 - Was made to look very weak in the air, not a good sign for a centre back.

Beyhan Enver 6/10 - Had a quiet, solid day, but can't really hang his hat on anything great that he did.

Berkin Batuk 6/10 - A lot of the energy he brings to open play is appreciated by both fans and teammates, but too often it leads to nothing.

Azer Erdinc 5/10 - Fouled far too often and put his teammates in unnecessarily difficult positions throughout.

Ragip Eyuboglu 6/10 - Created a couple of good chances, but didn't really excel.

Tayyar Ozel 7/10 - Grabbed an excellent goal and looked dangerous whenever he was in possession.

Metin Aytacoglu 7/10 - Showed that he had promise as a creator of chances with a good assist.

Ismail Burhan 7/10 - Scored a good goal, but missed the arguably easier chance. Still overall a good day for him.

Substitutes:

Mehmet Karaman 8/10 - Came off the bench and showed his value with two very good goals at a critical time.

Metin Boz 6/10 - Was brought on to solidify the defence, suffice to say that it made little difference, though that wasn't his fault.

Person of the Match: Solara Vol - She put in a complete performance, the only thing missing was the third goal to complete the hat-trick, but other than that, she more than earned this.

Player of the game for Timuria: Mehmet Karaman - He can hardly be blamed for his efforts being for nothing because of the final result, but the fact that he offers something off the bench may ensure he remains in the national team's plans going forward.

Schedule and results:

MD1: vs Sultanate of Oontaz D 1-1
MD2: @ Lochario L 1-4
MD3: vs Baker Park L 0-5
MD4: vs Mriin L 1-4
MD5: @ Cult of Motherbread L 1-2
MD6: @ Sultanate of Oontaz L 0-2
MD7: vs Lochario L 0-1
MD8: @ Baker Park D 2-2
MD9: @ Mriin L 4-5
MD10: vs Cult of Motherbread

The next match: The Red Wolves will put this campaign behind them and look to move on quickly after dissecting exactly what went wrong, but they have a final home match against Cult of Motherbread who have performed well given expectations for them coming into the tournament.

by **Flavovespia** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 10:33 am

Flavovespia 2–1 95X

Another win puts Flavovespia above the pre-season expectations of almost all of their fans, and means with just one group game left, Flavoespia could still make it into the final 16. More reaction and previews of that to come later, but for now it’s time to review an impressive home win.

It was almost the same line-up as the previous match for Flavovespia, including the choice to go with a 4-2-3-1. The only change was Martin being given the opportunity to start ahead of Mason, at the front of the attack. Bullivant still had the keeper role ahead of Dobson, after the former got a debut clean sheet.

It was a tentative start for both teams. Both wanted a win to have a chance to get into the next round, although for Flavovespia it was almost essential, whereas 95X could get by with a draw at Flavovespia. The first big opportunity went to 95X, but Sydney Hardin couldn’t get any curl on her shot, as it flew wide of Bullivant’s far post. That was the main action in the early exchanges

It all changed in the 20th minute. James King had a free kick right hand side of the goal from 27 metres out. He went direct with a curling shot, and it beat Lauren Hills, and hit the back of the net, to give the hosts the lead. The game was well and truly on, with Flavovespia now looking at another potential upset, and their first big home win in international football.

Flavovespia would have been delighted with a 1 goal lead at half time, but in the 36th minute they managed to double their lead. Ramon Martin got his second in 2 games. From a high ball by Steven Hall, Martin knocked the ball down, before a half-volley beyond the arms of Hills and into the goal, to double the home advantage. 2-0 up to the Pot 2 team of Group F, and Flavovespia were doing everything they needed to and more to get an upset.

At half time it was 2-0, and there was delight amongst the home crowd at Hadford Hill. The atmosphere in Highland Road was electric, with a real sense of pride in the national side. Nevertheless, Cole was keen to make sure the players knew it wasn’t over yet, having seen Flavovespia throw away leads before.

Coming out in the second half, 95X were going for goals, and quickly. 2 quick shots by Roisin Dart were well saved by Bullivant, as Flavovespia were pushed back into their own half to contain the threat of 95X. It looked like there would be goals, either from 95X or a Flavovespian counter attack.

It was the 58th minute when 95X got their first goal of the game. From a corner whipped in from the right, Alix Ajax got to the ball first, and put it beyond the reach of Bullivant and into the goal. The score was now 2-1, and 95X looked like they could grab an equaliser imminently. For Flavovespia, there were nervy times ahead.

Just 3 minutes later, and against the run of play, Feld nearly restored the 2 goal lead. Cutting in from the wing, he went for a powerful scoop shoot to try and beat Hills. The shot did, but kept rising, and grazed the top of the crossbar as it flew above the goal, to the disappointment of the home fans behind the back of the goal. It was a sign that both teams still had the potential to get more goals.

As the minutes ticked on, the nervousness of the crowd grew, but so did the sense that they could pull off another win against 95X. The whole defence seemed to be working in harmony, and with Wolfson and Winward coming on for Fu and Feld, the midfield looked defensively strong at the expense of some attacking ability. With every failed through ball and missed shot, the cheers got louder. At the start of injury time, Ajax went for the equaliser with a spectacular overhead kick, that was well held by Bullivant who fell on the ball. That was the last big opportunity of the game, with Flavovespia able to kill off the final few minutes.

There were immense cheers at the final whistle as Flavovespia secured a famous home victory. The team were now on double figures in the group stage, ahead of all expectations, they weren’t yet eliminated, and there was a real sense that it was all beginning to come together.

Flavovespia now have 1 last match in the group stage, away at Krytenia. To qualify for the final 16, Flavovespia have to win to stand a chance. To finish ahead of Krytenia, that win has to be by at least 2 goals. That would leave Flavovespia on 14 points with a goal difference of at least 0. Should Flavovespia win, and Freeport don’t in that case, Flavovespia finish 2nd and Freeport 3rd, otherwise Freeport are 2nd and Flavovespia 3rd. A result of Krytenia 2nd, Flavovespia 3rd, Freeport 4th will occur with a 1 goal Flavovespia victory and Freeport not winning, or a Freeport loss and Flavovespia draw.

With regards to 3rd place if Flavovespia are on 14 points and a goal difference of at least -1, then the best 4 of 6 go through. Cosumar are through already, leaving 3 spots up for grabs. To get one of those spots, Flavovespia need any 2 of the following to happen:

Ko-oren lose to Dogsmouth
Demot lose to Banija, or Demot draw and Flavovespia get a win of at least 5 against Krytenia, or a win of 4 whilst scoring 8 more than Demot.
Siovanija & Teusland don’t win against Gyatso-kai
Lochario don’t better the result of Flavovespia

Flavovespia could sneak through on 12 points and a goal difference of -2, but need Siovanija & Teusland to lose by at least 2, Busoga Islands to not win, and Lochario to only get a draw with a score only equal or lower to Flavovespia. It is also possible to end up with a Lochario/Flavovespia tie for the 4th qualifying 3rd place spot, if both draw with the same score, and the first 2 conditions satisfied. This could create an unexpected play-off match in this tournament, something potentially for the history books of Flavovespia and the AOCAF if it occured.

All the Flavovespian team can do is hope for a win, as results elsewhere across the whole continent of Atlantian Oceania will be vital. Few realistically think Flavovespia should get into the final 16, not least as a 2 goal win away at Krytenia will be hard to get, and other results need to go their way. Nevertheless, win, draw or lose, the whole team have put in some impressive performances, and there is a real positive platform to build on for the next World Cup cycle, and beyond.

by **Tropicorp** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 6:33 pm

Second Half of Revenge puts Techies into Round of 16

Tropicorp Park, Tropicoast, Tropicorp :: It was a difficult start of the AOCAF LIX Campaign for the Tropicorp Techies who suffered a 4-1 defeat in their matchday one opener against Demot. Tropicorp also became the first victim of the Dynamo at their Skyhaven Citadel in major internationstatal competition this modern era thanks to the extended format of the 59th Atlantian Oceania Regional Championships which would see a ten-match group phase with six teams playing in a Home and Away Round Robin sequence prior to the Round of 16 knockout phase in the two host nations, Chromatika and Freeport.

After making history by traveling to Demot for the first time in their history, the Tropicorp Techies would have a little more history making on Matchday 2 as they welcomed two-time AOCAF Champion nation Sarzonia to Tropicorp Park in Tropicoast for the very first time. While it certainly wasn't a team that was expected to contend for the AOCAF title, Sarzonia's Under-21 squad was looking to gain some experience as the Stars began a golden generation campaign in hopes of returning to internationstatal prominence. Tropicorp ran out 3-0 winners over the Junior Stars to negate the negative goal differential they racked up in the opener at the hands of Demot before setting out on the road for their first Away matches of the campaign.

The Techies took care of business against Saltstead collecting their second consecutive victory before returning home to contest what was expected to be their most difficult match of the draw against two-time World Cup host Banija. Tropicorp would put up a good fight against the Kadongo Kamu, backstopped by Hanauma Ranbomahi but ultimately were undone by Nwabudike Ugonna's 72nd minute winner.

The Techies would finish up an up and down first half with a narrow away victory over Torsakia before they would break and set up for the reverse fixtures. First up would be Demot, the Techies apparent main rivals for advancement to the Round of 16 with the Dynamo entering the second half ahead of the Techies with a only thing separating the two sides being a single goals differential in favor of Demot. That would all change after 90 minutes at Tropicorp Park as a new class of Cocoabo shown through in their second half performance overturning a 1-2 half time deficit to defeat Demot 3-2. It gave Tropicorp a three point buffer over the third position and back in the drivers seat for a potential place in the Round of 16.

From there Tropicorp would make their first ever trip to Woodstock, Sarzonia - home of some great moments in Sporting History. Hanauma Ranbomahi would keep a clean sheet as Tropicorp would become the first team to keep the Sarzonia Under-21's off the scoresheet at the Gibbs Stadium during the AOCAF Group Stage. While Tropicorp had broken the Win-Loss-Win-Loss pattern with that victory the new found form wouldn't last long as they were surprisingly held to a draw at home against Saltstead that allowed Demot to close to within a single point with just two games to play.

It was setting up to be a neck and neck fight between the two oft-forgotten Regional entities until a stunning fight on Matchday 9 saw Tropicorp keep a rampant five goal pace with home side Banija at the newly-renamed Tiones Lumber Field at The Wolf's Den in Busembe, Kitara while Demot were upended by the Sarzonia Under-21 team in Woodstock. It meant that the Techies had wrapped up the second spot in Group B and could begin preparing for the Knockout Rounds while Demot would need victory against Banija in order to secure their place in the Round of 16 as one of the best Third Place sides in the competition. Tropicorp would close out its Group Stage at Tropicorp Park against Group B's bottom side Torisakia before moving on to Chromatika and Freeport in search of their first ever Regional Championship

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Weekend 2029
Top spot on the line
by Fiona Devlin, Staff Soccer Writer

The Commonwealth National Team approach the final Group C match at Keller Field with a few important distinctions in their favor, as they square off against Mriin; both sides are assured of advancing to the knockout stage, so the only issue to settle will who will top the table.

Baker Park have produced an impressive display so far in the AOCAF and seek to improve on their 12 match unbeaten run. They currently have the second best defense overall through 9 matches and the 3rd best goal difference, trailing only holders Equestria in both categories and just 1 behind Vilita & Turori in the latter.

The group remains the only one where the top 2 sides are unbeaten headed into the final match; only Banija joins the Reavers & Bees, along with the Ponies & Eel Cats as teams who have yet to succumb to defeat in this competition. Both BP & Mriin seem poised to claim spots in the top 8 for the first knockout stage in the event of a draw, and also if the hosts come through with a victory.

Pam Scott will field her strongest lineup in the final home match of this campaign, with an eye to improving on her AOCAF record of 18 wins and 4 draws in 24 previous matches in the regionals.

by **Chromatika** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 9:53 pm

Matchday 7: Chromatika 1-1 Starblaydia
Goal: Conrad '29
Starting Lineup: Nier; Ruth - de Aea - Ibex - Ilya; Thorben - Mora - Armageddon - Conrad; Andisori, K. (C) - Victoriane.
Substitutes: Croix-Pierre -> Conrad ('52), Vidal -> Victoriane ('74), Damjana -> Ilya ('82)
Matchday 8: Nellietopia 2–5 Chromatika
Goals: Andisori, B. '22, Sierra '36, Montague '49, '75, Croix-Pierre '65
Starting Lineup: Ria; McBee - Will - Anderson - Damjana; Kelly - Kuzami - Montague (C) - Conrad; Sierra - Andiori, B.
Substitutes: Croix-Pierre -> Conrad ('47), Ilya -> Damjana ('62), Andisori, K. -> Sierra ('79)
Matchday 9: Chromatika 2-1 Cosumar
Goals: Andisori, K. '26, '82
Starting Lineup: Nier; Ruth -> de Aea - Ibex - Ilya; Thorben - Mora - Kuzami - Conrad; Andisori, K. (C) - Victoriane.
Substitutes: McBee -> Ruth ('62), Montague -> Kuazmi ('75), Vidal -> Andisori, K. ('88)

With the current rate of form that the Chromatik team has shown - thirteen points on four matches in the second half - it has become obvious that the players are hell bent on sending Jillian Nier and Silian Parker off on a high note. Whether it be the entire second string taking care of business against Nellietopia or Keira Andisori shining on a narrow win at the Capitalizt Dome, the Chromatiks would have already won a few of these groups, but with the consistency of the Starblaydii and the Cosumarites, the group will come to the last matchday.

With the tournament being in a straight seeding format with the group winners being seeded 1-6, second placed teams being seeded 7-12, and the four best third placed teams being seeded 13-16, the difference between finishing first and second or third in the group is massive. With the current array of standings, the winner of Group A will be fifth or sixth, the second placed team tenth through twelfth, and the third placed team is pretty much guaranteed the top third seed spot in thirteenth place.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Demot and Saltstead are fighting over third place in Group B, with Saltstead holding the head-to-head advantage; first place is up for grabs in Group C, as well as third place with no less than three teams vying for that spot. Valanora needs to take care of business in Group D to hold off Ko-oren to remain in second place; Siovanija & Teusland tries to keep Busoga Islands at bay in Group E with both teams playing teams currently below them in the standings. Group F is the messiest of them all - only three teams separate second-placed Krytenia from fifth place 95X.

Some juicy potential matchups include Mriin - Cosumar, Farfadillis - Valanora, and the like, at least projected from the Matchday 9 standings.

Chromatika, having made it to the knockouts, will be guaranteed at least one home match during the playoffs, with the hopes of there being many more, with the announcement that the final will be held at the Capitalizt Dome in Chromatik City.

by **Chromatika** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 10:30 pm

AOCAF Cup LIX
Match Day 10 Results

Group A

Starblaydia 5–2 Schiavonia
Audioslavia 1–3 Chromatika
Cosumar 1–0 Nellietopia

  Group A                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Starblaydia                    10    7   2   1    24   12  +12    23
2 Chromatika                     10    7   2   1    29   15  +14    23
3 Cosumar                        10    7   0   3    28   13  +15    21
4 Audioslavia                    10    3   3   4    15   21   −6    12
5 Nellietopia                    10    1   2   7    10   29  −19     5
6 Schiavonia                     10    0   1   9    10   26  −16     1

Starblaydia ahead of Chromatika due to H2H record (1 win, 1 draw)

Group B

Tropicorp 4–0 Torisakia
Saltstead 2–0 Sarzonia
Demot 1–3 Banija

  Group B                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Banija                         10    9   1   0    27   13  +14    28
2 Tropicorp                      10    6   2   2    23   15   +8    20
3 Saltstead                      10    3   4   3    14   15   −1    13
4 Demot                          10    4   1   5    20   20    0    13
5 Sarzonia                       10    2   1   7    17   27  −10     7
6 Torisakia                      10    1   1   8    10   21  −11     4

Group C

Baker Park 4–2 Mriin
Timuria 2–1 Cult of Motherbread
Lochario 2–2 Sultanate of Oontaz

  Group C                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Baker Park                     10    7   3   0    30   10  +20    24
2 Mriin                          10    7   2   1    32   21  +11    23
3 Lochario                       10    3   3   4    13   15   −2    12
4 Sultanate of Oontaz            10    2   4   4    11   15   −4    10
5 Cult of Motherbread            10    2   2   6    12   22  −10     8
6 Timuria                        10    1   2   7    12   27  −15     5

Group D

Ko-oren 2–0 Dogsmouth
Anthor 0–1 Vilita & Turori
Valanora 7–4 Bolgano

  Group D                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Vilita & Turori                10   10   0   0    30   10  +20    30
2 Valanora                       10    6   1   3    24   13  +11    19
3 Ko-oren                        10    5   2   3    12    9   +3    17
4 Anthor                         10    2   4   4     9    9    0    10
5 Bolgano                        10    2   1   7    15   30  −15     7
6 Dogsmouth                      10    0   2   8     0   19  −19     2

Group E

Hapilopper 3–3 Busoga Islands
Siovanija & Teusland 1–2 Gyatso-kai
Equestria 2–1 Qasden

  Group E                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Equestria                      10   10   0   0    31    7  +24    30
2 Qasden                         10    6   0   4    23   16   +7    18
3 Siovanija & Teusland           10    4   0   6    22   24   −2    12
4 Busoga Islands                 10    3   2   5    21   27   −6    11
5 Gyatso-kai                     10    3   1   6    12   22  −10    10
6 Hapilopper                     10    1   3   6    15   28  −13     6

Group F

Krytenia 1–1 Flavovespia
95X 3–4 Euran Oceania Territories
Freeport 2–3 Farfadillis

  Group F                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
1 Farfadillis                    10    7   1   2    26   17   +9    22
2 Krytenia                       10    4   3   3    20   20    0    15
3 Flavovespia                    10    3   3   4    12   14   −2    12
4 Freeport                       10    3   3   4    21   23   −2    12
5 95X                            10    3   2   5    20   22   −2    11
6 Euran Oceania Territories      10    3   2   5    20   23   −3    11

Flavovespia ahead of Freeport due to H2H (1 win, 1 draw)

Advance to Round of 16
Eliminated

Third-Place Teams

The winners and runners-up from each group, as well as the four best third place teams, will qualify for the knockout rounds. The group winners will be seeded 1st-6th, the runners-up will be seeded 7th-12th, and third place teams will be seeded 13th-16th.

   Third-Place Teams             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts				
A3 Cosumar                        10    7   0   3    28   13  +15    21				
D3 Ko-oren                        10    5   2   3    12    9   +3    17				
B3 Saltstead                      10    3   4   3    14   15   −1    13				
E3 Siovanija & Teusland           10    4   0   6    22   24   −2    12				
-----------------------------------------------------------------------				
C3 Lochario                       10    3   3   4    13   15   −2    12				
F3 Flavovespia                    10    3   3   4    12   14   −2    12

Knockout Seeding

   Knockout Seeding              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts             
E1 Equestria                      10   10   0   0    31    7  +24    30
D1 Vilita & Turori                10   10   0   0    30   10  +20    30
B1 Banija                         10    9   1   0    27   13  +14    28
C1 Baker Park                     10    7   3   0    30   10  +20    24
A1 Starblaydia                    10    7   2   1    24   12  +12    23
F1 Farfadillis                    10    7   1   2    26   17   +9    22
-----------------------------------------------------------------------            
A2 Chromatika                     10    7   2   1    29   15  +14    23
C2 Mriin                          10    7   2   1    32   21  +11    23
B2 Tropicorp                      10    6   2   2    23   15   +8    20
D2 Valanora                       10    6   1   3    24   13  +11    19
E2 Qasden                         10    6   0   4    23   16   +7    18
F2 Krytenia                       10    4   3   3    20   20    0    15
-----------------------------------------------------------------------            
A3 Cosumar                        10    7   0   3    28   13  +15    21            
D3 Ko-oren                        10    5   2   3    12    9   +3    17            
B3 Saltstead                      10    3   4   3    14   15   −1    13              
E3 Siovanija & Teusland           10    4   0   6    22   24   −2    12

Round of 16 Fixtures
To be scored Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Freeport Half

Equestria vs. Saltstead*

at Condottieri Coliseum (cap. 94,925) in Freeport, FPT

Mriin vs. Tropicorp

at Black Spire Stadium (cap. 49,990) in Freeport, FPT

Starblaydia vs. Krytenia

at West Wharf Park (cap. 54,850) in Freeport, FPT

Baker Park vs. Cosumar

at Archon Arena (cap. 60,495) in Freeport, FPT

Chromatika Half

Farfadillis vs. Qasden

at United Center (cap. 120,000) in Urrheddiao, CMT

Banija vs. Ko-oren

at Z'ai'ai Field (cap. 113,000) in Z'ai'ai, CMT

Vilita & Turori vs. Siovanija & Teusland*

at RCK Field (cap. 100,400) in Alnio, CMT

Chromatika vs. Valanora

at The Tidal Wave (cap. 95,210) in Tihon, CMT

* - Saltstead and Siovanija & Teusland flipped to avoid Group Stage rematch

by **Ko-oren** » Sat Oct 26, 2019 12:39 pm

Announcing the new Second Division

From next season onwards, the Ko-orenite football pyramid will contain a new layer: the new Second Division. From next season ontwards, there will be a single second division for the 12 best semi-pro and amateur teams. For now, a commissioner has been appointed: Suzana Katlagithunten. In the next two months, 12 teams will be selected based on their location, finances, and perspectives. At least for the first year, one or more big sponsors are needed, and that selection process is ongoing. For anything beyond that, here is Katlagithunten's address:

"Members of the press, fans of the game, here it is: the Second Division! I hope you will all join us next season and enjoy twelve professional teams that are all positioned right in the middle of their communities, towns, and neighbourhoods. In the background, we are working hard to ensure that the best candidates will be there in our first season, but know that there will be changes in the second season onwards: there will be relegation to the third layer. We are also inviting prospective sponsors. At the same time, we want to provide the best experience possible for local fans and fans from further away, and we are working with the Top League to secure a good time slot for Second Division games to kick off, so stadium visits will be as efficient as possible, giving more and more fans the opportunity to see their favourite team at work. Broadcasters are also very interested, and together we want to make this league one of the most successful and popular second layers in the Multiverse. There is so much sporting history, so much soccer history, and it feels so unrewarding to put 36 teams in the same layer. This is the best way to put 12 more teams in the spotlights, and to give them the attention they deserve. And even better, it's a place in the spotlight that every team could eventually achieve!"

Based on leaked conversations, educated guesses, and more, there are only a handful of national companies interested in sponsoring the league. There is, however, more than just that: there are several findings that foreign companies could become the sponsor as well. These are some names that are thrown around: Banija's Regional Transit, Mriin's Satair, Apox' Dwilsebank, and several firms from Xanneria: Members Warehouse, XP, and Ben Foster's.

There is no new information on specific teams that would be placed in the first season of the league. It is rumoured that the three most important factors remain 1) profitability/economic stability, 2) popularity, and 3) geographic factors, so there are no repeats from the Top League's heavy focus on just a few regions of the country. It certainly looks like two teams from the same city will not be able to join, and furthermore a club from a Top League city will also be excluded from the league, at least for the first year.

Questions about opening up promotion to the Top League are met with a firm "no", but with plenty of room for promotion/relegation later on. Those that follow the league confirm that promotion/relegation is in the works and we should see the Top League clubs lose their protected status within the next three seasons.

Other rules, concerning roster sizes, and the maximum number of foreign players allowed on a single roster, or how many of them may be on the field, are unclear yet, but these should be very close to the current Top League rules.

by **Timuria** » Sat Oct 26, 2019 4:21 pm

Red Wolves Close With a Win

by Tufan Nursultan

Timuria 2–1 Cult of Motherbread
Ragip Eyuboglu (40), Ismail Burhan (69);Chris (1)

The Red Wolves rounded out their dismal AOCAF Cup campaign with their first win in the competition, despite this match being solely for pride it has given Bekir Altingunes a bit of breathing room with the Football Federation who have been very carefully watching the team's performances in the final stretch of matches following elimination.

The match looked to be heading to a repeat of the previous encounter between these sides with Chris finding the ball in the box after 50 seconds, poking it past Murat Yigithan. The Red Wolves had a chance for a quick reply in the 8th minute with the ball finding its way to Tayyar Ozel whose effort went well wide of the target. Ragip Eyuboglu would equalise before the break with a powerful effort hitting the back of the net forcefully.

The Red Wolves would take the lead through an Ismail Burhan volley from the edge of the area. The national team would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the match, earning them their first victory in the final match of the cup. Now will begin a period of reflection, where Bekir Altingunes will need to answer a lot of questions about the performance of the team during this cup, which fell below most expectations.

Player Ratings:

Murat Yigithan 6/10

Hasan Maratov 6/10

Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu 6/10

Levent Ahmedoglu 6/10

Beyhan Enver 6/10

Berkin Batuk 6/10

Azer Erdinc 6/10

Ragip Eyuboglu 7/10

Tayyar Ozel 6/10

Metin Aytacoglu 7/10

Ismail Burhan 7/10

Substitutes:

Yusuf Ihsanoglu 6/10

Metin Boz 6/10

Man of the Match: Ismail Burhan - Got the winning goal and overall had a very complete performance.

Schedule and results:

MD1: vs Sultanate of Oontaz D 1-1
MD2: @ Lochario L 1-4
MD3: vs Baker Park L 0-5
MD4: vs Mriin L 1-4
MD5: @ Cult of Motherbread L 1-2
MD6: @ Sultanate of Oontaz L 0-2
MD7: vs Lochario L 0-1
MD8: @ Baker Park D 2-2
MD9: @ Mriin L 4-5
MD10: vs Cult of Motherbread W 2-1

by **Banija** » Mon Oct 28, 2019 8:59 am

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V

The Busukuma Post
Covering All of Banija, All of our News, All of the Time

Live Count Day Blog

Collective Resistance Union Count Day rally

BUSUKUMA, NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION- And here we are! All your questions will be answered here tonight- who has won the Banijan elections? Will the CRU win yet another election, putting Makoni into rarefied air with three consecutive electoral victories? Or will the late surging People's Protection Movement be able to shock people and come all the way back to win themselves? Will we get another single party majority, or will the days of coalition government return? All that, and more.

*All times are Banijan Standard Time

Count Day

10:00 AM- Welcome to the live blog! With people going to bed so late yesterday, count day is where the fun really starts. Counts will last all day, and results will start rolling in from constituencies around the country starting around 6:30 PM. Of course, they will roll in throughout the night, and at the end of the night, the Royal Election Commission will be able to announce preliminary totals at the end of the night. Without further ado!

10:15 AM- It's time for exit polls! The exit polls largely agree- the projection is that the Collective Resistance Union will lose their majority, but stay as the largest party. We are projecting them at 235 seats, which would put them around 15 short of a majority. Our exit polling would have them at 235 seats, and projected at 40% of the national popular vote. Those same projections would also put the PPM at 174, the Free Justice Party at 29, and the Christian Patriots League at 60. While they would lose their majority, if those exit polls hold, that would be a strong result for the left in general, as the left-wing bloc overall would have a majority of almost 30 seats. That would give them space to operate. Can those exit polls hold?

11:30 AM- There are no comments yet from any electoral observers. Observers came in, of course, from Freeport, Equestria, and Siovanija & Teusland, as well as the United Republicans Party in the Sherpa Empire, and observers from the National World Freedoms Committee and the South Esportiva Treaty Organization. Of course, the comments from each are uniform- the elections cannot be judged until it is over, and the count process is a very crucial part. The RRP's ban, and the power outage in Pumbasa, seem likely to be condemned by observers however.

3:00 PM- While we wait for results across the country, the Mukegara have delivered the first result of the day. They, of course, have a much smaller population- Banija's average constituency size is around 400,000, and there are just 50,000 Mukegara. Sizani Siyanda has been elected for the first time- defeating the incumbent, and two other candidates, with 41% of the popular vote. Siyanda is known to have right-wing leanings, so not the greatest result for Makoni, but of course, the Mukegara won't determine his fate. But still- if the math gets tight, that could be crucial.

6:45 PM- Results are starting to pour in. Five results from Hangaza so far- and the first CRU seat has fallen. Four CRU holds coming in, and a seat has flipped in Southern Hangaza, to the People's Protection Movement.

7:10 PM- One of the highest profile targets- Makoni cabinet member and ally Xolile Lubabalo, the Minister of Justice who led the failed push to give Matthias Mutebi the death penalty. She holds a seat just outside of Hoima in Ankole, and the Free Justice Party has made her an important target. It's one of the most high profile races- the FJP's leader, Israel Manafosa, has chosen her seat as his own constituency seat. A traditional FJP hotbed, that would be a major win for the left of center party that is trying to claw their way back.

7:15 PM- The Speaker's seat, in Buganda, has naturally been called. The Speaker only faced minor opposition, and garnered well over 90% of votes.

7:45 PM- Two more seats have flipped! Both in Hangaza. One to the CPL, and another to the PPM. All counts this night, of course, will be given in the order of left to right on the spectrum, or CRU-FJP-PPM-CPL-Independent. Right now, we are at 20-10-1-3-2, though it is still early in the night.

8:00 PM- Results are starting to roll in from Ankole, a CRU stronghold. A seat has flipped in rural Ankole- but away from the PPM. The FJP have taken the PPM's sole seat in the region, meaning that the region could see all 35 of its constituency seats held by parties left of center. Lubabalo's seat, of course, is still too close to call, though Manafosa himself says that he is 'confident'.

8:15 PM- A raft of seats in northern Hangaza have been called for The People's Protection Movement, representing holds in the country's second largest region. The present count? 40-10-4-3-2, as the CRU relies on its strength in Ankole to take a raft of seats in the southern part of the region, especially around the capitol.

8:20 PM- Speaking of the capitol, their results are rolling in. Some poor news for the CRU- they seem to be losing support. They'll still win the region, of course. But last time around, they won 67% of the popular vote in the nation's capitol. Now? They are hovering around 55%. They look like they'll take at least 4/5 seats in the capitol, with the Free Justice Party making a play for the Southwest Busukuma seat. Heavy turnout in Farf refugee neighborhoods seem likely to see that seat stay in CRU hands, but who knows?

8:35 PM- Results are finally starting to come in from Aksum. This was a target region for the PPM- one region where many felt that a majority could be won for the PPM. But fascinating results so far. The Christian Patriots League has taken a seat off of the governing party here, with a seat on the Geisenfred border going to the social conservatives, and away from the Collective Resistance Union. Not a good night for them?

8:45 PM- So far, only 4 seats have been called in Aksum. 3 holds for the CRU, and their lost seat to the CPL. But the Finance Minister is in a fight for his life, with his election too close to call right now. Could another Makoni ally go down?

9:00 PM- It will be Kitara to have results start rolling in. Mostly around the Busembe area, where the CRU is holding. They are doing a great job holding off the FJP in a lot of places, outside of Ankole. But in the northern part of the region, and the inland rural parts, they are losing heavily. This is the closest thing to a two party region that you'll see in this country- last time it was 22-8 in favor of the CRU in Kitara, and neither the CPL nor the FJP were projected to pick up seats here. A rural seat has already been called for the PPM, seeing the struggle come.

9:15 PM- And now, finally, the whole country is starting to report. Strength in Moravica for the People's Protection Movement was necessary, and their strategy seems to be paying off- they were aggressive pursued by the CPL, especially in the North, but their firewall seems to be holding. They even look likely to pick up a Herzegovina City area seat from the CPL. A lone Istria area seat has already fallen to the PPM, a pickup from the CRU, and there are three more in the area that are too close to call.

9:30 PM- Numbers are starting to come in more aggressively at this point. Of course, numbers are only for the 250 seats, but here's what we are looking at: 91(-11) - 72(+9) - 5(+1) - 14(+1) - 2(+/-0). The Collective Resistance Union maintaining their lead, but they've already lost a significant number of constituency seats- 11, with 66 constituency seats remaining to be called. A lot of the safe seats have been called at this point, leaving the remaining ones a lot of close races.

10:00 PM- Now, of course, the popular. The Busukuma Post is going to officially project that the Collective Resistance Union will win the popular vote. It is unclear by how much they will win this popular vote, but they remain head. They presently are at 39.2% of the national popular vote, though of course over 26% of votes cast remain to be counted. That means the overhang seats will all go to Makoni, making it likely that his party will remain the strongest. But how much? Last time around they won over 45% of the popular vote to maintain a single party majortiy. They still maintain a healthy lead, but almost half of its 15 point gap over the next largest party at the last election has been evaporated.

10:05 PM- This, of course, leads us to the next major projection. The Busukuma Post is going to officially project that the Collective Resistance Union will be the largest party in the Lukiiko. With the overhang seats, and a 6 point gap right now between them and the PPM, it is too much for the PPM to try and overcome. The Busukuma Post is also going to officially project that there will be no single party majority in this Lukiiko. Not terribly surprising all things considering, but it's now official. They've bled too much to get a majority. But they will still be the largest party. But by how much?

10:15 PM- Two more constituency seats presently held by the CRU, in Buganda, have fallen- one to the People's Protection Movement, and one to the Christian Patriots League. The right is building momentum with its current election results now- could they, together, reach 250?

10:30 PM- While the CRU is the largest party, coalition building will become key. The PPM and the CPL have shown a willingness to cooperate, generally moreso than the CRU and FJP do. This is where the FJP's lack of strength could be a real problem. Their most aggressive electoral pursuit has been CRU seats in Ankole, rather than right-wing seats elsewhere, and that creates animosity. The FJP is seeing positive resullts, but with their leader in a dead heat with a prominent Makoni cabinet member, we'll see what happens there.

10:40 PM- As the CRU continues to lose seats, and importantly, popular vote shares, to the right-wing bloc, Kizza Makoni seems prepared to claim a mandate to govern, based on his party being the largest. Protocol would dictate him being given a chance, but if the right-wing bloc can get to 250, will they reject overtures?

10:50 PM- Questions continue to be asked as CRU share of the popular vote drops below 39%, and PPM seems to hover extremely close to 34%. The PPM are strengthening, and the number of overhang seats come in play. The PPM is continuing to wrestle seats away from the CRU at a constituency level, which is help them at the PV level. But will it be enough?

11:00 PM- A large projection to come from outside of Hoima- the Free Justice Party leader, Israel Manafosa, has defeated Minister of Justice Xolile Lubabalo, with 45.1% of the vote to 44.8%. Very close to call, but Lubabalo seems to be bearing the brunt of the ill-fated Mutebi prosecution. Meanwhile in Aksum, the People's Protection Movement is projected to be the largest party in the region, as they have taken another seat from the CRU. 9 seats for the PPM to finish first, and just 8 for the CRU, with the last three going to the CPL. However, the CRU's Finance Minister will survive, maintaining a one point win over his PPM opponent.

11:15 PM- We are looking at what might be an incredible result. The right-wing bloc, together, is looking likely to win over 50% of the popular vote. It is coming down to the wire- though we have received word that in just 15 minutes, the Royal Election Commission will publish the preliminary seat totals, which will be the final totals.

11:35 PM- The Royal Election Commission has spoken, and boy, were these elections close. The Collective Resistance Union came out with 220(-45) total seats, and 38.52% of the national popular vote. The PPM finished second, with 34.05% of the popular vote, and 182(+27) seats. The CPL came in third, with 16% of the popular vote and 65 seats(+7). The Free Justice Party came in 4th, with 8.4% of the national popular vote and 31 seats(+11). That means the left-leaning parties will be at 251(CRU + FJP), and the right-leaning parties at 248(PPM + CPL + Mukegara Independent). The Speaker in the Lukiiko breaks all ties. While in some Parliamentary systems, the Speaker simply always votes to maintain the status quo, an important feature of this system is that when the Speaker breaks a tie, the Speaker must always vote with the Government.

Instant Verdict

Well, Kizza Makoni looks like he is going to survive by the skin of his teeth. Lost 45 seats, and yet, will likely scrape into a third term. He lost his majority, and he had a real shot of being shoved off stage by the electorate- and almost was, when you consider that the right-wing bloc won just a hair over 50% of the popular vote, while the left-wing bloc won just under 47% of the popular vote. That's a tight share in those combined voting percentages, and it will be reflected in the upcoming verdict. While this election was known for its closeness, it is something that must be understood historically. If Makoni can last four years, he can be Banija's longest serving Katikkiro in the post-independence period- which would be quite a record in and of itself. And with the right-wing bloc getting so close, and yet not getting to, 250, the path for Makoni is there to stay in power.

Kizza Makoni has singled his willingness to work with the Free Justice Party. "We have an opportunity for a third consecutive left-wing government, one that the people voted for." He told his supporters. "We must get the job done." But relations between the Free Justice Party and the Collective Resistance Union, while nominal allies, are not in the best shape. The Free Justice Party gained 11 seats in this election, including 5 of them from the constituency level. But while one of them was taken from the People's Protection Movement, four of them were taken from the CRU- including knocking out a prominent cabinet member, whom many saw as a potential future leader of this party, Xolile Lubabalo. Of course, that's politics- when you work with other parties, they are your rivals as well as your allies, and that stuff happens. But the FJP most certainly went harder after the CRU than they did after the PPM or CPL, something that would not necessarily sit well with the CRU.

He is going to have to work to win votes. A majority of 3, plus the Speaker as tiebreaker, is not much of a majority to work with, especially when 31 of those seats are from the Free Justice Party. It will be a Lukiiko that is likely unstable, and Makoni, who has a great record of generally keeping his own soldiers in line, must keep the FJP in line as well. A minority government, however, is likely- a confidence & supply agreement with the Free Justice Party would make the most sense, and Makoni would not have to give up any cabinet seats for any of his party members. What about the right? Well, they are flying high, especially the PPM. The 27 seats that they picked up was a major gain, and they believe that they are in striking distance of overtaking their left-wing rivals at the next election. They closed what had been a 15 point gap between them and the CRU to under 4.5 points, and the momentum is going in their direction. The Christian Patriots League has to be disappointed. While they did gain, losing a seat in their Moravica heartlands to the PPM cannot make them happy. But with a legislature this close, any of the bolder reforms from Kizza Makoni, would likely have to be put on hold.

An interesting race that got tighter as the race went on, and the result was one of the tightest results in Banijan history. The overhang seats made the difference for the CRU, which is a rare occurrence, but something that had happened here. For our politicos, it will certainly be an interesting next 5 years- though of course, a Lukiiko this tight lasting a full five year term seems almost impossible.

Full Results.

*A big thank you to Timuria for generating the election results for me!*

AOCAF Cup LIX - Everything Thread

AOCAF LIX Group Stage Roundup

Who is online

Region	Total Population	% of Population	Total Seats Raw	Total Seats Rounded Down	Adjustment	Final Total
Moravica	25,000,000	25%	62.5	62	0	62
Kitara	12,000,000	12%	30	30	0	30
Buganda	10,000,000	10%	25	25	0	25
Bunyoro	12,500,000	12.5%	31.25	31	0	31
Ankole	14,000,000	14%	35	35	0	35
Hangaza	17,000,000	17%	42.5	42	-1	41
Mukegara	50,000	N/A	0	0	+1	1
National Capitol Region	1,500,000	1.5%	3.75	3	+2	5
Aksum	8,000,000	8%	20	20	0	20
Totals	100,000,050	100%	250	148	2	250