Shango-Fogoa Premier League

[Farfadillis]

S-FPL Cup Entry Rounds

The Farf section of the S-FPL Cup will be divided into three sections of 8 teams, and one section of 16 teams. The section of 16 teams will be comprised of 8 teams from Ferdullaele, 4 from Kruviš, 2 from Tanazza and 2 from Pacifista (officially a part of Farolera, but separated in the league system for historical reasons). One of the sections of 8 teams will be comprised of 4 teams from Szoirsia, 2 teams from Fröndt and 2 teams from Induja. One team from each section will make it to the quarterfinals of the S-FPL Cup, while also being crowned cup champions of their region, as if it mattered.

Rülândéá Section
Quarterfinals
Mâ Âlâmëómë 7–0 Mí Ní Sí
Dí Maozöxê 5–0 Éspéráns dí Dögá
Rülândéá Kôstä 5–1 Xârëgs d'Îrrî
Dô Fäéýkô 7–1 Vüstersgâés
Semifinals
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5–3 Dô Fäéýkô
Dí Maozöxê 1–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Final
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0–1 Rülândéá Kôstä

Rülândéá Kôstä continue to show their true potential in cup play, this time around soundly beating both Dí Maozöxê and Mâ Âlâmëómë in order to win the Rulandese regional cup. Baraxil Muhaburu was their stand-out performer in these three matches, with the Astograthian international assisting all three goals against the reigning S-FPL champions, as well as heading home the winner against Mâ Âlâmëómë. Critics will point out it's a bit of a travesty that only one Rulandese team can make it to the quarters, but what can you do? This is a completely unavoidable circumstance.

Farolera Section
Quarterfinals
Avenida Leal 1–5 La Nueva Avenida
Flamagua 1–1 Avenida Victoria (1–2 AET)
Tifón de la Costa 0–7 Avenida Principal
Interluz 5–0 Gran Faro 70
Semifinals
Avenida Victoria 1–1 La Nueva Avenida (3–1 AET)
Interluz 1–7 Avenida Principal
Final
Avenida Victoria 5–0 Avenida Principal

The Faroleran section was quite surprising, in the sense that it was surprising that La Nueva Avenida didn't come out on top. Admittedly, Avenida Victoria very, very, very disgracefully parked the bus (read: did not attack with all their might) and won out in extra time because of a lucky goal by Emérico Rayos. Nonetheless, they absolutely destroyed Avenida Principal in the final, so we should not take too much away from them here. That said... well, when only one Faroleran team makes it, and it's not La Nueva Avenida... yeah, things are not looking good for Farf teams in the S-FPL Cup.

Szoirsia + Fröndt + Induja Section
Quarterfinals
René Skaé 1–1 La Brecha (1–1 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Torrhe del Viento 3–3 Rákospalotai (4–4 AET) (1–3 pen.)
Fröndt Libertas 3–0 Flying Jellyfish
Ravasha 5–5 Ferokaril (5–5 AET) (6–5 pen.)
Semifinals
La Brecha 1–1 Rákospalotai (1–3 AET)
Fröndt Libertas 0–1 Ravasha
Final
Ravasha 1–1 Rákospalotai (1–1 AET) (4–5 pen.)

Aaaaaand now we come to quite possibly the biggest upset of the season (short of La Querida avoiding relegation again due to off-the-pitch incidents involving Avenida Victoria) in the form of René Skaé losing on penalties to... La Brecha? Quite literally a pub team. They rotated their squad, yes, but we now fully expect all of the players who lost this match to get their contracts rescinded. Anyway... Rákospalotai will be representing Szoirsia in the S-FPL Cup. Their eight goals were all scored by their striker, Eötrenois Rigozsoldos, who some may recognize as Archard Rigozsoldos' son. Guess we will get to see what the kid is made of. If his team gets to pass the ball to him in the final third, of course.

Rest of Farfadillis Section
Round of Sixteen
Gorfalle Town 0–1 Fryi Frêndê
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–1 Lasupi (1–1 AET) (2–4 pen.)
Fragardallians 0–1 Ferdullaele
Madorre de Fuego 1–5 Deportí­ Agaumi
Prostran I Forzuda 1–0 Vetar Trg
Rivijera 5–0 Miograd
Semota dal Fesé 3–5 Argonna Diguarâ
La Querida 5–5 Los Nudos (6–5 AET)
Quarterfinals
Lasupi 1–0 Fryi Frêndê
Deportí­ Agaumi 0–0 Ferdullaele (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Prostran I Forzuda 4–4 Rivijera (6–5 AET)
La Querida 3–0 Argonna Diguarâ
Semifinals
Lasupi 2–2 Deportí­ Agaumi (3–2 AET)
Prostran I Forzuda 1–5 La Querida
Final
Lasupi 1–1 La Querida (2–1 AET)

Ahhhh... La Querida. Truly a testament to how poorly thought-out this format is: La Querida only barely fail to make it to the quarterfinals. And, in all honesty, they actually deserved to make it there. It's easy to forget, but they are actually a fairly good team when they face literal amateurs. The big story here is that Ausharmuj Marusi went out in the very first game, to a Lasupi team that, to their credit, have looked solid enough to maybe not get completely pummeled in the quarterfinals. This might be wishful thinking.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 10
La Querida 1–5 Mynda Electra
Avenida Victoria 1–3 Busembe Timberwolves
Avenida Principal 0–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Lakiska SC 1–2 Hoima Warriors
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–1 Busukuma AC
Istria City FC 3–1 Avenida Leal
Herzegovina City FC 1–2 Kitara AA
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0–5 La Nueva Avenida
Jinja City FC 1–1 René Skaé
Dí Maozöxê 1–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
AOCL First Round, First Leg
Dí Maozöxê 1-0 Cloudsdale Flyers (EQS)
Istria City FC 1-0 Red Dog Athletic (AOT)

We'll start with the AOCL! Finally upon us, as international club competitions begin. Both S-FPL teams had their first leg at home. Our league champs, Dí Maozöxê, took on the Clousdale Flyers of Equestria, while Istria City FC took on Red Dog Athletic from the Xannerian Oceania Territories. And both S-FPL teams earned 1-0 home wins to start their ties. Neither that dominant, but both able to having scoring wins while not allowing their opponents to grab an away goal. Xíxì Êns scored the goal in Lìbêrêtê, while KHO scored the lone goal at Kabonero III Field in Istria.

A week after the Herzegovina Phoenix earned their first points of the season, they went straight back to their losing ways by falling 1-0 to Busukuma AC. An early goal by Cu Roi Garrard put the Banijan capitol side ahead away from home, who then clamped down on any attacks by their opponents. Meanwhile, Lakiska SC, also in the thick of the Banijan relegation race (anti-race?), lost at home as well, 1-2 to the Warriors. They scored the opening goal in that one, with Ilke Akgun assiting Philena Neuheim, but Lukas Boldfont would score twice in the late stages to deny the Busogan club any points on the day.

On the Banijan side, it seemed as if Kitara AA took any criticism of their unworthiness of a Champions' League spot personally. They had a chance to prove themselves against Herzegovina City, and they took it, earning a 2-1 win away from home to stun the Herzegovina City faithful. Ronald Mickel, once again, was the key player, as the Banijan record signing scored once and started the buildup for the team's second goal, although he wasn't credited with an assist. Elsewhere, in Farfadillis, René Skaé's fourth consecutive game against a top team brought their winning streak to a halt, as they drew 1-1 with Jinja City.

Still, the side from the desert looked particularly strong. Elsewhere in the country, however, things took a bad turn for Mâ Âlâmëómë. An embarrassing 5-0 loss at home to La Nueva Avenida saw criticism from fans reach a fevered pitch. You know it's bad when a Rulandese derby is not the most violent match of the weekend. Fires everywhere, and Farf's angriest fans are, well, belligerently angry. How the hell are they losing 5-0? A number of their players narrowly avoided the violence of the night. This overshadowed a highly anticipated Rulandese derby between the defending champs and Rülândéá Kôstä, with Siovanijan and/or Teus midfielder Henrik Martin being the difference for the champs in a tight 1-0 win.

MATCHDAY 11
Rülândéá Kôstä 8–0 La Querida
René Skaé 1–1 Dí Maozöxê
La Nueva Avenida 1–1 Jinja City FC
Kitara AA 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Avenida Leal 3–1 Herzegovina City FC
Busukuma AC 0–1 Istria City FC
Hoima Warriors 3–0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Ausharmuj Marusi 2–0 Lakiska SC
Busembe Timberwolves 3–7 Avenida Principal
Mynda Electra 2–2 Avenida Victoria

All week, Mâ Âlâmëómë had to deal with heaps of criticism being thrown their way from their own fans. The rest of Farfadillis trashing them for failing to live up to their potential, their own fans pissed that they lost 5-0 at home, and even more mad that a team they thought would at least make the Champions' League, is in the bottom third of the table. After last week's disastrous effort, this game was key. Sisonke police were out in huge numbers for this event. If Mâ Âlâmëómë lost to this surprisingly strong Kitara AA team, then things would turn ugly, fast. But they didn't. Talk about responding to adversity. So much tension, and yet, they played their best game of the season. It took them a while to score, with Latona Basilisk not breaking the 0-0 deadlock until the 75th minute. It was like a wave of tension was released all at once. The visiting fans went nuts, Basilisk got a yellow for jumping into the stands, as manager John Spartan breathed a massive sigh of relief. It instilled confidence in the side, as they scored two more, courtesy of Dimitri Keldoulis and Liam Sæthre off the bench, to make it a 3-0 road win.

Another rare thing happened this weekend. Herzegovina City lost two weeks in a row! Avenida Leal were clearly the better team in their 3-1 win over the Trumpeteers. A lot of the other games this weekend between the biggest teams were bores. René Skaé and Dí Maozöxê played out to a 1-1 draw in the Szorisian desert. La Nueva Avenida and Jinja City also played out to a 1-1 draw in Farfadillis. That game was nearly a 1-0 win for La Nueva Avenida. Many argue it should have been, but a 93rd-minute handball in the box by Fabián Saiz after an unlucky bounce gave Jinja City a penalty. Cassadagan international Madison McClain stepped up and buried the penalty, to give the visiting Black Mambas a draw that they probably didn't deserve.

MATCHDAY 12
La Querida 0–9 Avenida Victoria
Avenida Principal 1–0 Mynda Electra
Lakiska SC 1–2 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–5 Ausharmuj Marusi
Istria City FC 3–1 Hoima Warriors
Herzegovina City FC 1–0 Busukuma AC
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5–0 Avenida Leal
Jinja City FC 0–0 Kitara AA
Dí Maozöxê 5–1 La Nueva Avenida
Rülândéá Kôstä 0–1 René Skaé

Saturday was mostly completely uneventful. Only one of the match-ups featured a good team (and it featured only one good team). None of the matches were riveting either, but the one between Istria City and the Warriors was at least worth mentioning: it might be a bit early to say so, but the Lions might've recovered their form. The 3-1 scoreline was rather flattering for the Warriors, who only managed to score towards the end of the match, when Istria City's win was already a foregone conclusion. Last season's almost-Golden Ball Murray Hunnisett was particularly inspired on the day, assisting Avetisyan first, Huiteama-Omeasoo second and finally driving home from long range for the third goal.

Sunday featured more interesting match-ups but... well, to be honest, this matchday was a bit boring overall. Herzegovina City barely got past a lacking Busukuma team courtesy of an Edmün Çídh header, while Mâ Âlâmëómë reminded everyone that they are, well, Mâ Âlâmëómë by utterly destroying Avenida Leal at Rülândéá Çölíséá. Labeaga scored the first with a header, Çí Xôrí scored the second from long range, Basilisk scored the next two and, finally, a fight ensued between Fejzuli and Basilisk because the latter insisted on taking a penalty to complete her hat-trick. The conflict was resolved by the referee, who sent her off for improper conduct after she, uh, it's better not to mention that, I guess. Anyway, Fejzuli scored the fifth goal.

Dí Maozöxê ripped La Nueva Avenida a new one too, so it was, overall, a terrible day for Farolera. Notably, Xíxì Êns went off with an ankle injury in the thirtieth minut. The fact they didn't even face the best version of Dí Maozöxê probably makes the loss sting a little bit more. René Skaé continue their brilliant run, this time downing Rülândéá Kôstä via a wondergoal from Darijen Vesele. It's not often that you see a right back pull off something like that inside the box!

MATCHDAY 13
René Skaé 9–0 La Querida
La Nueva Avenida 1–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Kitara AA 5–1 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Leal 1–1 Jinja City FC
Busukuma AC 0–5 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Hoima Warriors 3–0 Herzegovina City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–9 Istria City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 0–1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Mynda Electra 1–0 Lakiska SC
Avenida Victoria 0–1 Avenida Principal
AOCL First Round, Second Leg
Cloudsdale Flyers (EQS) 3-2 Dí Maozöxê. Dí Maozöxê advance 3-3 (0-2) on away goals.
Red Dog Athletic (AOT) 4-3 Istria City FC. Istria City advance 4-4 (0-3) on away goals.

Ahhh... away goals. So controversial. Not so for S-FPL clubs this week, though! After both Dí Maozöxê and Istria City failed to turn up for what was, ostensibly, an easy return fixture (moreso given they both had won in the first leg), they manage to hang on thanks to their keeping a clean sheet at home. Bad sign for the rest of their runs, though.

Rashica Horvath has been a brilliant signing but, understandbly considering her role, she hasn't been able to score yet. Well, hadn't. She picked the best of times, as she headed home the only goal of the night as her team defeated Rülândéá Kôstä in a hard-fought match at La Gran Avenida. Simultaneously, last season's champions were receiving a tremendous battering from Kitara. The Banijan team momentarily looked like title contenders. It is likely the Dí Maozöxê backline will have nightmares for a while. In them, Ronald Mickel and Betanni Jetvanna are particularly likely to appear. Their rivals continue their great form. They really took that loss to La Nueva Avenida to heart! This is their third straight clean-sheet + thrashing in a row. Busukuma didn't even know what hit them. What's more, Mâ Âlâmëómë were missing their star strikress because last matchday she had... yeah. Anyway, moving on...

The Warriors' fans must've been ecstatic when their team soundly defeated the Trumpeteers. It's not a rivalry, sure, but sticking it to the Man always feels good. Lukas Boldfont was the man of the match, scoring two goals from half a chance total. Istria City, meanwhile, put nine past an Ausharmuj Marusi defense that's proving shakier by the day. Interestingly, though, la Sindica are doing quite well despite that! But yeah, tough to win a match when you have Huitema-Omeasoo and Avetisyan scoring four past you each. In the lesser Avenida derby, Martelli's free kick goal helped place Avenida Principal above Avenida Victoria. Still, it's a pretty dull derby overall: neither team is realistically challenging for anything this season, what with La Querida still existing (they lost 9-0 this time around, by the way, so that Ausharmuj Marusi wouldn't feel alone, clearly).

MATCHDAY 14
La Querida 0–3 Avenida Principal
Lakiska SC 2–3 Avenida Victoria
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–0 Mynda Electra
Istria City FC 0–4 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina City FC 0–5 Ausharmuj Marusi
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1–2 Hoima Warriors
Jinja City FC 3–1 Busukuma AC
Dí Maozöxê 7–0 Avenida Leal
Rülândéá Kôstä 0–1 Kitara AA
René Skaé 1–1 La Nueva Avenida

You know the state of La Querida when losing by 3 goals to nil at home to the 15th place team in the league really isn't that bad? But let's move past that. The two biggest shocks of the day, were the absolute walloping the two Moravica city clubs received at home. And I mean, an ass kicking. Didn't we just talk about how Ausharmuj Marusi let in 9 goals at home to Istria City FC, only a week ago? Well, they somehow got their shit together, and then some. The Trumpeteers thought they'd be easy, they rotated their squad a little bit, whatever: Ausharmuj Marusi beat them five goals to nil on the day. They were led by a brace from Farf legend Oskar Holsteiner.

They weren't the only pre-season Moravica title contender to embarrass themselves. Sometimes, the Timberwolves style of "[redacted] it" and throwing everybody forward pays off brilliantly. A matchday that had Banijan fans absolutely spinning, the Timberwolves took to the streets in Istria after their 4-0 win up there. Jason Þórhallursson was utterly unstoppable, scoring a pair while loanee from Siovanija & Teusland Jesper Porsche got in on the action and scored himself. Just put it like this. Both Moravica clubs lost, at home, by a bigger margin than La Querida did. I hope some buffoon placed a bet on that somewhere in Banija or Farfadillis and is now a millionaire.

Mâ Âlâmëómë fell at home to Hoima by a score of 2 goals to 1 on this Matchday. And René Skaé was able to earn a 1-1 draw at home against La Nueva Avenida, as they remain at the top of the table. This is a team that are legitimate title contenders by now. There's a long way to go, of course, but they've brought a consistency that nobody else has brought to the table so far. Which is why they're ahead. I mean, it was seen today. La Nueva Avenida outplayed them for the vast majority of the match. But René Skaé just needed one mistake from the other team, and when it was made, they ruthlessly took advantage. A mark of a champion is the ability to get points even when you play poorly, and they showed that today. When they're playing well? They're nearly unbeatable.

Standings after 14 Matchdays

----Team                   Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  René Skaé              14    9   5   0    45   15  +30    32
 2  Jinja City FC          14    7   7   0    31   11  +20    28
 3  Dí Maozöxê             14    8   4   2    34   18  +16    28
 4  Kitara AA              14    8   4   2    32   18  +14    28
 5  Hoima Warriors         14    8   2   4    22   14   +8    26
 6  Istria City FC         14    7   3   4    43   26  +17    24
 7  Ausharmuj Marusi       14    7   3   4    43   33  +10    24
 8  La Nueva Avenida       14    6   5   3    28   22   +6    23
 9  Avenida Leal           14    6   4   4    38   25  +13    22
10  Rülândéá Kôstä         14    6   3   5    33    9  +24    21
11  Mâ Âlâmëómë            14    6   3   5    37   29   +8    21
12  Busembe Timberwolves   14    6   2   6    22   23   −1    20
13  Busukuma AC            14    5   4   5    12   15   −3    19
14  Herzegovina City FC    14    5   3   6    34   26   +8    18
15  Avenida Principal      14    4   3   7    20   32  −12    15
16  Avenida Victoria       14    4   2   8    28   39  −11    14
17  Mynda Electra          14    2   5   7    14   21   −7    11
18  Herzegovina Phoenix    14    2   1  11    12   45  −33     7
19  Lakiska SC             14    1   3  10     9   24  −15     6
20  La Querida             14    0   0  14     5   97  −92     0

IFCF Group Stage Results

Everybody wants to know: how'd the S-FPL squads do in IFCF competition this season? We had two teams, Dí Maozöxê and Istria City FC, qualify for the group stages of the IFCF Champions' League, while we had four teams (Rülândéá Kôstä, Herzegovina City, Kitara AA, and Avenida Leal) play in the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup. Good representation in this league in both competitions. But how'd they fare?

IFCF Champions League
#1: Istria City FC, grouped with Aries Chariots, Rozelle, and Directus. 9 points over six games (2-3-1 W-D-L), second in group, advance to the Champions' League knockout stage.

First, we'll talk about Banija's club in the Champions' League. The only Banijan club with an international club championship, the former champions of Atlantian Oceania. A tough group with teams from big nations only, with those three nations arguably three of the top four leagues in the multiverse in any given year. But this is a league that wants to establish itself as one of the big leagues. And if you want to be the best, you have to go toe to toe with the best. And Istria did so to get to the second round.

They drew twice in group play against the group winners, the Aries Chariots, drawing 1-1 at home and 0-0 away from home, on Matchdays 2 and 4 of group play, respectively. The goal in the home game was courtesy of the Hapilopper international, Murray Hunnisett. Against Rozelle of Brenecia, whom Istria City finished ahead of, we drew them once, 1-1 at home on Matchday 3, the lone goal courtesy of a Madue Akuchi header. We lost to them 2-0 in Brenecia on Matchday 5. And against Directus, we earned both of our wins in group play by sweeping the Euran squad. A 1-0 home win to open the group stages, with KHO scoring the lone goal. And then, needing full points on Matchday 6, we counter-attacked brilliantly and pummeled this Directus team, on their home field, by a score of 4-0. It was a stunning win—one of the most important wins in club history, at least on an international stage. Everyone getting in on the fun of scoring goals. And off to the Round of 16 for them. Unfortunately, they were drawn with Atlantian Oceania's biggest club: Raynor City United of Valanora. Can they pull off what would be one of the most incredible upsets of our time? [Farf editor's note: our Banijan intern might've exaggerated a bit here]

#2: Dí Maozöxê, grouped with Raynor City United, The Keppar Cosmos, and Megabrantid SC. 5 points over six games (1-2-3 W-D-L), 3rd in group, advance to Challenger's Cup Round of 32.

Dí Maozöxê had a less kind Champions' League group stage than Istria City FC did. Being paired with one of the most stacked teams in the multiverse, Raynor City United, certainly didn't help. It seems like every elite international team has a player or two at RCU. Half the skill of managing a club with that much talent is keeping everybody happy with their playing time. But the S-FPL's champion showed they could go toe to toe with the biggest club in AO, RCU. On Matchday 1, Dí Maozöxê earned a 0-0 draw away to Raynor City. Unfortunately, losing twice to Keppal Cosmos would hurt their campaign. A 1-0 home loss on Matchday 2, followed by a 4-2 away loss on Matchday 5, put Dí Maozöxê in a hole.

But lôs Rébélés were great in their double date with Megabrantid SC! Matchday 3, in Farfadillis, they'd earn their second point of the campaign against Megabrantid SC. They dominated for the majority of that match, taking an early 1-0 lead. But they could not double help. They had plenty of opportunities, but could not find the back of the net a second time. They'd rue their poor finishing, as a late corner kick was headed in by a Megabrantid defender to ensure our champions dropped 2 points at home. They didn't make that mistake on the road though, with Henrik Martin and Demba Kinteh each scoring to give them a 2-1 victory in the Squornshelous Remnant States.

Unfortunately for them, they couldn't get another on matchday 6, as RCU downed them by a score of 2-1. Champions' League campaign done, although they were good enough to get into the Challenger's Cup Round of 32. The defending S-FPL champions will take on Eastal Lunar in the Round of 32. Is a win on store for them?

IFCF Challenger's Cup
#1 and #2: Kitara AA and Rülândéá Kôstä both placed in Group B with Advance Alara and Kionao Locals. Kitara AA wins the group with 13 points (4-1-1 W-D-L) and Rülândéá Kôstä finish second with 7 points (1-4-1 W-D-L). Both advance to the Challenger's Cup Round of 32.

With two S-FPL teams in this all-AO Challenger's Cup group, the expectations were high. Who'd win their matchups? Kitara A.A. had already beaten one Farf S-FPL team in this competition, getting past René Skaé in the final Playoff round. The Blue and Whites were simply dominant. 4 wins over six games. Home wins over both Rülândéá Kôstä and the Kionao Locals by a score of 3-2 in each game, and then away wins over Advance Alara and the Kionao Locals again. Those games, by a score of 1-0 and 5-2, respectively. And even with a home loss against Advance Alara, the fact that they got a draw in Ruland was more than enough for them to win the group in impressive fashion. Aleksandr Ivanovich has them playing at an extremely high level on multiple fronts- both in the Challenger's Cup and in the league. Coach of the Year material?

Rülândéá Kôstä didn't coast, but they showed that they were certainly strong enough to also get out of this group. Only one point earned against Kitara AA, of course, but the other two teams in the group could not beat them, which was enough to get to the next round. Rülândéá Kôstä drew Advance Alara twice, with a 1-1 draw in Ko-oren and a 0-0 draw at home. While Rülândéá Kôstä drew at home against the Locals, ensuring all three home games were draws, they got all three points in Vilita, with a 2-1 win over there enough to push them through to the next round. A great showing for the S-FPL: two of our teams in this group getting the top two spots. What more could we ask for?

Kitara will take on Excelsior Zijweg in the next round, while Rülândéá Kôstä will take on Rozelle.

#3: Avenida Leal. Grouped with the Bassabook Old Boys, Sabrefell Moths, and Pitxi-Pitxi 77. 7 points (2-1-3 W-D-L), last place in the group.

How cruel this competition can be, right? If you'd've told me, going into this competition, that this team got twice as many wins as the Rulandese team that advanced, you'd bet on this team advancing, right? If you had told me that this Avenida Leal had swept the Sabrefell Moths, one of the biggest and richest clubs in the multiverse, earning all 6 points against them, you would've not only assumed top two, you would've assumed they'd have won the group going away? All that is true and yet... they finished last. A 3-2 home win over the Moths, combined with a 1-0 away win in Sabrefell, amounts to nothing. What are the chances of that? And yet, it did indeed amount to nothing. Those were two highlight-reel victories. But they'll be frustrated with their result. Two separate blowout losses in this group, once 4-1 away to Pitxi-Pitxi 77 in Tequilo, and another 3-0 loss at home to Bassabrook, sealed their fate. They also earned a draw in Zwangzug, but, combing the aforementioned results with a home loss to Pitxi-Pitxi 77 of Tequilo, their fate was sealed.

#4: Herzegovina City FC. Grouped with Urbizania Wanderers, Riuwiee United, and Ulsa. 11 points (3-2-1 W-D-L), first place in group, advancing to Round of 32.

A highly talented and consistent team, they have always been at the forefront for Banijan teams in this competition. First Baniijan team to reach the group stage of the Champions' League. First Banijan team to advance to the knockout stages of the ChC. And they, behind their 86 year old manager Brian Emerson, won their group. It was not easy, but road wins in both Abanhfleft and Eura set the tone for a successful campaign. This was a group they approached with the confidence of being favorites, and they played like it in each of their games—even the ones they weren't favorites in, particularly away to the Euran side. 7 points in their three away games is an excellent return, one that is almost insurmountable. While they did lose 3-1 at home to Urbizania Wanderers, their 2-0 home win over Riuwiee United and their 3-3 home draw against Ulsa were enough to put them through to the next round.

It'll be a battle of giant clubs, as Herzegovina City (small, local giant) take on Brinemouth of Nephara (also known as the behemoths, the biggest club on the damn planet [Farf editor's note: Banijan intern does not seem to care about hypebole]).

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 15
La Nueva Avenida 7–0 La Querida
Kitara AA 1–0 René Skaé
Avenida Leal 3–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busukuma AC 4–2 Dí Maozöxê
Hoima Warriors 2–1 Jinja City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Busembe Timberwolves 5–5 Herzegovina City FC
Mynda Electra 1–3 Istria City FC
Avenida Victoria 0–0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Avenida Principal 1–0 Lakiska SC
AOCL Second Round, First Leg
Dí Maozöxê 0-0 Likewell Kirk (DEM)
Istria City FC 2-1 Jungle Strike FC (VIL)

Dí Maozöxê should have no problems getting past Likewell Kirk, surely... Key word should, there. Their attack did not look sharp at all, though bizarrely their defense had a very good match. Istria City, meanwhile, did the league proud by beating Vilitan giants Jungle Strike. Kate Huitema-Omeasoo was the woman of the match, her scissor kick goal late in the game likely to end up in her career highlight reel.

The most important game of the matchday was also arguablythe first game of the matchday. Kitara AA are now only one point off the top after their clutch win over the Szoirsians. Morgana Kolak was the unlikely heroine for the Blue and Whites as she headed in a great cross from Ronald Mickel. Thinking of the Kitarans as title contenders still sounds absurd but... well, they've got the league position to back them up. Speaking of title contenders, Dí Maozöxê suffered a surprising defeat to Busukuma, with their ex-player Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì proving a nightmare for their defense. They could be forgiven for letting him assist three goals and score another: they were probably thinking about their upcoming game against Likewell Kirk... but that one didn't go well for them, either.

Kitara's not the only suprise up top, however. After the Warriors' horribl inaugural S-FPL season and their slow start this season, few would've imagined them in the top three. Yet here they are: they've soundly beaten a solid Jinja City squad to knock them off third place and overtake them themselves. Uzoma Iruka took a page from Darijen Vesele's book and scored a brace from rightback. Elsewhere, it's becoming increasingly clear that the Farves are winning the football culture war. The match between the Trumpeteers and the Timberwolves was a perfect example of this (though arguably it was all down to Übermanager...) as the two teams scored five each. Walcott's three goals in the last twenty minutes capped off a fantastic performance form the Cassadagan. Her last one, a beautiful free kick, had Übermanager cursing Jesper Porsche, who'd committed the foul, for a full four minutes. Not a great experience for the youngster, surely.

MATCHDAY 16
La Querida 1–4 Lakiska SC
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–1 Avenida Principal
Istria City FC 1–5 Avenida Victoria
Herzegovina City FC 0–1 Mynda Electra
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1–7 Busembe Timberwolves
Jinja City FC 3–5 Ausharmuj Marusi
Dí Maozöxê 0–1 Hoima Warriors
Rülândéá Kôstä 1–2 Busukuma AC
René Skaé 6–2 Avenida Leal
La Nueva Avenida 1–1 Kitara AA

For a team allegedly focused on defense like Lakiska, it must've been particularly embarrassing when La Querida's Anartz Salayeta scored on them. It wasn't even one of his trademark headers (did you know about 85% of his career goals have been scored that way?), but a screamer instead. Unlucky for the Busogans, maybe, but also perhaps a sign of worse things to come.

Also, what the hell, Istria? It's one thing to lose to a bad team at home—it happens to even the best teams—but to get thoroughly dominated like that... Like, who is Modesto Noralez, and why did he score a hat-trick as a midfielder against a top Banijan team? No, seriously, you'd be hard-pressed to find a non-Faroleran who knows who this guy is. To the Lions' comfort, another two big Banijan teams followed suit and dropped the ball, with Trumpeteers failing to score against Mynda and even conceding a fluke own goal late in the game and Jinja City failing to outscore la Sindica, although it has to be said that Oskar Holsteiner and Joe Green were particularly clinical on the day.

The Warriors keep winning, and at this point you have to consider them title contenders. They are not on the level of René Skaé at the moment, but they. Just. Keep. Winning. This time around, it was Indigo Zap who scored against the run of play to sink lôs Rébélés into fifth place. They were already in fifth place, actually, but they stayed there because of this! The Warriors are not the only ones who keep winning, though: René Skaé made short work of Avenida Leal, with Tulaki Rauogba again the star for the Szoirsians. The forty degree temperature that was reached in minute sixty-four is also an S-FPL record, as is the fact that no less than five players fainted during the game. Unfortunately, one of them was Rogerio Defigueroa in the Szoirsians' second goal. But hey, home advantage can be like that too.

MATCHDAY 17
Kitara AA 5–0 La Querida
Avenida Leal 3–3 La Nueva Avenida
Busukuma AC 1–0 René Skaé
Hoima Warriors 0–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Ausharmuj Marusi 7–3 Dí Maozöxê
Busembe Timberwolves 1–3 Jinja City FC
Mynda Electra 0–5 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Avenida Victoria 3–6 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Principal 0–7 Istria City FC
Lakiska SC 0–1 Herzegovina Phoenix

After Saturday night, we were left to wrestle with two unfortunate realities: one, the Faroleran derby between Avenida Leal and La Nueva Avenida had left seventy-three dead and two, Kitara AA are tied in first place with René Skaé. Kitara beating La Querida was no shock, sure, but few expected René Skaé to look so sterile in their visit to Busukuma. Andrea Vardalos managed to completely shut them down. The cherry on top was Cu Roi Garrard's goal in the 65th minutes, which was the result of a counterattack executed to perfection by Parrott, Mason and Wìjìnì.

Also, a fun fact: Ausharmuj Marusi are now on 55 goals. This makes their attack the best in the league so far. Their front five has been particularly efficient lately: Martell keeps causing problems on the left flank, Perda Raom keeps feeding great passes to the strikers, Lojes de Sájajo keeps showing his quality despite his age, and the front two have been super deadly. With this form, if their defense was even half good (you have to go all the way down to 16th palce to have a team with more goals conceded; it's Avenida Principal), they'd be in the conversation for CL qualification. This time around, they "only" conceded three against Dí Maozöxê, which means the seven goals they scored were enough.

Ausharmuj Marusi were not the only team to score tons of goal, though: Mâ Âlâmëómë continue to show scary efficiency on good days, to the point it makes one wonder whether they could surge up the table in the second half of the season. Fejzuli and Çí Xôrí, when in form, completely dominate most midfields. It was not the exception this time around and, with Latona Basilisk and Dimitri Keldoulis in form too, it was no surprise when the two Nepharans got on the score sheet five times total. Herzegovina City outdid them, however, by scoring a sixth goal: their performance was shakier, however, and especially so in defense. Finally, Istria City scored seven. The game wasn't even fun: dominated by Istria City from beginning to end, los Caballeros didn't even register a shot on target. This is the worst possible humiliation for a Farf team.

The Banijan relegation battle is proving mildly entertaining this season, though the matches themselves have been proving dreadful. This time around, Siovanijan and/or Teus Vidyo Avramov's header in the seventy-fifth minute was the only clear-cut chance of the game. With it, the Phoenix leapfrog the Busogans and are now only three points behind Mynda. These three are only ahead of La Querida, and reasonably behind Avenida Victoria, which does beg some questions about the quality of the worse Banijan teams.

MATCHDAY 18
La Querida 0–3 Herzegovina Phoenix
Istria City FC 9–0 Lakiska SC
Herzegovina City FC 5–1 Avenida Principal
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5–3 Avenida Victoria
Jinja City FC 3–1 Mynda Electra
Dí Maozöxê 3–5 Busembe Timberwolves
Rülândéá Kôstä 1–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
René Skaé 1–0 Hoima Warriors
La Nueva Avenida 0–6 Busukuma AC
Kitara AA 4–0 Avenida Leal
AOCL Second Round, Second Leg
Likewell Kirk (DEM) 0-1 Dí Maozöxê. Dí Maozöxê advance 1-0 on aggregate.
Jungle Strike FC (VIL) 0-0 Istria City FC. Istria City advance 2-1 on aggregate.

Dí Maozöxê did just enough to get past Likewell Kirk of Demot. After a poor 0-0 draw in Farfadillis, they were able to earn a 1-0 victory here to advance to the next round. The better team on paper was the better team on the field, as a 36-year-old Xíxì Êns rescued his club and the S-FPL defending champions from what would have surely been an extremely embarrassing defeat. Meanwhile, Istria City FC was able to take a 2-1 lead to Vilita, hunker down, and escape with a 0-0 draw- which put them into the next round of the Champions League.

Speaking of the Banijan relegation race, the Herzegovina Phoenix won for the second consecutive week, although not against an impressive opponent. Even the Phoenix are expected to dominate against La Querida, and they did exactly that, earning a relatively easy 3-0 victory on the road. Towards the top of the table, you saw some wins from Banijan teams that are in the title race right now. Kitara AA dominated on Sunday night, with a 4-0 win over Avenida Leal that made them look worthy of their surprising position as championship contenders. Istria City FC thoroughly embarassed Lakiska SC with a stunning 9-0 victory, and Jinja City earned a 3-1 victory over Mynda Electra.

There was a big game between René Skaé and the Hoima Warriors, which the hosts won 1-0. A cross from Banijan international Anwar Dawit was headed home by Elemér Miross-Lezocz, which led to a 1-0 victory for the team at the top of the table. There are two teams atop the table right now, with 38 points each: René Skaé, and Kitara AA. What an impact new Blue and Whites manager Aleksandr Ivanovich is having in Sisonke, right? Mâ Âlâmëómë won for the sixth time in their last 8 matches as well, with a 5-3 victory over Avenida Victoria. Aside from the whole 7-1 beatdown at the hands of the Timberwolves, they are really coming into form. THey had a slow start, but they're a team with elite level talent. Are they finally finding their groove in the S-FPL?

MATCHDAY 19
Avenida Leal 12–0 La Querida
Busukuma AC 0–1 Kitara AA
Hoima Warriors 4–1 La Nueva Avenida
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–0 René Skaé
Busembe Timberwolves 3–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Mynda Electra 2–2 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Victoria 1–6 Jinja City FC
Avenida Principal 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Lakiska SC 0–1 Herzegovina City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–6 Istria City FC

Am I seeing this right? What in the world is going on? Kitara Athletic Association have found themselves in sole possession of first place. You read that correctly. On this matchday, they travelled down to Busukuma and downed the Banijan capitol club by a score of 1-0. It was a tough game all around, but the difference on the matchday was a free kick by Starblaydian international Betanni Jetvanna that was bent into the net. This, combined with a surging Ausharmuj Marusi 1-0 win over René Skaé (what a brilliant goal by Joaquim Martell!), have put the Blue and Whites in sole possesion of first place at the halfway point of the season.

There is, of course, still a title race. And a fierce one at that. Title contenders elsewhere made their voices heard. Istria City and Jinja City both pummeled their opponents on the road, downing the Herzegovina Phoenix and Avenida Victoria, respectively, by a score of 6-1. The Hoima Warriors, after a disappointing year last season, have surged back into the thick of things, only five points behind at the halfway point. They punctuated their arrival at the halfway mark with a 4-1 victory over La Nueva Avenida. Mâ Âlâmëómë is climbing up the table, and is coming in hot. After Matchday 9, they were in 13th. Now, they're in sixth, and the number two Farf team in the league. With players like Tahir Fejzuli, Íngîgo Çí Xôrí and Latona Basilisk, they're certainly capable of storming all the way up to the top of the table, right?

It's gotta be a photo finish at the end this season: on both ends of the table (let's disregard La Querida). Take a look for yourself to see where we stand at the halfway point.

Standings at halfway point

----Team                   Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Kitara AA              19   12   5   2    44   19  +25    41
 2  René Skaé              19   11   5   3    52   20  +32    38
 3  Jinja City FC          19   10   7   2    47   21  +26    37
 4  Istria City FC         19   11   3   5    69   33  +36    36
 5  Hoima Warriors         19   11   3   5    29   17  +12    36
 6  Mâ Âlâmëómë            19   10   3   6    54   39  +15    33
 7  Ausharmuj Marusi       19   10   3   6    56   43  +13    33
 8  Busukuma AC            19    9   4   6    25   19   +6    31
 9  Dí Maozöxê             19    8   5   6    44   37   +7    29
10  Herzegovina City FC    19    8   4   7    51   36  +15    28
11  Busembe Timberwolves   19    8   4   7    43   38   +5    28
12  La Nueva Avenida       19    7   7   5    40   36   +4    28
13  Rülândéá Kôstä         19    7   6   6    41   17  +24    27
14  Avenida Leal           19    7   6   6    58   41  +17    27
15  Avenida Principal      19    6   3  10    23   47  −24    21
16  Avenida Victoria       19    5   3  11    40   57  −17    18
17  Mynda Electra          19    3   6  10    19   34  −15    15
18  Herzegovina Phoenix    19    4   2  13    17   52  −35    14
19  Lakiska SC             19    2   3  14    13   37  −24     9
20  La Querida             19    0   0  19     6  128 −122     0

Fearless Predictions

We've reached the halfway point! What are our fearless predictions for the remainder of the season? You've seen how this works, you know the drill by now. Let's get right to it!

Prediction #1: Hoima, one year after missing the IFCF entirely, will get back to the Champions' League

Many thought Mark Grayson would be fired after a disappointing inaugural season in the S-FPL. But his steady leadership from years past in the BSL meant leadership had confidence in him to right the ship. And so far this season, he has. 36 points, the Warriors are only 5 points off the pace, and they're looking like they've got the talent to catch the teams ahead of them. Indigo Zap, the Equestrian international, has stepped up. Lukas Boldfont has been efficient in front of the net, while players like Ilona Duerden and Robert Craig are stepping up.

Their story is their defense. Only 17 goals allowed so far in this ultra attacking league, good for best in the S-FPL. And defense tends to be consistent. Chewbacca has stepped up for Hoima. But the anchor in the back is Uzoma Iruka, a World Cup champion, along with Nelson Okello in net (who has, admittedly, been much shakier by comparison). So far, at least, they have kept things going and strong. With just a little more offense, they're capable of a title chase; at this point, the Champions' League is an absolute minimum for Grayson.

Prediction #2: Mâ Âlâmëómë will come roaring up the table

Ten matchdays ago, this team was in 13th place in the league. And now, they find themselves in 7th. They have gathered momentum and are establishing themselves as a team to watch out for. And they're getting hot at the right time: there's plenty of time to get to the top of the table. Now, are we saying they are the favorites to win the title? It would be hard to say that about a team that is currently in seventh place. But they cannot be underestimated. They are coming up hot, and every team in front of them should watch out. We're going to saying their name a lot in terms of the title chase, even if only because they'll at least keep beating title favorites.

Just look at the names on that roster. Latona Basilisk? World Cup winner. Fekati Abdi? Also a World Cup winner. Tahir Fejzuli? The Mytanar midfielder scored the winner in the last-ever Champions' Cup final. Really, this is not a team that is hot, this is a team that is correcting course after massively playing under their talent level, both for the entirety of last season, and for the season's first ten games. And course corrections for good teams tend to yield extended runs of excellence: see Nephara from World Cup 87 Qualifying to the World Cup 87 Finals.

Prediction #3: La Querida will be worse this season than last season

I mean, this is a bold prediction. How bold? Let's look at La Querida's stats last year. Last season, they won once, drew three games, and lost a stunning 34 times. Disastrous results against them, of course, got two managers fired: Kiggwe Siakam at Kitara AA (which has worked out pretty well for them, considering they currently sit at the top of the table), and Juma Ouattara at Umbazi Metropolitan, whose team ended up being relegated. Six points. So this prediction would suggest that they'd get less than 6 points.

Look at their form so far. They've lost to everybody once through 19 games, with a goal differential of -128 and just six goals scored on the season, half of which were scored on Matchday 3 in a 4-3 loss to Hoima. They'll easily get last. But their fans don't seem to mind! They've accepted their fate, and are enjoying a second season in the top flight courtesy of the dissolution of revolutionary-movement-turned-Rülandéá-rulers Lâ Lüs. They've got some tough matchups coming up, including the Hoima Warriors on Matchday 22, who are expected to run 7 or 8 past them. Expect more of the same from this squad.

Prediction #4: Kitara AA will fall back to the Challenger's Cup from their current perch at the top of the league

Kitara AA has been probably the greatest surprise of the year so far. Aleksandr Ivanovich has stepped in and done an excellent job at the club. New coach, new stadium and what a way to inaugurate it so far! First place at the halfway mark! There have always been talented players on this team, but Ivanovich has put them in a great position to succeed. His re-organizing of the lineup, with a lot of the same players, has been beneficial to the talent on this team. Ronald Mickel still holds the title of record Banijan signing, at $17 million NSDs. And he's having his best season yet in blue and white, roaming around and controlling the offense, being the focal point.

Others have stepped up as well. Jetvanna, the Starblaydian international, is having a fantastic season. Immaculate Kaba has deserved plaudits for her own control of the central midfield. The World Cup champion is a leader on the pitch, and has made Gerah Kama's job, who is just 18 years old, a lot easier beside her. And, of course, with Kolaj marshaling the backline, the new centerback pairing of Ralph Winter and Célestine Belrose is also doing well. And so are the alternates: Keira Anbient and Alfan-Harta Waz have both been strong in reserve, as have a number of other players, which is important for a club with ambitions on multiple fronts, both in the league and in the IFCF.

Clubs like Istria City FC, Jinja City, and Mâ Âlâmëómë are snapping at their heels. So we think they'll be caught. But still! strong, encouraging start. This club is building towards being a championship club, eh?

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 20
La Querida 1–3 Istria City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–5 Herzegovina City FC
Lakiska SC 2–6 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Avenida Principal 3–3 Jinja City FC
Avenida Victoria 3–3 Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra 1–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busembe Timberwolves 3–1 René Skaé
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–3 La Nueva Avenida
Hoima Warriors 4–2 Kitara AA
Busukuma AC 2–1 Avenida Leal
IFCF Champions' League Round of 16 First Leg
Istria City FC 0-1 Raynor City United (VAL)
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 32 First Leg
Dí Maozöxê 1-3 Eastal Lunar (VIL)
Rülândéá Kôstä 2-0 Rozelle (BRE)
Excelsior Zijweg (AUD) 3-4 Kitara AA
Brinemouth (NPH) 1-2 Herzegovina City FC

That's a tough first leg result for Istria City. Even if it's against RCU, that's a home loss. Considering how they played, it's hard to see them getting past the Vanorian giants. S-FPL teams did comparably better in the Challenger's Cup, however, with only champions Dí Maozöxê failing to win (at home, mind). Sam Roshanak and Röémün Çídh both pulled off brilliant performances (two assists for the former, two goals for the latter) to earn a solid two-goal advantage going into the second leg. Kitara AA found themselves involved in an S-FPL-like goal fest, and they might have to thank their Farf opponents for the fact that they stayed calm throughout. Nightingale's perfect hat-trick left the fans ecstatic. Most notably, however, the Trumpeteers beat the reigning back-to-back Nepharan champions on the road. Babaja Mboob scored two goals, the first with a header and the second with a great chip. One of the best performances in the midfielder's career.

In the league, Istria City struggled remarkably to beat La Querida. Hell, it actually took them seventy-nine minutes to actually pull ahead! With this context, the fact they only lost by one goal against RCU seems like a bit of a miracle. The Trumpeteers won the Herzegovina "derby" very decisively, but that's par for the course, pretty much. Most of the other matches were in the "not particularly notable" category.

Let's look at what happened to the two teams that were at the top going into this matchday, cause they both lost, making the table look even tighter. Jason Þórhallursson was completely unplayable this matchday, scoring three and even leaving the Szoirsians thankful that he only scored three (because Béreny Phelede put in a great performance). The game itself was even, but Þórhallursson was just unplayable that day. Kitara, meanwhile, lost to much better opposition in the form of Hoima Warriors, who are now tied for second place. The game could've gone either way, in all honesty, but in the end the Warriors' pedigree was enough to see out the game. Although few of their players nowadays are truly great, they're in great form, plus they're historically the better club. When you have trophies and your opponent doesn't, that gives you belief. By that we mean that Kitara lost because they don't have trophies, the poor bastards.

MATCHDAY 21
Busukuma AC 5–0 La Querida
Avenida Leal 0–4 Hoima Warriors
Kitara AA 1–3 Ausharmuj Marusi
La Nueva Avenida 1–1 Busembe Timberwolves
René Skaé 1–1 Mynda Electra
Rülândéá Kôstä 5–1 Avenida Victoria
Dí Maozöxê 0–0 Avenida Principal
Jinja City FC 2–0 Lakiska SC
Mâ Âlâmëómë 2–0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Herzegovina City FC 7–1 Istria City FC
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 32 Second Leg
Eastal Lunar (VIL) 1-2 Dí Maozöxê. Dí Maozöxê are eliminated 4-3 on aggregate.
Rozelle (BRE) 1-0 Rülândéá Kôstä. Rülândéá Kôstä advance 2-1 on aggregate.
Kitara A.A. 3-1 Excelsior Zijweg (AUD). Kitara AA advance 7-4 on aggregate.
Herzegovina City FC 4-0 Brinemouth (NPH). Herzegovina City advance 6-1 on aggregate.

With the IFCF Challenger's Cup having that Round of 32, match congestion means we only wait a week! These were great ties for the S-FPL: winners in three of their four ties at this stage in the IFCF Challenger's Cup. Our league's champions, Dí Maozöxê, had lost the first leg by 2 goals, at home. They pushed valiantly for a two-goal win in Vilita, throwing caution to the wind and going for it. Although they won on the day, they could not level things on aggregate and were eliminated. Elsewhere, different story. Rülândéá Kôstä's 2-0 home win held under pressure in Brenecia, as they only conceded once and won 2-1 on aggregate. Kitara AA, at an invigorated Keystone Stadium, cruised to a 3-1 win. Keira Anbient got her first Challenger's Cup start since the Preliminary rounds in the Summer, spelling Ralph Winter, and got her first career goal for the Blue and Whites.

The most stunning result, though, was the one at Star Field. Herzegovina City led Brinemouth, the back-to-back Nephara champions and the multiverse's richest club, 2-1 on aggregate, thanks to a shocking win in Nephara. Brinemouth was pouring men forward, looking for success. Herzegovina played them brilliantly. Counter-attacking with ferocity and quickness, Herzegovina City did not concede and scored four times, for a stunning 6-1 win on aggregate. A historic night for Banija's most decorated club, a 4-0 win against one of the biggest clubs in the multiverse. Beating a team like that, they don't fear anyone in the next round, right?

Maybe one of the greatest weeks in Herzegovina City history. A few days after their Challenger's Cup triumph, they took on Istria City, their hated regional rivals, at Star Field. And Herzegovina City crushed them. Back-to-back rivalry weeks, back-to-back blowout victories. It's rare that teams of Istria City's quality get blown out, and the Trumpeteers were glad that they could deliver one of the blowouts. They weren't the only powerhouse team that was making their climb up the rankings. Mâ Âlâmëómë won 2-0 over the Herzegovina Phoenix, making it 9 wins from their last 11. Can anyone stop them?

Kitara AA, at the top of the table, took a loss. Ausharmuj Marusi has not been easy for anyone to deal with, and went to Sisonke to deliver a 3-1 defeat to a high-flying Kitara AA team. The squad was rotated, to make up for their Challenger's Cup game earlier that week, but Ivanovich's side got dominated on all fronts. Oskar Holsteiner looked 10 years younger for la Sindica against the league leaders, scoring a brace and assisting Busogan midfielder Cicek Aga's third goal. And elsewhere, Hoima showed they were making moves with their 4-0 win over Avenida Leal. Very real title ambitions for them, right? And holy shit, look around! The East Side dubs are in first place! Mark Grayson's critics from last season are suddenly nowhere to be found.

MATCHDAY 22
La Querida 0–8 Herzegovina City FC
Istria City FC 0–1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Herzegovina Phoenix 2–1 Jinja City FC
Lakiska SC 1–1 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Principal 3–6 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Victoria 0–3 René Skaé
Mynda Electra 2–4 La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves 5–8 Kitara AA
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–3 Avenida Leal
Hoima Warriors 0–0 Busukuma AC

It's been a tough time for Istria City. This is their fourth match since the midway point of the season. And the only team they've beaten since then was La Querida, which, if we're being honest, barely counts. Now, of course, there is no shame in the opponents they've lost to. Raynor City United in the Champions, Herzegovina City (although the margin was embarassing), and now a surging Mâ Âlâmëómë that is looking every bit like they are the best team in the league right now. Still, Mâ Âlâmëómë is simply unstoppable at this point. Just as it seemed like the two teams were destined for a draw, with each midfield bottling the other up and choking out passes to the front, Vanorian central midfielder Liam Sæthre came off the bench in the 84th minute, and scored the winner on his first touch in the 86th minute. Is this Rulandese side a team of destiny?

In this week without any IFCF play, there were some interesting moments in the league. Reinhard Drake's Phoenix side shocked many by beating Jinja City at home by a score of 2-1. The goals in that match came from Sheriff Sene and Daba Kuta at Phoenix Stadium. René Skaé was able to keep up in the title race with a relatively easily 3-0 away win against newly promoted Avenida Victoria. And in the relegation race on the Banijan side, Lakiska SC earned a lone point against the defending champions, as Carlton Sandt made a bunch of saves and Matthew Tamworth scored the equalizer in a game that the Bandicoots probably should have lost. Herzegovina City, naturally, blew the doors off of La Querida, by a score of 8-0.

Lastly, we had a rivalry game between the Kitara Athletic Association and Busembe Timberwolves. Kitara's two teams have increased the ferocity of their rivalry as they both level up in the league. It had a real Farf feel, with a lot of pre-game arguments between the fans during tailgating and plenty of goals to go around. A 13 goal, back and forth affair, where Ivanovich's side came out on top by a score of 8-5, despite Jason Þórhallursson getting a hat trick of his own. This put them back on top of the table. Let's take a quick snapshot of the table. Just two points separate first and fourth. Kitara AA, in first, with 44 points. Hoima Warriors, next with 43. And then René Skaé and Mâ Âlâmëómë are right behind them, each with 42 points. We're really gonna have a photo finish this year, aren't we? The Banijan teams have some weak opponents next week, with Kitara AA hosting Mynda Electra, and Hoima hosting La Querida. A good time for Hoima to win by 7 or 8 and pad the ol' goal differential in this tight title race, right?

MATCHDAY 23
Hoima Warriors 0–0 La Querida
Busukuma AC 0–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Avenida Leal 0–0 Busembe Timberwolves
Kitara AA 0–1 Mynda Electra
La Nueva Avenida 7–1 Avenida Victoria
René Skaé 4–2 Avenida Principal
Rülândéá Kôstä 1–1 Lakiska SC
Dí Maozöxê 4–0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Jinja City FC 1–0 Istria City FC
Mâ Âlâmëómë 4–1 Herzegovina City FC
IFCF Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Raynor City United (VAL) 4-1 Istria City FC, Istria City FC is eliminated 5-1 on aggregate.
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16 First Leg
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-1 Nacional (VLD).
Herzegovina City 3-0 Hondo FC (VAL).
Sabrefell Moths (NPH) 2-1 Kitara A.A.

The most stunning result of the season, besides La Brecha beating René Skaé and Avenida Victoria getting a thirty-point deduction and their starting eleven suspended for five matchdays in matchday thirty-two. Forget about the Challenger's Cup or any of all that other stuff for a moment. The Hoima Warriors, at home, against La Querida. Probably the most overmatched top flight team in all of AO- they've got a -143 goal differential across just 22 games. Hoima, who are in second place, firmly in the title chase. They ran the over/under at +4.5 goal margin for Hoima. Yet La Querida, came out to the massive Mavuto Stadium, and earned themselves a 0-0 draw.

An utterly disastrous moment for Hoima, a team that's firmly a championship contender. This is not the type of game they should be dropping points in. But manager Porfirio Seijas seemed to rally his boys. And it wasn't that they simply played 10 deep: this is a Farf team, I don't think it's in their DNA. But they did enough on defense. Marc Cotoneaster had 13 saves, playing like a man possessed. Régulo Elizarraras had a goal line clearance the one time the keeper was beat. Hell, La Querida nearly had a winner in the 87th minute courtesy of Anartz Salayeta, but VAR ruled him barely offside after replay. Still, it was La Querida's first point of the season, and it came against a potential champion of all teams: the Hoima Warriors. Grayson's side was shell-shocked. La Querida's visiting fans, who travel to Banija usually to see their team get crushed, went crazy at the final whistle. It wasn't even a win, and yet their first point of the season saw their fans staging a pitch invasion of a field that wasn't their own. Hoima's police sorta just let it happen.

Who really cares what else happened this week? A lot of people do, we know. But still, WOW. The worst part (or most hilarious, depending on your point of view) is that if Hoima had won, they would've gone top of the table! Kitara AA lost at home, 1-0, to Mynda Electra, in a battle of Chromatik managers at drastically opposite ends of the table. Mâ Âlâmëómë and René Skaé both flew up to the top of the table, with the former continuing their hot streak with a 4-1 win over Herzegovina City, while the latter won 4-2 at home against Avenida Principal. Meanwhile, in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the Challenger's Cup, Herzegovina City won their home game 3-0, while Rülândéá Kôstä lost 1-0 at home to Nacional of Valladares, and Kitara AA got themselves what could be a key away goal in a 2-1 defeat in Nephara to the Sabrefell Moths.

MATCHDAY 24
La Querida 0–12 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Herzegovina City FC 4–3 Jinja City FC
Istria City FC 3–1 Dí Maozöxê
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Lakiska SC 0–4 René Skaé
Avenida Principal 1–3 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Victoria 0–1 Kitara AA
Mynda Electra 0–5 Avenida Leal
Busembe Timberwolves 1–0 Busukuma AC
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–0 Hoima Warriors
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16 Second Leg
Nacional (VLD) 0-1 Rülândéá Kôstä. 0-1 AET. 2-4 on penalties. Rülândéá Kôstä advance on penalty kicks.
Hondo FC (VAL) 1-0 Herzegovina City FC. Herzegovina City advance 1-3 on aggregate.
Kitara A.A. 1-0 Sabrefell Moths. Kitara A.A. advance (2-2) on away goals.

And now, for the second leg of the ChC Ro16! Herzegovina City assistant manager, Aaron Aiza, was a legend at Herzegovina City who put in plenty of good years at Hondo FC as well. No torn loyalties for him, however, as Herzegovina City's 3-0 home win in this tie was more than enough. Hondo FC could only manage 1 goal in Valanora, as the Trumpeteers clamped down in the midfield and in the back to get the 3-1 win on aggregate. Rülândéá Kôstä had a tougher path. Losing 1-0 at home, they had plenty of work to do. Sam Roshanak scored the game's lone goal in the 53rd minute, to get the away goal needed. They forced extra time, and then were calm in penalties. They were four for four from the spot in the shootout, with Pär Tjova making a pair of saves to send them to the Quarterfinals.

And lastly, Kitara AA. They had lost 2-1 in Nephara, meaning if they could score just once and not concede, Ivanovich's men could flip the tie. They got the early goal, with Ronald Mickel assisting an immaculate Immaculate Kaba one-time strike from about 22 yards in the 34th minute. That gave them the advantage on away goals. Of course, they had about an hour of defending to do, but they held. The Moths sent onslaught after onslaught, but couldn't break down the defense. In the 80th, Ivanovich took off Gereh Kama and brought on Alfan-Harta Waz, for a straight-up five-man defense for the last ten minutes plus stoppage. It worked, and Kitara fans celebrated. The club with an empty trophy cabinet were suddenly in the quarterfinals of an IFCF competition. Was this the year?

Now, to the league. Hoima continued to be shell-shocked by their inability to gain three points against La Querida, as they came out shockingly sluggish and tentative against Ausharmuj Marusi, and fell by a score of 1-0. The Timberwolves were able to down Busukuma AC, with Jason Þórhallursson scoring the lone goal in that one. La Querida regressed right back to the mean, which meant losing 12-0 to an in-form Mâ Âlâmëómë. Herzegovina City recovered nicely from their loss to that same Mâ Âlâmëómë by defeating Jinja CIty in a 4-3 thriller. Eamon Mullins scored the equalizer, assisted by Meghan Walcott, in the 78th, and then scored the winner unassisted in the 86th. In the last five weeks, they've advanced through two stages of the ChC, racked up wins over both their rivals (Herzegovina Phoenix and Istria City FC), as well as downed Jinja City. They're rapidly catching form and making moves up the table as well. Watch out above, eh?

René Skaé, slowly but surely, just continued to build their resume. An easy 4-0 win in the Busoga Islands, which will claim their spot at the top of the table after 24 games.

Standings after 24 matchdays

----Team                   Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  René Skaé              24   14   6   4    65   26  +39    48
 2  Mâ Âlâmëómë            24   15   3   6    79   42  +37    48
 3  Kitara AA              24   14   5   5    56   32  +24    47
 4  Jinja City FC          24   12   8   4    57   30  +27    44
 5  Hoima Warriors         24   13   5   6    37   20  +17    44
 6  Istria City FC         24   13   3   8    76   44  +32    42
 7  Ausharmuj Marusi       24   12   6   6    66   50  +16    42
 8  Herzegovina City FC    24   12   4   8    76   45  +31    40
 9  La Nueva Avenida       24   10   9   5    58   44  +14    39
10  Busukuma AC            24   11   6   7    32   21  +11    39
11  Rülândéá Kôstä         24   10   7   7    56   23  +33    37
12  Busembe Timberwolves   24   10   6   8    53   48   +5    36
13  Dí Maozöxê             24    9   8   7    53   44   +9    35
14  Avenida Leal           24    8   8   8    67   50  +17    32
15  Avenida Principal      24    6   5  13    32   63  −31    23
16  Mynda Electra          24    5   7  12    24   44  −20    22
17  Avenida Victoria       24    5   4  15    45   76  −31    19
18  Herzegovina Phoenix    24    5   2  17    20   67  −47    17
19  Lakiska SC             24    2   5  17    17   51  −34    11
20  La Querida             24    0   1  23     7  156 −149     1

Youngsters signing through: what young players are making an impact in the S-FPL?

24 matchdays in. We're in the second half of the season. The table is starting to take its shape, although there is still plenty of time, with 14 games left, to change. But we know some things. We know our title contenders, mostly. We know who isn't a title contender. We know our contenders for relegation. La Querida by themselves on the Farf side (unless something spectacularly horrific happens to Avenida Victoria), and on the Banijan side, Lakiska SC increasingly falling further behind Mynda Electra and the Herzegovina Phoenix.

Let's shift the thinking here. Down to individuals. What young players are making an unexpected impact? Now, there are young players we know who are the stars of today. Players like Kate Huitema-Omeasoo (RK Quebec) on Istria City and Jason Þórhallursson (Græntfjall) of Busembe. But let's go deeper! Who are the ones you haven't heard of that have made a big impact so far?

#1: Rogerio Defigueroa, GK, 18 years old, Avenida Leal

First, for the goalkeeper. The Farf goalkeeper? Yes, you read that correctly. Rogerio Difigueroa is all of 19 years old, and already in his second season as the starting goalkeeper for Avenida Leal. Of course, his team hasn't been that great, sitting at 14th is not where they wanted to be. But through it all, their goalkeeper has shown a remarkable ability to weather the storm, and to stand tall in the face of adversity, something which can set him up for future success. He's got his eyes firmly set on being #1 between the sticks for the national team.

And let's not forget, the Challenger's Cup qualifying round. Last round before the group stage. Tied on aggregate. Tied on goals. Goes to penalties. In a major spot, he stepped up for his club, making two big-time saves in the penalty shootout. He has repeatedly made big saves for his club. It's a major part of the reason why a club in 14th place has a +17 goal differential. An anomaly for a club that far down the table.

#2: Gereh Kama, CM, 18 years old, Kitara AA

Asking Gereh Kama to start this season was seen as a risky move. Just 18 years old and graduated from high school, the local kid obviously didn't have much experience. But Ivanovich must have seen something the rest of us didn't. Many people thought he was in to build for the future, but it turned out that Kitara AA is title hunting right now. The trophyless club doesn't exactly have the 'winning know-how', but Ivanovich is putting his players in positions to take chances and succeed, and they are doing so.

Of course, lots of credit goes to those around him. Immaculate Kaba has taken the youngster under her wing. And while Kama has made his fair share of mistakes, he certainly deserves his place in the starting XI of this title contender. Now, while we're not sure if they can actually complete a title chase, he will certainly be a cornerstone for this club for years to come. Maybe Marcus Waters (Banija's NT manager) will pay him notice soon?

#3: Tè Xüwân, CM, 17 years old, Rülândéá Kôstá

Tè has not seen too much playing time this season, but it's hard to blame him: Rülândéá Kôstá have a very packed center midfield. Nonetheless, whenever Muhaburu turns up drunk for practice more than twice in the same week, we get to see Tè shine bright. Suprisingly bright for a 17-year-old! He's been employed as a takilante, too, with moderate success.

What catches the eye more than his performances, however, is just how physically-gifted he is. He's strong, fast and has phenomenal endurance. He's very reminiscent of Faragó rue Cazade in that regard, although not remotely close in terms of attacking prowess. If his manager wants to slowly turn him into a rue Cazade clone, however, he's certainly got the talent for it. We've seen in flashes just how good he can be at dribbling, playmaking and even shooting. However, perhaps because of his age, he can be quite inconsistent at that.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 25
Ausharmuj Marusi 8–4 La Querida
Hoima Warriors 3–0 Busembe Timberwolves
Busukuma AC 0–0 Mynda Electra
Avenida Leal 7–5 Avenida Victoria
Kitara AA 3–0 Avenida Principal
La Nueva Avenida 1–1 Lakiska SC
René Skaé 1–3 Herzegovina Phoenix
Rülândéá Kôstä 5–1 Istria City FC
Dí Maozöxê 0–1 Herzegovina City FC
Jinja City FC 1–4 Mâ Âlâmëómë
AOCL Quarterfinals First Leg
Istria City FC 0-1 CSKA Quebec (QUE)
Dí Maozöxê 0-1 Raynor City United (VAL)

Ausharmuj Marusi have been surprisingly solid this season. Their attack, in particular, has been quite fearsome. In fact, they're tied in fourth for most goals! Former World Cup winners de Sájajo and Holsteiner are, perhaps surprisingly, still giving it their all after all these years. However, their defense... well, their defense hasn't quite been playing at the same standard. Valdo Kímé, in particular, looks quite... La Querida-ish? So yeah, this matchday was a testament to that: Anartz Salayeta scored over a fourth of his team's goals so far against them. Two great headers, one cheeky handball and a penalty, sure, but that's still four goals that La Querida scored on them.

The Warriors appear to have moved on from the debacle against La Querida, in the sense that they beat the Timberwolves 3-0. However, there's more to the result than meets the eye: the Warriors got lucky early on, and the Timberwolves conceded two more while desperately looking for an equalizer towards the end of the game. We can't really say the Warriors are back to being title contenders just yet. In a clash of Avenidas, Avenida Leal beat Avenida Victoria 7-5, courtesy of a late brace by Travis Grimaldi. The scoreline, incidentally, was also the number of casualties caused by the incidents instigated by the Avenida Victoria fans after the match. Despite the FFFF's complaints and accusations of cultural imperialism, per the RBSA's negotiation with the FFFF, the club has been handed a warning: if this happens for a third time, they will incur a severe points penalty.

Kitara AA continue to win, and have been looking better and better as the matches go by. Kaba and Kama dominate in midfield most games, while Mickel and Jetvanna never seem to have a day off. René Skaé, meanwhile, played terribly. They didn't just fail to beat Herzegovina Phoenix (stranger things have happened in football), they actually failed to look like the better team. Rülândéá Kôstä destroyed Istria City. Lions fans should be very worried by the team's recent form. Rülândéá Kôstä are a great team when they're not tired from playing international football (they'd be title contenders if they didn't have such a thing squad, probably), so their blow-out wasn't quite as embarrassing as René Skaé's loss but... well, Kang and Muhaburu toyed with their midfield to the point you could've been forgiven for thinking you were watching La Querida.

Mâ Âlâmëómë continue to look absolutely deadly. Latona Basilisk's four goals will make her appear in all the headlines, but really it's the entire team that's been firing on all cylinders lately. Çí Xôrí and Fejzuli by now make up perhaps the best center midfield pair in the league. And they have to compete with Kama-Kaba and Kang-Muhaburu! Good news keep coming for lôs Vhêrdês, as ex-player and fan-favorite Edmün Çídh scored the only goal in Herzegovina City's win against Dí Maozöxê, their biggest rivals. Life is good in the green-and-black part of Rülândéá. Figuratively.

In the AOCL, both S-FPL teams fell at home, being shut out in the process. Deservedly so, too, which could raise worries about the league's standing in international football.

MATCHDAY 26
La Querida 1–7 Jinja City FC
Mâ Âlâmëómë 4–2 Dí Maozöxê
Herzegovina City FC 3–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Istria City FC 5–0 René Skaé
Herzegovina Phoenix 2–4 La Nueva Avenida
Lakiska SC 0–1 Kitara AA
Avenida Principal 1–0 Avenida Leal
Avenida Victoria 3–3 Busukuma AC
Mynda Electra 2–3 Hoima Warriors
Busembe Timberwolves 1–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
IFCF Challenger's Cup Quarterfinals Second Leg
Freeport United (FPT) 4-2 Kitara AA
Urbizania Wanderers (ASG) 1-1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Myana (CMT) 0-5 Herzegovina City FC

Mâ Âlâmëómë pile it on. Dí Maozöxê fans can't really be mad at the team. Sure, they're 14th, but they won the inaugural S-FPL season and nobody can take that away from them. This actually makes it all the more frustrating. Who do you blame? Blâás Âgínsôgnó? He's a national hero. Íüé Tgô? Pfft. He's won a World Cup. Xíxì Êns? You get the idea. However, it's undeniable that something has to change. A member of the Dí Maozöxê board was offered as a sacrifice to Kágàfwégòs, the god of fire in Lìbêrêtê. Anyway, regarding the match: Durbridge and Mensdóttir scored in the first half, but Mâ Âlâmëómë just steamrolled them in the second half, with Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí grabbing a rare hat-trick from midfield. Ígnîgo's a massive Mâ Âlâmëómë fan, so he made sure to rub it in for the third and fourth goals. Latona Basilisk scored the equalizer with a volley she likely won't shut up about for a few weeks, say all her teammates.

Herzegovina City and Rülândéá Kôstä drew in a high-octane match that would've left neither team satisfied were it not for the way in which events unfolded. Both teams find themselves in upper-mid table purgatory, and neither team is content with that situation (unlike, say, Ausharmuj Marusi). Röémün Çídh's first half hat-trick was somewhat soured by the fact that the Trumpeteers scored two early in the second half. His brother, Edmün, scored one and assisted Walcott for the other, crowning himself as the man of the match by the end... because Röémün scored a comical own goal in the last play of the match.

Istria City destroyed René Skaé. It is the Szoirsians' second very questionable loss in a row, and it knocks them down to fourth place. The Banijans were just better throughout, with Murray Hunnisett showing flashes of his form from last season. René Skaé need to snap back to reality: if they continue playing like this, even snatching a Champions' League spot might become a challenge. Meanwhile, Kitara continue to calmly collect points, this time around soundly beating Lakiska courtesy of a Morgana Kolaj header in the fifteenth minute. After that, Ivanovich figured Lakiska just don't have the firepower to fight back if they hold onto the ball for the rest of the game, and that was that... they would've gotten shit thrown at them in Farfadillis, that's for sure. In another clash of Avenidas, Leandro Martelli was the star of the night as he dribbled past three players to score the lone goal of the match.

In the Challenger's Cup, Freeport United beat Kitara AA quite soundly. Yeah, we don't get how they're so good, either. We are just as confused as you! Their coëfficient seems bullshit, but they're actually performing up to that standard despite having no particularly good players or, indeed, performances from more than two cycles ago to back up this kind of quality. Truly perplexing. Rülândéá Kôstá managed to grab a potentially vital away goal towards the end of their game against Urbizania Wanderers. Making the most out of a hilarious mistake by Farf goalkeeper Dieje Ibrelaná, Röémün Çídh fired home in the eighty-fifth minute. The Astograthians can't have been happy with that. Once again, however, Röémün was outdone by his brother, who scored three and assisted two in the Trumpeteers' brilliant 5-0 win on the road against Myana.

MATCHDAY 27
Busembe Timberwolves 9–0 La Querida
Ausharmuj Marusi 2–1 Mynda Electra
Hoima Warriors 3–3 Avenida Victoria
Busukuma AC 0–3 Avenida Principal
Avenida Leal 1–2 Lakiska SC
Kitara AA 4–0 Herzegovina Phoenix
La Nueva Avenida 1–0 Istria City FC
René Skaé 3–3 Herzegovina City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Dí Maozöxê 5–0 Jinja City FC

Not a lot to say about Saturday, really. Lakiska grab their second win of the season, but at this point it's very clear we won't have any Busogan teams in the league next season. We will not change the league logo, though, which features the flags from all three countries in the same position that they appear in the Atlantian Oceania map. I am pointing this out because the graphic designer told me people should notice this in order to further appreciate the logo. Anyway: one might be tempted to say Avenida Leal have been shit, seeing as they've just lost to Lakiska, and then one would be right. But I'd just like to point out that, even then, Dí Maozöxê are slightly below them in the table. The reigning champions!

Anyway, on Sunday we had some more interesting action. Kitara blew out the Phoenix. No surprise there, sure, but we are still kind of shocked by how they seem to just. Keep. Going. They're not letting up! La Nueva Avenida just about beat Istria City thanks to a Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng goal in the twenty-fifth minute. The Mavinese winger seems to be regaining form. Dribbled past two, then curled it beautifully from the edge of the box. René Skaé stopped hemorrhaging points by drawing with the Trumpeteers. The Szoirsian desert's thirty-nine degrees Celsius were not enough to give them a big enough advantage, it seems, but they at least looked solid enough for us to believe they'll go back to winning ways soon.

Mâ Âlâmëómë continue to steamroll everyone, this time around completely nullifying Rülândéá Kôstä's midfield (Fejzuli and Çí Xôrí make a terrifying pair) to the point that tâ Kôstá registered just three shots on target, all of which Corann Ghlilis effortlessly parried. Keldoulis, Naqvi, Arambauzá and Basilisk were fed great chances by the whole team pretty much. Interestingly, it was Naqvi who shone this time around, as Basilisk apparently forgot her shooting boots at home. Two goals for the West Squornshelan and one for, uh, Alarabi Labeaga? Yeah, the rest of the attack was quite the letdown this matchday... and they still won 3-0! Their rivals outdid them, however, smashing now-6th-place Jinja City 5-0 at home. Xíxì Êns scored a hat-trick, quite possibly the last of his career.

MATCHDAY 28
La Querida 3–12 Dí Maozöxê
Jinja City FC 1–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5–5 René Skaé
Herzegovina City FC 3–0 La Nueva Avenida
Istria City FC 1–1 Kitara AA
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–2 Avenida Leal
Lakiska SC 0–1 Busukuma AC
Avenida Principal 0–5 Hoima Warriors
Avenida Victoria 0–3 Ausharmuj Marusi
Mynda Electra 1–6 Busembe Timberwolves
AOCL Quarterfinals Second Leg
CKSA Quebec 2-4 Istria City FC. Istria City advance 3-4 on aggregate.
Raynor City United 2-2 Dí Maozöxê. Dí Maozöxê are eliminated, 3-2 on aggregate.

Yeah, we, uh... We did say, last week, that we might've witnessed Xíxì Êns' last hat-trick... right before Dí Maozöxê faced La Querida. Anyway. We might've just witnessed Xíxì Êns' last hat-trick. Elsewhere, René Skaé continue their winless run, but they don't mind it one bit. A point on the road against Mâ Âlâmëómë! With the Rulandese's current form, it's nothing short of a miracle. It is Darijen Vesele that makes them come undone, assisting Lajos Latheleanódi (young prospect, watch out for him!) no less than thrice with precise crosses from the right flank. His overlaps with Anwar Dawit proved too much for an aging Fekati Abdi. Naturally, Mâ Âlâmëómë responded in kind: Dimitri Keldoulis, in particular, caused huge problems to the Szoirsian defense. With two goals and two assists to his fellow Nepharan up front, plus the odd goal from Travis Coffey, the Rulandese did just about enough to salvage a draw despite conceding five.

Walcott and Çídh continue to form one of the most dangerous attacking pairs in the league. Two from Walcott, one from Çídh. All tap-ins, all assisted by the other. La Nueva Avenida never really looked dangerous up front, which makes it hard to not lose when you also concede three. Istria City played at home against Kitara and... Kitara finally dropped points! And deservedly so! The Lions were the better team for the first sixty or so minutes, and the game looked like it could go either way after that, with Kitara dominating only in the last ten minutes. Interestingly, both goals were scored against the run of play: Immaculate Kaba scored with an immaculate (yes, same joke as in matchday 24, deal with it) strike in the twenty-third minute, while Avetisyan scored a header in the eighty-eighth to make the crowd go wild.

That was Saturday. As usual, if you get one day of exciting football, the other day is mind-numbingly boring. This matchday was not the exception. No game was particularly close or exciting. No upsets either. Boo.

Istria City managed to turn around a first-leg deficit despite playing the second leg away form home, courtesy of a brilliant brace from Avetisyan followed by an even more brilliant brace (with a scissor kick included!) from Kate Huitema-Omeasoo. With that, the Banijans make it to the semis. Dí Maozöxê, however, do not: they fought valiantly against a better RCU side, and barely missed out on glory. Xíxì Êns missed a not-easy-but-not-hard in the 90+2nd minute and... yeah, that's gotta sting. Away goals would've seen them through.

MATCHDAY 29
Mynda Electra 3–0 La Querida
Busembe Timberwolves 5–1 Avenida Victoria
Ausharmuj Marusi 0–0 Avenida Principal
Hoima Warriors 1–0 Lakiska SC
Busukuma AC 1–0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Avenida Leal 1–3 Istria City FC
Kitara AA 0–2 Herzegovina City FC
La Nueva Avenida 1–1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
René Skaé 3–1 Jinja City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 7–1 Dí Maozöxê
IFCF Challenger's Cup Quarterfinals Second Leg
Rülândéá Kôstä 3-1 Urbizania Wanderers (ASG). Rülândéá Kôstä advance 4-2 on aggregate.
Kitara AA 0-1 Freeport United (FPT). Kitara AA are eliminated, 2-5 on aggregate.
Herzegovina City 0-1 Myana (CMT). Herzegovina City advance 5-1 on aggregate.

Jason Þórhallursson might as well have "SOMEONE PLEASE SIGN ME" tattooed all over his face. This Timberwolves team is nothing to write home about (although their being in 9th place could fool you, they've been pretty bad), but the Græntfjaller is still leading the line, still banging them in, and still very much frustrated that he didn't move away last transfer window. He scored three goals against Avenida Victoria and they were all pretty much the same. Violent, very violent shots. The keeper should be thankful he failed to react in time to put a cheeky hand in the way.

There's one team we've mostly been forgetting about all season long, besides Mynda Electra who, honestly, I struggle to remember exist even to this day. It's Busukuma! They have been doing mostly fine. They're in 11th place and currently (barely) qualifying for the Challenger's Cup. They beat the Phoenix, barely, with Declan Mason scoring the winner and Kalle Bjørnsson getting his fourth straight red card of the season. Manager Andrea Vardalos has had moderate success fighting back addiction, no longer sniffing glue on matchdays. She can't seem to let go of the cigarettes, however. Ah, they truly are the hardest addiction to shake.

In other news, we can't believe this really is important but thank God Almighty, Kitara finally lost! And at home, to boot. They were no match for a Herzegovina City side that looked like the team they should be, not the team they are. Eamon Mullins, man of the match, and Babaja Mboob were the goalscorers. Kitara, notably, failed to register a shot on goal. Might we finally be about to witness their downfall? It's admirable how they've managed to hang on this long, but regression to the mean seems inevitable.

Also, how have La Nueva Avenida tied 11 games out of 29 so far? Nobody else has tied more than 8. Anyway: they managed to hamper their very hated rivals (which they hate all the more cause they are racist) thanks to a late equalizer by Ugós Oroso, who has otherwise been quite quiet this season. Mâ Âlâmëómë are still top of the table thanks to the Trumpeteers, but they'll want to go back to winning ways as soon as possible (and hopefully next matchday, when they go up against Kitara!).

Also, wow Rülândéá Kôstä. That's just rubbing salt on the wound, isn't it? Dí Maozöxê are just unrecognizable. Great performance from youngster Tè Xüwân, too, who played as a takilante.

Things went roughly as expected for S-FPL teams in the ChC. Rülândéá Kôstä made the most of the goal Ibrelaná gifted to them in the first leg by scoring early and hitting the Astograthians on the counter. Sam Roshanak scored a brace as a result. Freeport United did not seem to have much trouble against Kitara, current title contenders. Are the Banijans focusing on the league, or is Freeport that much better? Herzegovina City lost at home against Myana, but it was a fairly rotated squad after that first leg result.

MATCHDAY 30
La Querida 0–9 Rülândéá Kôstä
Dí Maozöxê 4–2 René Skaé
Jinja City FC 0–6 La Nueva Avenida
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0–5 Kitara AA
Herzegovina City FC 1–0 Avenida Leal
Istria City FC 1–0 Busukuma AC
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–0 Hoima Warriors
Lakiska SC 0–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Avenida Principal 1–5 Busembe Timberwolves
Avenida Victoria 1–1 Mynda Electra

The match between Dí Maozöxê and René Skaé showed us why the reigning champions have struggled so much this season. Their defense has been struggling a lot, sure, and that was easy to see when they conceded two goals in the first fifteen minutes. However, in the second half, Xíxì Êns set up Martin, then Mensdóttir, then scored two himself. A mezmerizing performance from Farfadillis' best ever. The problem? While he put in great performances like this fairly often last season, he's only done it in flashes this time around. And it's understandable: he's very old, and he's won his club the title already. The hunger isn't there, and neither are the legs. It's sad to see, but it is what it is. We still get to enjoy the occasional flash of brilliance, at least.

La Nueva Avenida blew Jinja City off the water. She doesn't get mentioned very often, but Rashica Horvath has been a massive signing. La Nueva Avenida would be getting overrun in midfield every game without her. No Jinja City player seemed able to get past her, and her passing was on point on the day, frequently leading to dangerous chances which the attack often converted on this occasion. Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng and Gurielefre Aixenxó picked up the slack for their underperforming frontline and scored two each, before Tuuvyr and Khavarin scored another two. Also, is it just me or Paige Daunten has the look of a war veteran? I don't think she's enjoying her stay in Farfadillis.

And we get to the match of the weekend. Perhaps, and we can't believe we're saying this, the match of the season. Mâ Âlâmëómë, biggest team in Farfadillis (and, let's be honest, the whole league), who have been steamrolling opposition lately except the last two matchdays in which they actually tied so they were actually not in super great form, against Kitara. In matchday 11, the Rulandese had won 3-0 away from home. Now they were going to play at home. Basilisk and Çí Xôrí got into a spat over some voodoo magic thing from last season, however, and got sent off for throwing punches at each other... in the twenty-third minute. It was all downhill from there. Both of them have been allegedly receiving death threats following the incident. Kitara are top of the table again.

Sunday featured no matches of particular interest, sans perhaps Avetisyan's bicycle kick winner against Andrea Vardalos' Busukuma. With it, Busukuma sink below 11th, so no IFCF spots if the league ended today. Vardalos brought out the alcohol again.

MATCHDAY 31
Avenida Victoria 3–0 La Querida
Mynda Electra 1–1 Avenida Principal
Busembe Timberwolves 0–0 Lakiska SC
Ausharmuj Marusi 0–1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Hoima Warriors 1–1 Istria City FC
Busukuma AC 0–1 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Leal 3–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Kitara AA 0–3 Jinja City FC
La Nueva Avenida 1–0 Dí Maozöxê
René Skaé 0–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
AOCL Semifinals First Leg
Istria City FC 0-3 Raynor City United (VAL)

Saturday featured precisely one important match: the Warriors hosting the Lions. Despite the scoreline, it was a highly entertaining match, with both teams getting plenty of chances and defending, to be perfectly honest, like absolute shit. But that only enhances the spectacle! Or so the Farves argue, at least. In the end, the two teams had to divide the spoils because of a rather egregious mistake from Nelson Okello, which gave Istria City the chance to get back into the game in the seventy-ninth minute. Before that, Anja Ruthenbeck had put the Warriors ahead after a lethally-executed counterattack from Grayson's men and women and pony and... uh, Chewbacca?

Sunday, however, featured more entertaining games. Herzgovina City's Lukas Kayserling scored a header to further sink Busukuma. A few hours later, Mâ Âlâmëómë dropped points for the fourth matchday in a row, this time around because Rogerio Defigueroa played like a man possessed... and because their defense gave Avenida Leal three chances to shoot and they all went in. But Defigueroa really was a sight to behold! Horâsio Wôndôji, who replaced the suspended Latona Basilisk, had no fewer than six shots saved by him. He even threatened him with death during the game! Talk about a dominating performance.

Bizarrely, though, even despite dropping points for the fourth matchday in a row, Mâ Âlâmëómë still sit at the top. Kitara were soundly beaten by a Jinja City team looked the best it has looked all season. New signing Ülì Èsàsè and meshed really well with Madison McClain (for once) and completely tore them apart. One goal was scored by McClain, another by Èsàsè, and another by new signing Junior Ngoba. They've spent tons and have little to show for it, but this win has to have given fans some hope for next season. René Skaé continue to sink and at this point it's clear they'd be lucky to get a CL spot; Rülândéá Kôstä continue to look like a team that would genuinely contend for the title if they paid more attention to the league than the IFCF competitions.

The first leg of the AOCL semifinals were also played this week, with Raynor City United once again proving the bane of the S-FPL's existence by thrashing Istria City at Banija. A sad end to a great run for the Lions... unless? Just kidding, there's no way they can turn this around... but what if... no, surely not.

Standings after 31 matchdays

----Team                      Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Mâ Âlâmëómë               31   18   6   7    99   59  +40    60
 2  Kitara AA                 31   18   6   7    70   38  +32    60
 3  Hoima Warriors            31   17   8   6    53   26  +27    59
 4  Herzegovina City FC       31   17   6   8    90   51  +39    57
 5  Ausharmuj Marusi          31   16   7   8    80   57  +23    55
 6  Istria City FC            31   16   5  10    88   53  +35    53
 7  René Skaé                 31   15   8   8    79   50  +29    53
 8  La Nueva Avenida          31   14  11   6    72   51  +21    53
 9  Jinja City FC             31   15   8   8    70   49  +21    53
10  Busembe Timberwolves      31   15   7   9    79   54  +25    52
11  Rülândéá Kôstä            31   14   8   9    83   32  +51    50
12  Busukuma AC               31   13   8  10    37   29   +8    47
13  Dí Maozöxê                31   12   8  11    77   62  +15    44
14  Avenida Leal              31   10   9  12    81   65  +16    39
15  Avenida Principal         31    8   7  16    38   77  −39    31
16  Mynda Electra             31    6  10  15    33   57  −24    28
17  Avenida Victoria          31    6   7  18    61   98  −37    25
18  Herzegovina Phoenix       31    7   3  21    26   79  −53    24
19  Lakiska SC                31    3   7  21    20   57  −37    16
20  La Querida                31    0   1  30    15  207 −192     1

Biggest Surprises of the Season

This is no longer a young season. With seven matchdays left, there is still plenty to decide. But yet, there's already plenty to take away from this season with 80% of it played. And so we ask the question: what, or who, have been the biggest surprises of this season?

#1: Kitara and Hoima are where in the title race?

Now, most people figured that Mâ Âlâmëómë would recover from their disastrous first season in this joint league, and they have (though it did take some foreign onlookers by surprise). It took them a few games, as they were still sitting firmly in mid-table about 10 games into the season... But then, this team essentially caught on fire. They flew up the table, destroying everybody in their paths, winning somewhere around 11 of 13 games or something like that? And it makes sense. This is the biggest brand not just in the country, but the biggest brand in the entirety of the Shango-Fogoa Basin: and they have a good argument for being the biggest non-Vanorian club in the entirety of the Glorious Southwest. Just take a look at all those trophies, both domestic and international (three-time AOCL champions!)

You expected the Banijan contenders to be the three Cities clubs. The Moravica pairing in Herzegovina and Istria, as well as Jinja. And after a slow start, Herzegovina City are right there in the thick of the title race, sitting in fourth but just three points behind first-place Mâ Âlâmëómë. But we see just one point behind first place, we have... the Hoima Warriors? On one hand, this is surprising: they were bottom half of the table last season. But the year before, they won the final season of the Banijan Soccer League. It looks as if their faith in Mark Grayson has paid off, so far. The Champions' League is well within reach, if not the league title, right?

The more surprising one, however, is Kitara AA. In the pre-S-FPL era, Banija's biggest clubs were the three previously mentioned Cities clubs, as well as eternally underperforming Busukuma AC, alongside the Hoima Warriors. Those five combined for every single league title. The highest a club ever finished outside of those five? Once, Bunyoro RSC finished second, about 9 seasons ago. To show how long ago that was, Bunyoro RSC has fallen to Banija's third tier, and is more well known for its dominant lacrosse side. But here are Kitara. Chromatik manager Aleksandr Ivanovich has raised the bar. And they're only behind the league leaders on goal difference. Now, they'll have to regress to the mean, right? But this a club that has never been to the Champions' League before in club history. So even that, in year one, would be a massive accomplishment as Ivanovich builds something special here in Sisonke.

#2: The second Farfadillis Champions League spot is currently going to... Ausharmuj Marusi?

So Mâ Âlâmëómë getting back to the top of the table almost had to happen. They're too big a club, with too much talent, to hang around in the mid-table for too long. Other Farf contenders were expected to be: defending champions Dí Maozöxê, last season's Champions' League qualifiers René Skaé, as well as clubs like La Nueva Avenida and Rülândéá Kôstä. La Sindica was predicted to finish outside of IFCF places entirely. Now, they are not only in the second Champions' league spot 31 games in, they're also in contention for a title?

Look at the pattern. Legendary Farf striker returns home, to win a title. Xíxì Êns did it for Dí Maozöxê. There was no way Oskar Holsteiner could have done it for Ausharmuj Marusi, right? But yet, this is a different team since he arrived. The veteran has played extremely well all year long, of course. But it goes far beyond him. This club in the Farf capitol has talented players all across the starting XI. Eslejes Aljojí. Lojes de Sájajo. Even Joe Green, who pairs with Holsteiner. Joaquim Martell and Óstam Perda Raom, too.

This club is playing far above themselves. But their fans are surely enjoying the hell out of it. Not expected, but it is deserved, so far. Here's the question: can they continue their level of play through the end of the season? This last fifth of the season is always the hardest. Everybody's tired. Nobody's at 100%. Your depth gets tested, your mental stamina taken through the ringer. But if they can do that and get to the Champions' League: or even more shockingly, challenge for the trophy? Manager Ey Farrháteré's star is going to take a shot to the moon. However, with their defense being simultaneously leaky and thin, all of this might be wishful thinking.

#3: Inaugaural S-FPL Champions Dí Maozöxê... missing IFCF competition entirely?

So this is not what we expected for the defending champs. Last season, powered by former Galáctico Player of the Year Xíxì Êns, Dí Maozöxê flew up the table and established themselves as the strongest club in the basin (sure, no clubs from Aji No Moto play in this league but we're still confident stating this) when they took the inaugural Shango-Fogoa Premier League title. And while he was the heart and soul of that team, they of course had a bunch of talent around him, even as he ages, to help the title defense. Lana Mensdóttir. Henrik Martin. Keaton Durbridge. Demba Kinteh. Excellent players all in their own right, who obviously know how to manage a league campaign and title chase.

That is why their run so far has been shocking. There are a lot of shocking things in this league right now. Rülândéá Kôstä's goal difference being the best in the league, at +51, and yet somehow being in 11th place is one of them. But considering last season's results, Dí Maozöxê's season right now is an outright disaster. How has this happened? And see, it wouldn't be so bad, one bad season following a title run. But what makes it terrible? Their own archrivals Mâ Âlâmëómë, the biggest club in all of Farfadillis, are the favorites to win the league. Not the clear favorites: it is freaking tight at the top of the table. But considering the clubs there, it seems as if Mâ Âlâmëómë is the favorite, with Herzegovina City the favorites to get second place.

Their defense, mostly, is piss poor. They're scoring at an excellent rate: 77 goals after 31 games is a lot in any other league. It's still a lot in general, but good for 9th in the league. Meanwhile, by goals conceded, they've allowed 62: aka, good for 16th fewest, or the 5th worst goals conceded per game in the league. You never expect a defense in this league to be great, but the teams in this league will ferociously punish bad defenses, and theirs has been. In comparison, last season, they allowed 50 goals over 38 games... which doesn't sound that great, but was good enough for second-best in the league. And they had the exact same back four plus goalkeeper last year as they do this year.

The first goal, is ensure you finish high enough to play in IFCF competition. The second? Find a way to fix that defense. The third? Get rid of all that complacency.

#4: The lack of an enticing relegation race and the disaster this season has been for Busogan football

It's been a disastrous year not only for Lakiska SC, but if they keep on this path, it will cap off what has been easily seen as a disastrous year for Busogan football. Disastrous is a strong word, yes, but it's hard to see how this year could have gone worse in this sport for the country.

The national team hasn't been great. World Cup 87 Qualifying, they weren't anywhere close, finishing in a place below their pot in that competition. They only won one game at the Cup of Harmony, being eliminated and forgotten about in the groups. And Banija's lower divisions haven't been kind to Busogan club football either.

Banija's second tier features 18 teams. 16 Banijan, 2 Busogan. One of those Busogan clubs finished in dead last and will be relegated to the regional leagues. That leaves just one Busogan club there, and the clubs that were promoted from regional leagues were not Busogan. We thought it'd be a strong three-way battle between Lakiska SC and the Herzegovina Phoenix, with Mynda Electra pulling away a little bit earlier, to stay up. But now, a second Busogan club may join the second tier, but in a way the Islanders didn't ask for: Lakiska SC getting relegated.

We can't understate how bad this would be for the country's footballing scene. A national team that consistently underperforms, then having its biggest club lose its place in the top flight? That would mean no Busogan teams in the S-FPL. A bunch of Busogan players suddenly lacking the chance to play top-flight, regular football, week in week out. And Lakiska SC seems to be going out fairly weakly?

Winad-Lenpi Xlo is on the brink of being fired. But it's too little, too late right? An 8-point gap with 7 games to go may not seem impossible... until you realize that this is a genuinely bad Lakiska team. Considering the Phoenix can get points as well, Lakiska realistically would probably need 11-12 points at minimum to get to safety over the last 7 games? Yet, this is a team who have won 3 games out of 31 so far. Asking them to get four out of 7 seems unlikely?

A credit to Reinhard Drake and Daniel Lucas, running the Phoenix and Electra respectively, in doing enough to make the relegation race mostly settled. It is by no means a foregone conclusion, as Lakiska stringing together just a couple of wins can upend this title race, but one would be foolish to bet on any of the Banijan sides to get relegated. If this ends up happening, this may be a shock to the system that Busogan football takes a very long time to recover from.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 32
La Querida 0–13 René Skaé
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–3 La Nueva Avenida
Dí Maozöxê 6–3 Kitara AA
Jinja City FC 3–1 Avenida Leal
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3–0 Busukuma AC
Herzegovina City FC 3–1 Hoima Warriors
Istria City FC 9–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Lakiska SC 1–0 Mynda Electra
Avenida Principal 1–0 Avenida Victoria

Another Matchday, another disaster for La Querida: a 13-0 demolition at the hands of René Skaé. That wasn't that interesting, though, was it? It was important for one reason: it helps René Skaé pad the ol' goal differential as they try to claw their way back into the title race, and more importantly, back to the Champions' League. They want to establish themselves as one of the league's elite clubs, and back-to-back CL appearances would do that. But let's move on from that for a little bit: what were the big matches today that affected the title race?

Mâ Âlâmëómë, the league's biggest club, defeated Busukuma AC rather easily by a score of 3-0. The seemingly permanently stressed Andrea Vardalos could only throw her hands in the air, thinking about what might have been for Busukuma AC. Her club is getting dangerously close to permanent mid-table status. You could see why she brought her cigarettes to the game this time. The team that was level with Mâ Âlâmëómë was Kitara AA. How'd they do? They had a visit to the struggling defending champions Dí Maozöxê, who obviously are not going to repeat this year. But Dí Maozöxê only put on their best game of the season against the Sisonke club, with a terrifying display of what might have been if they had gotten their shit together. They at one point led 5-0 in this match.

And of course, the teams in third and fourth played: the Hoima Warriors paid a visit to Herzegovina City. Now, a team that beat La Querida 15-0 this season, against a team that actually dropped points to La Querida. It's not quite that simple, of course, but that's one way of looking at it. Either way, Herzegovina City moved level with Kitara AA in the table for second place with a 3-1 win. Eamon Mullins assisted twice as Walcott, Mboob, and Rosie Tyler all claimed the spoils.

Elsewhere in the league, the Lions pounded Ausharmuj Marusi by a score of 9-1. The aging Phoenix defender Yashpal Gopaal headed the ball into his own net on a terrible clearance attempt to ensure a 1-0 loss to the Timberwolves. Winad-Lenpi kept his job for one more matchday, with a 1-0 win over Mynda Electra all of a sudden putting some life into their chances of reaching safety. And, of course, Rülândéá Kôstä and La Nueva Avenida played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. It was absolutely a frustrating point for Rülândéá Kôstä however, as Gurielefre Aixenxó scored in the 8th minute of stoppage time to equalize for La Nueva Avenida. That makes 90+8' the latest goal of this season.

Lastly, let's talk about bakers and pepper spray. Specifically, the humble Faroleran baker that was the protagonist of the matchday. Adrián Napolitano was, before today, just another Avenida Victoria fan. The derby between Avenida Principal and Avenida Victoria was unfolding quite mundanely: Leandro Martelli scored a beautiful free kick in the twentieth minute, then both teams missed tons of chances, and at half-time the score read 1-0. This was not, it must be remarked, an awfully important game: both teams are safe from relegation and neither team can aspire to an IFCF spot, not without being laughed off the room, at least. Tensions can run high in derbies, nonetheless, and they ran highest for Adrián who, in a pre-meditated, but surely not calculated, fit of rage threw a can of pepper spray inside the tunnel from which the Avenida Principal players were coming out. The FFFF, fearing retribution from the RBSA, who by now are basically the football federation equivalent of their disappointed parents, immediately suspended the match in a fit of reasonable decision making. As you do, the fans began fighting with machetes as a direct consequence of this and, uh, well, the death toll exceeded fifty.

Fifty-two was the final number, and it's terrible news for Avenida Victoria: after matchday 25's incidents, the club had received a warning that if they were to instigate another incident in which the death toll managed to rise above fifty, they'd get a thirty-point penalty, and their starting eleven would be suspended for a few matches. So, here we are. We have a relegation race! And we have Adrián Napolitano, cheerfully nicknamed el panadero, to thank for this.

There's good news for Avenida Victoria, however. If they get 7 points across the last 7 games, they will likely be safe. They know it's unlikely La Querida gain anything more than a point or two across the rest of the season, so los Lobos only got themselves to focus on. The bad thing? The obvious: the pressure is now heaped onto them, when just last week they thought they could breathe easily.

MATCHDAY 33
Avenida Principal 3–0 La Querida
Avenida Victoria 1–2 Lakiska SC
Mynda Electra 0–1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Busembe Timberwolves 1–1 Istria City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–1 Herzegovina City FC
Hoima Warriors 1–1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Busukuma AC 1–1 Jinja City FC
Avenida Leal 0–1 Dí Maozöxê
Kitara AA 5–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
La Nueva Avenida 3–1 René Skaé
AOCL Semifinals First Leg
Raynor City United (VAL) 2-1 Istria CIty FC. Istria City FC are eliminated 5-1 on aggregate.

There isn't much to write about for the AOCL Semifinals. Raynor City United are the biggest club in Atlantian Oceania, and they proved it in the first leg when they dominated 3-0 at Kabonero III Field. The second leg was a formality, but RCU won anyways, putting themselves in the final. Raynor City was thoroughly dominant against Istria City. The teams played in three competitions- the GSW Heritage Cup group stages, as well as the IFCF CL Round of 16, and the AOCL Semifinals. RCU won all five games. Istria City had five cracks at them, and could not get them once. So the gap remains between Istria City and the multiverse's truly elite club sides.

Now back to the league! The Hoima Warriors have their second massive game in a row this week, as they look to try and compete for a championship. Remember, they play at the 75,000 seater Mavuto Stadium, the biggest stadium in the league. A home win over Mâ Âlâmëómë would've vaulted them up the table with only a few games left. But while Grayson's side started out strong, dominating for the first sixty or so minutes, they could only manage one goal during that time period. And a team like Mâ Âlâmëómë, well... even if they struggle, they're always capable of getting points. Latona Basilisk equalized in the 84th. Tahir Fejzuli was in on goal in the 88th, but the massive Quebecois defender Chewbacca essentially ran him over, knocking Fejzuli off the ball and onto his back. A very controversial no-call from the referee, as Mâ Âlâmëómë fans let the referee have it with all sorts of insults. Four different players on the visiting team were yellow carded for insults aimed at the referee in the immediate aftermath, but the referee didn't even consult VAR. Many sports analysts watching after the fact thought it was a penalty, but only one person's opinion matters: the referee's, who saw it live, right?

Didn't we just write Lakiska SC off for dead two days ago? What the hell is happening? Winad-Lenpi saw his job was on the line, and what we thought was a foregone conclusion—Lakiska SC's relegation—is no longer so. They won a game for the second straight week, but this time doing so in dramatic fashion. Avenida Victoria, desperately trying to make up points from their 30 point deduction, took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Lakiska weren't doing much, until a rather pedestrian shot by Barkha Visariya was sent from a distance straight at the Victoria club's goalkeeper. Lucián Medrano, the goalkeeper, fumbled the ball and let it roll into the net. That gave Lakiska SC life, as they threw players forward (a rare occasion for them!) to try and win this game. It worked, as in the 81st minute, Vanorian wide midfielder Marius Haugum assisted Philea Neuheim's winner. The visiting fan section went nuts. Unfortunately for them, the Phoenix also won, but still: Electra lost again, and suddenly Lakiska SC has all of the momentum. Can a miraculous late season push get the Busogan club to save themselves from what everyone assumed was their fate?

There were plenty of games played outside of those two. Kitara Athletic Association recovered quickly from their loss in Ruland and dominated a quality Rülândéá Kôstä side for a 5-0 home win. Ivanovich went on an impassioned rant after the game to media, telling them to "respect" his side as title contenders. And look. We, begrudgingly, have to admit he's right. We've all been trying to write them off after each loss. But with 5 games left, is it finally time to accept that our eyes are not lying to us? Kitara AA, not the Three Cities clubs, not Hoima, and certainly not Busukuma, may be the best Banijan team in this league? Hell, they may be the best team in this league, period.

Also at the top of the table, neither of the Moravica contenders did much. Ausharmuj Marusi handled Herzegovina City at home, continuing their own argument for why they should be considered the second-best club in Farfadillis. It's a harsh competition right now, but the Champions' League is fully in sight for this club, which is something we simply would not have thought possible before the season. Great work to them, and to continue even in the late stages. This is the time of the year when clubs like Herzegovina City start asserting themselves, but they were second-best on the pitch today. Istria City also could not beat the Busembe Timberwolves, as Jason Þórhallursson cancelled out KHO's 7th minute penalty to ensure a 1-1 draw. Bøb Übermanager, the Timberwolves' manager, himself was shown a red card for verbally berating the referee, although it is unknown what he said. Next week Übermanager will sit in the press box, while his assistant roams the sideline for one match.

In another big battle with Champions' League implications, La Nueva Avenida roared back to life with a 3-1 win over René Skaé. Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng was simply slicing through the defense like scissors going through paper, creating all sorts of stress and problems for René Skaé at the back while creating numerous opportunities for the Victoria club. La Nueva Avenida won comfortably, setting up an intense race to the end for the last Champions' League spot.

MATCHDAY 34
La Querida 0–2 La Nueva Avenida
René Skaé 0–1 Kitara AA
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–0 Avenida Leal
Dí Maozöxê 1–1 Busukuma AC
Jinja City FC 5–0 Hoima Warriors
Mâ Âlâmëómë 4–4 Ausharmuj Marusi
Herzegovina City FC 0–3 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina Phoenix 1–1 Avenida Victoria
Lakiska SC 0–0 Avenida Principal
Istria City FC 3–0 Mynda Electra
IFCF Challenger's Cup Semifinals First Leg
Rülândéá Kôstä 2-5 Freeport United (FPT)
Herzegovina City FC 1-2 Spartangrad (EUR)

And we'll kick off the week with the Challenger's Cup. There's a chance at what would be a mouthwatering all S-FPL final, but these two teams have to actually win first. Rülândéá Kôstä taking on a surprisingly and suddenly dominant Freeport United side, while Herzegovina are tasked with having to beat Spartangrad. And while both S-FPL teams played at home, neither played particularly well. Freeport United has been quite the story: out of nowhere, utterly dominant [Editor's note: you can tell the Banijan intern wrote this one because he's not going on and on about this]. And they showed it with a 5-2 win in Ruland that all but ended Rülândéá Kôstä's chances of the Final. Herzegovina City didn't lose by quite as much, but the home loss meant at a minimum they have to score twice whilst not conceding (in Eura!), a tall order for any visiting team to that country.

League-wise, we'll start with the relegation race. Lakiska SC only has a few games left to try and catch the Herzegovina Phoenix. The Phoenix could not earn a win on this matchday, as they split the spoils with a demoralized Avenida Victoria, whose 30-point deduction increasingly looks set to doom them to finish behind La Querida. At this point, draws are not bad for the Phoenix, but Avenida Victoria needs wins. They sit strongly in the negatives, clawing haplessly at a La Querida club that just gets wrecked every week. Three matchdays since their point deduction, only one point earned. They now sit at -4, with La Querida at 1. Lakiska SC had a chance to then claw two points back, but could not close the deal against Avenida Principal for their third consecutive win. Lakiska SC had its opportunities as well: they missed not one, but two penalty kicks that could've given them the lone goal they needed to win the game. Neuheim had a penalty saved in the 37th minute, and Matthew Tamworth skied one in the 63rd. With only four games left, they'll rue those two points they left on the table.

La Querida actually didn't do too bad, all things considered. Only losing 2-0. Yeah, they conceded early, but the result was in doubt for a long time, and they actually created a few opportunities for themselves. Unfortunately for them, their finishing is awful, and their opponents hit a late second goal for insurance. Now, let's look at the top of the table! Mâ Âlâmëómë and Ausharmuj Marusi had a very important game against each other. Ausharmuj Marusi, of course, chasing the Champions' League, while their opponents simply want to be champions. The two played out to a breakneck, 4-4 draw. Ausharmuj Marusi actually looked like they were going to pull off the upset win, being up 4-2 in the 72nd minute. But Mâ Âlâmëómë clawed back a draw, with Basilisk having a brace, with her 83rd and 88th minute goals equalizing. The second one was a thing of beauty, as she left two Ferdullaelan defenders sitting on their asses with a well-timed feint. La Sindica has a terrible defense, mind, but it was a great goal nonetheless.

On the Banijan side, Bøb Übermanager drew a bunch of eyes when he predicted a big time win at Star Field, against Herzegovina City. "We can hang with ANYBODY in this freaking league." Übermanager said. "We are a big team, we are a big club. Put it front page, back page, middle page, whatever: we will win in Herzegovina." And... He was right! As questions swirl about whether or not Jason Þórhallursson is too big for this club, he shone with a goal and an assist in their upset win over the title contenders. That meant, when you add in Hoima's shocking 5-0 loss to Jinja City, three title contenders got a combined lone point on this matchday. And what about the fourth?

Kitara Athletic Association took advantage of those rivals all dropping points with a 1-0 road win over an excellent René Skaé side. The combination for the goal was the most surprising bit. Neither team could generate much offense. A foul in the 68th minute, however, created an opportunity. Ivanovich wanted a double subsititution. Célestine Belrose off for Keira Anbient, and Noah Urbansson on for Gereh Kama. A cross on a free kick went to Keira Anbient. Her, not having the angle, had the awareness to head it back toward the penalty spot. And who was there but.. Noah Urbansson?! What a time to score your first goal of the season, as the Græntfjall midfielder volleyed home to give his club a key win in a crucial part of the season. Look at where Kitara AA find themselves. Is this the year of the Blue and Whites? The fans must be pinching themselves.

Elsewhere, Rülândéá Kôstä coasted (haha get it?) to a very easy 3-0 win over Avenida Leal. Röémün Çídh hitting a bicycle kick on the day was particularly impressive for the home side in their win. An odd season for Rülândéá Kôstä... An excellent goal differential has not translated into the points they've expected. Football data "analysts" keep going on and on about how they've been underperforming their xG and surely any day now they'll go back to winning ways and whatnot and... well, they keep losing money by betting on them. Anyway: at least they got their win here: 3 points are 3 points, no matter how you package them. Istria City won at home by the exact same scoreline over Mynda Electra, which was entirely expected. And, Dí Maozöxê drew Busukuma AC 1-1 on their own turf. Even if it's not a terrible result, her players manage to shorten her lifespan by causing unnecessary stress. Adama Coote got one on one with the opposing goalkeeper, beat him on the dribble, and then somehow missed. Vardalos threw the water bottle in her hand at the ground so hard out of frustration that it broke. We didn't even realize that was possible.

MATCHDAY 35
Lakiska SC 1–0 La Querida
Avenida Principal 4–1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Avenida Victoria 0–9 Istria City FC
Mynda Electra 2–2 Herzegovina City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Ausharmuj Marusi 0–3 Jinja City FC
Hoima Warriors 1–3 Dí Maozöxê
Busukuma AC 0–1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Leal 3–1 René Skaé
Kitara AA 0–0 La Nueva Avenida

And we start with the relegation race again! Lakiska SC and La Querida, the two worst teams in the league, met in Busoga. And Lakiska SC won again, with a tight 1-0 win over a poor La Querida side. Combined with Avenida Principal walloping the Herzegovina Phoenix 4-1, Lakiska SC may pull off what would be one of the greatest last-ditch safety campaigns of our generation. After matchday 31, the gap between the Phoenix and the Bandicoots was 8. Today? The gap is 2 points. Phoenix at 28 points, with Lakiska SC at 26 points. And guess which two teams play next week in Herzegovina? That bottom of the table game will suddenly be extremely important.

The Farf relegation race criss-crossed with the race for Champions' League spots. Istria City took on an Avenida Victoria side whose season is quickly turning into disaster. Avenida Victoria lost 9-0 at home. They were booed off the field by their own fans (no deaths this time, though). They're sitting on -4, with La Querida at 1, with only 3 games left: they're almost out of time to catch up with La Querida! Just 1 point in their last 4 games. You know what other team has one point in the last four games? The Hoima Warriors. After Matchday 31, they were one point off pace for the title. Now? Just 1 draw and 3 losses in their last 4, including this week's 3-1 loss to Dí Maozöxê. And really, the scoreline was flattering, as anyone who watched the game saw it could've easily been 4 or 5-0. What's happened to Mark Grayson's side? These last few weeks, they're out here looking like the squad that couldn't beat La Querida, as opposed to the side that was challenging for a title. Key word was. With three games left, it'll be near impossible to make up the ground they've lost.

Speaking of the title race, how'd that go this week? Kitara Athletic Association could not get their third win in a row, as Ivanovich's side managed a draw against a motivated La Nueva Avenida side. Both teams were trying to get forward and find goals, looking for winners, but both goalkeepers were excellent. Brian Merson, the Tikariot international, had nine saves on the day, while Paige Daunten had six of her own. Herzegovina City could not take advantage, however, as Mynda Electra played their rivals to a 2-2 draw. Remember the key: Herzegovina City don't consider Mynda a rival. Mynda considers Herzegovina City their archrivals. An interesting dynamic between the two most northern teams in the S-FPL. And Electra's win may have just done enough to kiss Herzegovina City's faint, yet mathematical, title hopes goodbye.

And who took advantage at Tioners Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den? None other than Mâ Âlâmëómë. A second-minute goal from Latona Basilisk put the Timberwolves on the back heel immediately, and allowed Mâ Âlâmëómë to take control of the game fully. That meant the Farf side went back to the top of the table. Mâ Âlâmëómë is used to, and is all about, winning trophies. And they got one giant leap closer with this matchday. They control their own destiny. 68 points compared to Kitara's 67. Of course, it's far easier said than done to win your last three games, but it's certainly possible. Can they handle the pressure and make sure the S-FPL league trophy stays in Ruland?

What else happened this week? Rülândéá Kôstä earned all three points in the Banijan capitol, as a long range goal from Baraxil Muhaburu was the difference. Jinja City FC cruised away from home, downing la Sindica by a score of 3-0. They're making a late charge for the Champions' League. But is it too little, too late, for the Black Mambas to make that charge? Considering the number of changes they made during the offseason after struggling to a mid-table finish last year, expect big changes at this club if they cannot achieve their goal.

MATCHDAY 36
La Querida 0–5 Kitara AA
La Nueva Avenida 0–1 Avenida Leal
René Skaé 2–1 Busukuma AC
Rülândéá Kôstä 1–1 Hoima Warriors
Dí Maozöxê 1–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Jinja City FC 1–3 Busembe Timberwolves
Mâ Âlâmëómë 2–2 Mynda Electra
Herzegovina City FC 10–1 Avenida Victoria
Istria City FC 8–2 Avenida Principal
Herzegovina Phoenix 0–0 Lakiska SC

So many big games! The relegation race and title race converge! First, we'll start with the title race this week. Kitara Athletic Association travelled to La Querida. It was a high pressure match on Saturday: a win would put them temporarily back at the top of the table. Mentally challenging, but La Querida is La Querida. Therefore, a win was almost guaranteed, and sure enough, it happened. The nerves seemed to be with them in the first half, as they could not break the deadlock until the 40th minute. Once Nightingale broke the deadlock and they took the 1-0 lead into the half, however, they were relaxed. They put four past Cotoneaster in the second half for an easy win.

So then, both at the top and the bottom of the table, all attention turns to Sunday. So we'll skip ahead. First, the Farf relegation race. Avenida Victoria, with most of their starters suspended, had to travel to Herzegovina City. Still stuck in the negatives, at -4, they need to start getting points quickly to make up ground on La Querida, right? But they never had a chance at Star Field. The Trumpeteers were up 5-1 about 20 minutes in, and they didn't stop scoring until they had a 10-1 route. Avenida Victoria is now on the very edge of relegation. Unless they can make up a 5 point gap in the last two matchdays, right?

And then, on the Banijan relegation chase, we had two teams separated by 2 points: Lakiska SC, at 26 points, and then the Phoenix, 2 points above the relegation zone. It was a match that many might call a heroic effort by Lakiska SC to save a place for Busogan football in the top flight... if they had won. The same problems that had plauged them all season showed here. Their lack of ability to control the midfield. Their lack of creativity up top. Their lack of clinical finishing. They had their chances. Even Sarzonian international Carlton Sandt saved a penalty to save their season, essentially. But they couldn't take advantage. Their best chance came in the 72nd, when a falling Phoenix defender gave Ferri Kubala a free header. Kubala's near post header froze the goalkeeper, but hit the bottom of the crossbar, and bounced out. So. Close. But close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, therefore the draw kept things as they were. Two-point gap, but the Phoenix host La Querida next week, while Lakiska SC travel to Istria City. Is this the end of Busogan football in the top flight?

Meanwhile, Mâ Âlâmëómë played host to Mynda Electra. This is, of course, the same Mynda Electra team that is bottom 5 in the table, but also the same team that mathematically ended Herzegovina City's title hopes just last week. So while they are not great, they are no pushovers either. With rumors of Electra wanting to invest further, Daniel Lucas has extra incentive for better results in the league. And hell, Mâ Âlâmëómë needed three points to stay on top of the table. That's why it was a surprise when Xavier Melchoir gave Electra the lead on the road, in the 24th minute. But Mâ Âlâmëómë were not fazed. Fejzuli equalized in the 47th minute, and then Keldoulis gave them the lead just four minutes later. But the Foresters stayed in the game. The raucous home crowd, against a team with the big club mentality, but Electra was in the game. They were creating half-decent chances, while not exposing themselves in the back to a team that can counter as well as Mâ Âlâmëómë can. Xannerian subsititute Arthur Trudell IV delivered a cross that found the head of Ousman Mansaré in the 81st minute. Suddenly, it was 2-2. Lôs Vhêrdês thought they were going to waltz into a win. Instead, they were in a panic. But for whatever reason, Electra turned the title race upside down once again.

This meant that leaving the weekend, Kitara AA had the lead in the title race. 70 points to 69 for Mâ Âlâmëómë. There were other big games this weekend. Siovanijan loanee Jesper Porsche scored twice for Busembe, as his time in Banija nears to an end. Basamula had a throwback performance, as he scored a curling free kick as well for Busembe's 3-1 victory over Jinja City FC. René Skaé landed themselves a 2-1 win over Busukuma that put them in a good place with just two games to go. Istria City cruised, as the Lions destroyed Avenida Prinicipal en route to an 8-2 victory. They're on the verge of clinching a berth in the Champions' League. If they do, it would be their fourth consecutive appearance in club football's premier international competition.

MATCHDAY 37
Herzegovina Phoenix 4–1 La Querida
Lakiska SC 0–1 Istria City FC
Avenida Principal 0–5 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Victoria 0–5 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Mynda Electra 8–5 Jinja City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 1–5 Dí Maozöxê
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Hoima Warriors 0–3 René Skaé
Busukuma AC 0–1 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Leal 0–7 Kitara AA
IFCF Challenger's Cup Semifinals Second Leg
Freeport United (FPT) 1-3 Rülândéá Kôstä. Rülândéá Kôstä are eliminated 6-5 on aggregate.
Spartangrad 1-2 Herzegovina City FC. 2-2 AET. Herzegovina City FC are eliminated 4-3 on aggregate.

What a week this was. The theme of the week is easy: the clock strikes midnight.

First, the Challenger's Cup. Freeport United had destroyed in the first leg in Farfadillis, with a 5-2 win that all but ended the tie. Or so everyone thought. Rülândéá Kôstä's task was score a minimum of four goals. They didn't rotate their squad, give up on the tie, and focus on the league. No! They went after it, and tried to get those goals. It was 1-0 to them at halftime. Then, Röémün Çídh scored twice early in the half to make it 3-0. Could they get a miracle 4-0 road win they'd need to advance to the Final? Alas, with Rülândéá Kôstä throwing everyone forward for the winner, Freeport United snuck one in on the counter. Just barely, by the skin of their teeth, were they able to survive.

A tough elimination for Rülândéá Kôstä. And then, next team up: Herzegovina City FC. After losing the home leg 2-1, they did what was required of them: lead after 90 minutes on the road. Eamon Mullins scored the opener in the return to his own country, while Edmün Çídh scored the second to for extra time. Unfortunately, the Trumpeteers could not hold the line in extra time, conceding to a Spartangrad striker in the 111th minute. So for both S-FPL teams in this competition, the clock struck midnight.

Now, for the league. This is the week both Lakiska SC and Avenida Victoria confirmed their fates. Lakiska SC, after a late season scramble meant not losing their last 5 matches, had a tall order. With the Phoenix beating La Querida 4-1, they had a must-win at home against Istria City. They did their best. And that's all that can be said. The talent gap, too large. Istria City, too clinical. Lakiska not built to chase games. Linoan Waters scored the game's lone goal, assisted by Murray Hunnisett. On the other side, Mâ Âlâmëómë temporarily took the lead in the title race, by downing Avenida Victoria by a score of 5-0. They did not go out this year with a bang, but with a whimper. Many suspended starters at the end, they simply could not overcome it. Back to the mysterious lower leagues of which we have no record yet for them.

And now, the title race again! That win by Mâ Âlâmëómë put them ahead after Saturday, having 72 points compared to Kitara AA's 70. But Kitara Athletic Association had some big plans for their own trip to Victoria Lago. With Kitara's match in the same city where Mâ Âlâmëómë had just played, a few Mâ Âlâmëómë fans went to the game to try and cheer on the visitors. It meant all sorts of chaos, as a large chunk of Kitara AA fans went to the game as well. Ivanovich's side was absolutely clinical, destroying Avenida Leal by a score of 7-0. A pulled hamstring by Avenida Leal midfielder Næmor Paala in the 5th minute certainly didn't help things, as anyone who wanted to seemingly got a goal for Kitara AA. They're up by one point over Mâ Âlâmëómë with one game remaining. Can they truly win the league next week?

Herzegovina City took on Avenida Principal, and they also pummeled an Avenida side, as they won 5-0 away from home. Truly, a terrible week to be a fan of the three Avenida clubs that are not La Nueva Avenida. This week's results meant that Banija's last two Champions' League spots were officially clinched this week, as Istria City and Herzegovina City's wins meant they would join Kitara AA in the Champions' League. With Mâ Âlâmëómë having already clinched their birth as well, just one spot remains.

----Team                      Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1  Kitara AA                 37   22   7   8    91   44  +47    73
 2  Mâ Âlâmëómë               37   21   9   7   117   66  +51    72
 3  Istria City FC            37   21   6  10   119   57  +62    69
 4  Herzegovina City FC       37   20   7  10   111   61  +50    67
 5  La Nueva Avenida          37   17  13   7    81   56  +25    64
 6  Jinja City FC             37   18   9  10    88   62  +26    63
 7  René Skaé                 37   18   8  11    99   58  +41    62
 8  Busembe Timberwolves      37   18   8  11    88   64  +24    62
 9  Hoima Warriors            37   17  10  10    57   42  +15    61
10  Ausharmuj Marusi          37   17  10  10    90   76  +14    61
11  Rülândéá Kôstä            37   16  11  10    92   42  +50    59
12  Dí Maozöxê                37   16  10  11    94   69  +25    58
13  Busukuma AC               37   13  10  14    40   38   +2    49
14  Avenida Leal              37   12   9  16    86   80   +6    45
15  Avenida Principal         37   11   8  18    48   91  −43    41
16  Mynda Electra             37    7  12  18    45   71  −26    33
17  Herzegovina Phoenix       37    9   5  23    33   86  −53    32
18  Lakiska SC                37    6   9  22    24   59  −35    27
19  La Querida                37    0   1  36    16  235 −219     1
20  Avenida Victoria          37    6   8  23    64  126  −62    -4

What to Watch Out For on the Final Day

There's a lot to play for on the final day! All 10 games on the final day of the season will occur at the same time, all of them kicking off on Sunday at 3:30 PM Banijan Standard Time. How will you watch like a pro?

#1: The Title Race, Kitara AA vs Busukuma AC and Mâ Âlâmëómë vs Avenida Prinicipal

You see the table sitting above. There's not much to say here. Kitara is up one. If they win, they win the league. If they lose or draw, and Mâ Âlâmëómë wins, Mâ Âlâmëómë wins the league. There are a few other possible scenarios, but truly, those are the only ones that matter. Both fanbases will be ready to party, as both teams are having games at their home field.

Keystone Stadium is expected to be packed to the absolute brim in Sisonke. Kitara AA's trophy cabinet is entirely bare. No cups, no leagues, nothing of consequence has been won in the professional era for this club. And Mâ Âlâmëómë, the league's biggest club, I mean, there isn't even much to say here, is there? Rülândéá Çölíséá is going to be overflowing with home fans, we can't even imagine how many Avenida Principal fans will bother traveling to this match. They just lost 7-0 at home to Kitara, they probably can't win in Ruland. All eyes on Sisonke then.

Another key to watch: Busukuma AC is a traditional big club. The worst of them, surely, and a young fan these days could barely say that, but yeah. The last thing they would want to be is a witness to freaking Kitara winning the title while they sit at home, in the mid-table, just terrible. Can that motivate them?

#2: The second Farf Champions' League spot

Banija's are clinched. Of course, Herzegovina City and Istria City still want to finish ahead of each other, but that's due to rivalry, not the IFCF. There are three Farf teams still in the race for the Champions' League. La Nueva Avenida has 64 points, René Skaé sit at 62, while Ausharmuj Marusi have 61. René Skaé and Ausharmuj will actually play each other, with La Sindica taking a trip to the desert to play René Skaé. Jinja City is also in the race, as they could steal a spot from the FFFF, but there are allegations that it literally cannot happen because of outside forces.

Anyway: the match between René Skaé and Ausharmuj Marusi is a huge match. But it won't matter if La Nueva Avenida can win. They will host a struggling Hoima Warriors side. Can we talk about the Warriors? In second place before they tied La Querida. 1 point off pace after 31 games, and yet, they've only gotten 2 points in their last six games, and are in 9th place. Quietly, and yet shockingly, it has been one epic collapse. But they are not the focus. La Nueva Avenida is. Victoria Lago's biggest club are the darlings of FFFF President Alex Terán, who constantly funnels money into them in an international image-laundering operation that is paying very little dividends, and believe they should be in the Champions' League. All eyes should be on Victoria Lago. Alex Terán will even reportedly be in attendance, so they'll do their best to carve up Hoima.

#3: The Challenger's Cup places

The League, as a whole, gets six. There are three spots accounted for. Jinja City did not do enough to make the Champions' League (remember, outside forces will not let them take up a Farf spot), and will make the Challenger's Cup. Two of Ausharmuj Marusi, La Nueva Avenida, and René Skaé will make the Challenger's Cup. That's three spots accounted for.

Who is in the running for the last three? Busembe Timberwolves, Hoima Warriors, Rülândéá Kôstä, and Dí Maozöxê. It's an odd group of teams. The middle two teams were the last league champions of each country before the S-FPL unified. Dí Maozöxê was the first S-FPL champion. And Busembe, somehow, is ahead of all of them. The last three are all underperforming expectations, as they wanted to be competing for Champions' League berths at this point, not Challenger's Cup berths. But it is what it is.

#4: Black Monday: Who will get fired?

Black Monday, of course, is the nickname for the day after the season ends, aka the most common day for coaches to be fired.

Unlike last season, nobody got fired mid-season as a manager. A miracle, right? But there will certainly be firings. Teams disappointed in their finishes. Which managers on the touchlines are already done functionally, and are just coaching out their last games for kicks? Which managers have a chance at actually fighting for their jobs? It's performance and, unfortunately, politics. At home, the Banijan contingent has taken a beating from local media and fans for the lack of Banijan managers in the top flight. You can't reverse that trend if you don't have new managers. So expect a few, particularly on the Banijan side, to be under pressure.

Busukuma AC is nowhere near the IFCF, 9 points off the pace. Vardalos is surely coaching her last game in the Banijan capitol. Brian Emerson is 86 years old. He hasn't said anything official, but there are rumors that the 86 year old might retire at the end of the season. Not everyone can be Laborious Hawk and go on forever, eh? At Lakiska, Winad-Lenpi Xlo has told fans he will resign after matchday 38. Rülândéá Kôstä and Dí Maozóxê both are not happy at their place in the table right now. Could one, or both, look to fire the head man?

And then questions everywhere. Rumors that Electra may move on from Daniel Lucas. Or that Mór Császár has done what he can for the Black Mambas across the last six seasons. While it'd be incredibly foolish to base your decision on whether to hire or fire a coach after one game... well, worse decisions have been made in a sport like this.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

-Season 2-

S-FPL Cup Final Rounds

And now, we have our eight teams in the final rounds of the S-FPL Cup! Five S-FPL teams, a pair of lower league sides from Farfadillis, and one lower league side from the Busoga Islands. It works just as you think it would: single elimination, it's just that at this stage, teams are permitted to cross national boundaries. The quarterfinals and semifinals are held on home grounds, while the final is held at the Stadium of the Restoration, Banija's national stadium.

Without further ado!

Quarterfinals

Herzegovina City FC 2–1 Jinja City FC
Rákospalotai 4–2 Avenida Victoria
Rülândéá Kôstä 5–2 Dukuma SC
Lasupi 3–1 Herzegovina Phoenix

And now, for the quarterfinals! Here, the draw gifted us a big-time Banijan matchup at Star Field, where Herzegovina City FC took on Jinja City FC. Two teams, with big-time ambitions, meeting in a knockout tie: it was always going to be fascinating. And when a yellow card was given in the third minute, for a rough challenge by Musa Gaye on Meghan Walcott, you knew that it meant something to both teams. Especially with the league looking out of reach for manager Brian Emerson, this may be a chance to get one last trophy. He is 86 years old, of course. It would be Edmün Çídh who would score the opener for the Trumpeteers, when he chipped the keeper in a one-on-one situation.

This confident Herzegovina City side doubled their lead before halftime, with Meghan Walcott hitting a free kick in the 40th minute. But Jinja City is hungry for a trophy too. They came out guns a blazing in the second half, with Ülì Èsàsè assisting Madison McClain to get on the board in the 55th minute. Jinja City largely controlled the rest of the game, although the Trumpeteers had a few counter-attacking opportunities of their own. They had even brought on Xilit-Zaxac Yol towards the end in search for an equalizer, but they could not find one. The highlight match of the round went to Herzegovina City, as they went to the semifinals.

In the other three games, it would be the Farf sides that would rule the day. First, Rülândéá Kôstä took on Dukuma SC in Ruland, and honestly, it was about as competitive a match as you would have assumed. Dukuma SC is much more attacking than their very defensive southern rivals, Lakiska SC, but there's absolutely no way they have the talent to keep up with Rülândéá Kôstä. It was 5-0 by the hour mark, and at that point, everybody on Rülândéá Kôstä was trying to get themselves a goal. Because of that, defenders were venturing forward dangerously while opening up space in the back. Some of those forward excursions yielded late goals for Dukuma SC, but they didn't matter as the match was long over and the class gap between the two sides abundantly clear.

Herzegovina Phoenix have to be disappointed with their 3-1 loss to Lasupi. The inaugural season has been decent for the Phoenix, as they are simply trying to stay up and, in fairness, are on track to do just that. But a trophy for Reinhard Drake in Year 1 would've been a nice boost to the morale. Still, they were sluggish, and a much less talented Lasupi side, at least on paper, was superior to them in every way on the pitch. The 3-1 victory was thoroughly deserved.

As for the fourth game, another cup upset, as Rákospalotai (who?) downed Avenida Victoria at home, 4-2. The second lower league Farf side on this matchday to upset a recently promoted S-FPL team. Modesto Valenzuela was raging on the sideline during the match, but to no avail, as los Lobos will just need to search for better luck next year. Teenager Eötrenois Rigozsoldos has to have caught more than one S-FPL side's eye with his performance, scoring two and assisting another two. His father's a René Skaé legend; they'd be fools to pass up on signing him.

Semifinals

Rákospalotai 0–2 Herzegovina City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–0 Lasupi

And now, for the semifinals! There's a theme here: S-FPL side takes on Farf lower league side. And both games had results that you'd expect, so we won't spend a ton of time here. While Rákospalotai's attack (or, rather, Rigoszoldos) created a number of chances at home against Herzegovina City, and their defense prevented the Trumpeteers from scoring for 75 minutes, eventually their class shone through in a 2-0 away victory. Busogan winger Habib Fadika scored in the 81st minute off the bench to break the deadlock, while Eamon Mullins scored on a counter-attack to clinch a trip to Busukuma.

Rülândéá Kôstä had an easier time, easily dispatching Lasupi by a score of 3-0. No unnecessary adventures forward this week, as they clinched a trip to Busukuma with an easy 3-0 win over a vastly overmatched Lasupi side. It was 3-0 inside of 30 minutes, courtesy of Roshanak, Çídh and Kang, and that was that. Rülândéá Kôstä still got forward, but the defenders held their line in the back, and they didn't concede. Their finishing boots failed them in the final hour of the match, but it didn't matter.

And that meant we had a final! Herzegovina City v. Rülândéá Kôstä. Who would be the first S-FPL Cup winners?

S-FPL Cup Final
Played at the Stadium of the Restoration in Busukuma, National Capitol Region, Banija

Rülândéá Kôstä 0–2 Herzegovina City FC

A highly-anticipated final in this brand new tournament between Herzegovina City and Rülândéá Kôstä. Sometimes, in a final, you have players playing tentatively, afraid to concede, sitting back. Not in this final. Players on both teams got after it. Meghan Walcott hit the crossbar in the sixth minute, sending the opposing backline scrambling before Erin Kang made a desperate clearance. Röémün Çídh had a one-on-one with Herzegovina City goalkeeper Francois Tantoh in the 11th minute, and somehow did not score, as the Banijan #1 made an impressive save in a desperate situation to keep the score tied at 0-0.

Both goalkeepers had four saves in the first half to keep the game somehow tied at 0-0. Both teams continued to get forward, but it would be depth that would make the difference. The most unexpected of goalscorers, Anton Vujadinovic, who had come on as a subsitution for Kai Dias, mostly for defensive purposes, scored the opening goal in the 55th minute. A cross on a free kick found his head, and he smashed it home. Scoring your first goal of the season in a Final? Check.

Rülândéá Kôstä spent all the rest of the time trying to equalize. Röémün Çídh had a free header in the 67th that he hit over the bar. Not his best night, clearly. Wilsêkïl Lâlâw had a fantastic bicycle kick effort on goal in the 74th minute, but Tantoh made an acrobatic save, flying upwards to tip the ball over the top of the bar. When Tantoh caught a corner kick in the 82nd minute, Herzegovina City players started flying forward, and he had a great outlet pass. Eamon Mullins brought the ball up nearly the length of the field, and made a perfect through pass at the 18 to Babaja Mboob. As the goalkeeper came out on Mboob, he passed it towards the middle of the goal, and Rosie Tyler was able to tap the ball into the empty net.

Game. Set. Trophy. The 86-year-old manager Brian Emerson, in what is increasingly looking like his final season, was able to lift this trophy. Is this the final achievement of the magical Brian Emerson era here in Herzegovina City, or is there more to come?

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

The Final Day! So much at stake, so much to play for. The S-FPL will be running a true final day format: all ten games played at the very same time. Occuring at 3:30 PM, we're going to come at you with the special online live feed for all games. A joint kick-off time of 3:30 Banijan Standard Time.

As a reminder for all of you, here are this week's games. The home team, obviously, is listed first.

La Querida vs Avenida Leal
Kitara AA vs Busukuma AC
La Nueva Avenida vs Hoima Warriors
René Skaé vs Ausharmuj Marusi
Rülândéá Kôstä vs Busembe Timberwolves
Dí Maozöxê vs Mynda Electra
Jinja City FC vs Avenida Victoria
Mâ Âlâmëómë vs Avenida Principal
Herzegovina City FC vs Lakiska SC
Istria City FC vs Herzegovina Phoenix

---

3:00 PM: An interesting situation has unfolded in Lìbêrêtê. Three teams playing home games at the same time, including two teams from the same stadium. Dí Maozöxê is the odd man out, as the bigger club they share a stadium with is title chasing today. It's created some crazy scenes. They scrambled to find a pitch, and surprisingly found a (subjectively) well-groomed one in the middle of a field not far from the stadium they share with Mâ Âlâmëómë. It doesn't really have any sort of stands. They've simply roped off spots for the players and media, with fans just standing up and watching from wherever they can stand, right around the stadium. It's gonna be one chaotic day.

---

3:10 PM: The two teams with title hopes are, of course, leaning fully into it. Kitara AA's stadium is already full. Their supporters held a rally outside the stadium. Our reporters on the ground are saying that already you cannot find a seat in any bar in the city. There's also a street watch party being held on the waterfront for those without tickets, and that is filling up as well. Meanwhile, in Lìbêrêtê, Mâ Âlâmëómë fans are throwing themselves watch parties as well. They're already in full song inside the stadium, and their jersey is everywhere as fans hope for a title today.

---

3:25 PM: Excitement is being felt all around the league, as teams look forward to their final match of the season. Avenida Victoria fans are staging a protest at the BCEL Stadium in Jinja City at their points reduction leading to relegation, saying the RBSA are being unreasonable. No violence anywhere though, so far: just 10 different packed stadiums. The excitement is highest, obviously, at the home stadia of Kitara AA and Mâ Âlâmëómë: the Keystone Stadium in Sisonke and the Rülândéá Çölíséá in Lìbêrêtê, respectively.

---

3:31 PM: And we're off! All 10 games have kicked off in the last sixty seconds, as all the screens in this television room are going crazy. I'm only keeping the sound on for one game right now: Kitara A.A. v. Busukuma AC, where the league leaders host a Busukuma AC team that is on its last legs.

---

3:34 PM: And we've got the first goal of the Final Day! Coming from La Gran Avenida, La Nueva Avenida put themselves in front of the Hoima Warriors in the 5th minute, as Ugós Oroso heads home a cross from Rashica Horvath. Ugós Oroso was able to sprint past the strong, but sometimes slow, Chewbacca, and head home powerfully to give his team the lead. The home fans are celebrating. La Nueva Avenida can clinch a berth in the Champions' League if they win, regardless of whatever kind of results we see elsewhere.

---

3:39 PM: And we've got our first word on the title race! Mâ Âlâmëómë moved ahead of Kitara in the live table, as Ezalta Arambauzá rebounded home a powerful shot from Latona Basilisk, one that had hit the post and bounced straight to the feet of the Farf winger. Meanwhile, Istria City FC has already opened the scoring against the Herzegovina Phoenix, who clinched safety last weekend. KHO got her first of the day to make it 1-0 at Kabonero III Field.

---

3:43 PM: Looking elsewhere, we've got a banger of a game on the streets of Lìbêrêtê. Both Dí Maozöxê and Mynda Electra have scored already, with a third-minute strike from Xíxì Êns canceled out by an eighth-minute strike from Xavier Melchoir. Both teams are going after it today, throwing caution to the wind. Farina Luhukay has also scored for Istria City against the Phoenix, making it 2-0 on the day.

---

3:47 PM: And we've got an update in the title race! Kitara AA take the lead against Busukuma AC and move ahead of Mâ Âlâmëómë with a curling shot by Ronald Mickel. The score is 1-0 to Kitara AA. If they can hold this lead, remember, the title will be theirs.

---

3:51 PM: In the race for places in the IFCF, Rülândéá Kôstä have started to make their case for the Challenger's Cup. They've scored an opener at home against the Busembe Timberwolves, as Röémün Çídh found the upper corner of the back of the net. A golazo? Not entirely, but a sublime finish all the same. 1-0 to the hosts there.

---

3:57 PM: There is another update in the title race! But not a good one for fans of Mâ Âlâmëómë. A harsh, late tackle by Fekati Abdi forced the referee to brandish a card, and show a penalty. There was a legitimate argument for the card to be red; he was lenient giving a yellow. Celio Pompa then stepped up to the plate for Avenida Prinicipal and buried the penalty, tying the game at one goal apiece.

---

4:04 PM: La Nueva Avenida are determined to take the dramatics out of the Champions' League race. The Hoima Warriors, shockingly, have fallen apart over the last several matchdays. Just two points since they were a lone point out of first place on matchday 31? Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng was able to beat Robert Craig on the dribble using a rainbow flick, and then, after beating one more defender on the dribble, finished the play himself in front of the net to make it 2-0. Mark Grayson, after pushing all the right buttons for 31 matchdays, seems at a loss for their sudden collapse in form. What are the answers? La Nueva Avenida neither knows, nor cares. 2-0 to them.

---

4:08 PM: Oh holy [redacted], a penalty has been awarded in Sisonke! It looks like Ralph Winter is at fault. He's begging the referee, saying the foul was on the other side of the line, but the referee is shaking his head. Penalty for Busukuma AC. After some more arguing and a VAR check, the penalty is confirmed. Cyper Baldeh steps up to take the penalty, and.... IT'S SAVED! Brian Merson leapt to his right and was able to push the ball away. Oh, stunning scenes at Kitara AA's home ground. Their 1-0 lead is maintained.

---

4:09 PM: Oh no, controversy! Just as Busukuma lined up to take the corner kick, the referee blew his whistle and went for another VAR check. He came back, and Kitara goalkeeper Brian Merson has been shown yellow! He came off his line! Kitara players and fans are furious at the referee. Biting chants against the referee echo throughout the stadium, but the decision is final. This time, it's Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì who steps up and buries the penalty kick. Kitara fans boo him as the World Cup 84 winner celebrates. It's 1-1 both in Kitara and in Ruland.

---

4:14 PM: Mâ Âlâmëómë fans obviously reacted well to the news of a goal in Sisonke. But it didn't matter unless they could take advantage of it. And they did! In the 44th minute, a corner kick came in towards the near post, and who do you think was on the receiving end? Latona Basilisk slammed her head into the ball and it went to the near post, past Bereket, into the net. The aging former Banijan #1 did not have a chance. Basilisk leaped into the crowd for the celebration. She just won the World Cup (don't ask her about how much playing time she got, though), but can she add a league title to her cabinet? They are ahead in the live table once more.

---

4:19 PM: And with the halftime whistle blown in Herzegovina City, all 10 games are at halftime right now. Let's see the current scores, shall we?

---

Matchday 38: Halftime Scores
La Querida 0–0 Avenida Leal
Kitara AA 1–1 Busukuma AC
La Nueva Avenida 2–0 Hoima Warriors
René Skaé 0–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Dí Maozöxê 3-2 Mynda Electra
Jinja City FC 1-0 Avenida Victoria
Mâ Âlâmëómë 2-1 Avenida Principal
Herzegovina City FC 1–1 Lakiska SC
Istria City FC 3-0 Herzegovina Phoenix

---

4:26 PM: Remember, with these scorelines, if they hold, Mâ Âlâmëómë will be champions. Both Kitara AA and them have already clinched berths directly in the group stages of next season's Champions' League, so it's all about the trophy now. There isn't much more to say. We'll wait until the second halves begin.

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4:34 PM: And with kickoff in Herzegovina City, all ten games have kicked off their second half! Let's hope we can get some exciting finishes here.

---

4:38 PM: Oh holy! Did you see that?! The Trumpeteers have scored an absolutely stunning goal. Meghan Walcott hit a volley from about 22 yards, and it found the bottom corner. What a hit! In every conceivable fashion, what a hit. That's not a game that particularly matters a whole lot, especially with Istria City running away against the Phoenix, but a wonder goal to give them the lead. Surely, they'll be searching for more.

---

4:41 PM: Even the good things seem to be going bad for the Hoima Warriors right now. They've had a terrible game so far, but they were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box by La Nueva Avenida. Lukas Boldfont sent the penalty kick into the 10th row. Completely skied it. Everything they touch is terrible. At least Nelson Okello's having a fairly strong game.

---

4:44 PM: A goal for Kitara Athletic Association to take a 2-1 lead over Busukuma AC! This time, it is Betanni Jetvanna who is the goalscorer. It was Immaculate Kaba bringing the ball in, down the field. She cut the ball back towards the middle on the ground. Ronald Mickel stepped over it for Jetvanna behind him, and the Starblaydi drilled the ball into the back of the net. The Keystone Stadium was nearly shaking. Ivanovich's arms held up in the air. Is that the goal that wins the title?

---

4:49 PM: Things have gone from bad to worse for Mâ Âlâmëómë. A reckless challenge from Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí, with a terribly high right boot, have seen him been given a straight red card. It was a dangerous tackle, and the Busogan referee really didn't have a choice. The worst part? The tackle was in a dangerous position for a free kick. Martelli looped the ball over to a mesh of players, and Celio Pompa rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net for Avenida Principal. That's a brace for him. Just like that, it's 2-2. With this game slipping away from them, and Kitara getting stronger, is Kitara the team of destiny this year?

---

4:51 PM: The race for the second Farf Champions' League spot is functionally over. The Hoima Warriors don't look capable of launching a comeback like this. La Nueva Avenida fans are already bellowing the Champions' League anthem, as a third goal for them, courtesy of Salomón De Zúñiga, has them dreaming. They just gotta wait out the clock on that one. And La Nueva Avenida's dominance here seems to have killed the René Skaé-Ausharmuj Marusi game, as neither team is taking any chances.

---

4:56 PM: A ten-man Mâ Âlâmëómë team takes the lead for the third time of the day, as Tahir Fejzuli scores a screamer to make the score 3-2. They're still behind in the live table, however, as Kitara still lead Busukuma by a score of 2-1. That means the pressure is upped ever so slightly in Sisonke, however.

---

4:59 PM: A GOAL in Sisonke! Fans are going nuts once again as, surely, this is the goal that wins them the title. It has to be, right? This time, it's substitute Sarafina Iyasu who gets the goal. She had just come on for Nightingale as they try to hold their lead, and she was able to finish a devastating counterattacking move by the Blue and Whites. You're starting to see tears on the faces of a number of people in the crowd, as they can see that their belief may hold out. 16 minutes plus stoppage to hold out for Kitara AA, right?

---

5:02 PM: What the hell is going on at La Querida's? It's still 0-0 there! They are on the verge of getting their second point of the season. That would be a high note to end this season on, wouldn't it be? The over under for the goal margin for that game was +3.5—and I put money on the over. So let's press F for those NSDs, I guess.

---

5:06 PM: Karafa Baldeh has scored a goal for Istria City FC off the bench, the 8th of the day for the Lions to make it 8-1. Istria City FC has been devastatingly clinical and destructive of their opponents. The Phoenix are fine, of course, because they are safe. But an emphatic statement from this Moravica side, to put 8 goals past their opponents. KHO and Voska Avetisyan each had a brace today, as Istria City will celebrate their fourth consecutive trip to the IFCF Champions' League.

---

5:08 PM: Let's take a look around at some more games that we haven't focused much attention on today, shall we? René Skaé and Ausharmuj Marusi are still tied at 0-0. Both are going to the Challenger's Cup unless Hoima can suddenly put four past La Nueva Avenida in the next seven minutes plus stoppage, which we all know isn't happening. Jinja City FC lead 3-1 against already relegated Avenida Victoria, as rumors circulate everywhere about what, exactly, they will do with their manager. A good, strong performance to end the season, of course. They are likely to be entered into the group stages of next season's Challenger's Cup automatically. Dí Maozöxê have played a thrilling game agianst Mynda Electra; they currently lead 5-4 in that match. Herzegovina City lead 4-1 against Lakiska SC, as well.

---

5:10 PM: And finally, La Querida's resistance has broken. For 85 minutes they held out against Avenida Leal, but this is La Querida we're talking about. On the verge of a result for just the second time all season, a cross from Avenida Leal's Marcus Young found the head of La Querida defender Raul Hoyo. And he headed it backwards, towards his own goal. Obviously, he was trying to head it out of bounds. Still, he found the back of his own net, and that's that. Incredibly disappointing, but you can't have a more La Querida finish to the season than that.

---

5:13 PM: And surely, the title has been won now! Kitara AA make it 4-1 at Keystone Stadium in great fashion, with Gereh Kama beating the Busukuma goalkeeper in a one-on-one. A 3 goal lead with 2 minutes left. They're already celebrating in Sisonke.

---

5:17 PM: What a terrible finish for Mâ Âlâmëómë. They already know the title is out of reach. But with ten men, they wanted to defend their 3-2 lead against Avenida Principal. Alas, they could not. With all eleven players for Avenida Principal up for the corner kick, the ball somehow found the feet of goalkeeper Lemuel Bereket, who scored his first career goal to get the draw for Principal, right in front of the visiting fans. Bereket leapt into the crowd as the referee blew the final whistle: 3-3. And with this game over as a draw, Kitara AA were moments away.

---

5:20 PM: Wow! What is surely the final goal of the season, Mynda Electra have knocked Dí Maozöxê out of the Challenger's Cup, and saved the Hoima Warriors, who were just behind them. All Dí Maozöxê had to do was hold onto their 5-4 lead. But Somayina Izuchukwu came off the bench for Lars Putnam, and her 90+6' goal equalized, got the draw, and put Hoima into the Challenger's Cup instead of lôs Rébélés. Mark Grayson should send Izuchukwu a fruit basket.

---

5:23 PM: Why the hell are we in the 9th minute of stoppage time here in Sisonke? There is no—AND THERE"S THE WHISTLE! Kitara Athletic Association are officially champions of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League! Absolutely stunning, everybody. Fans are running onto the pitch and nobody cares. The Commissioner was actually at the Mâ Âlâmëómë game, so the Deputy Commissioner is here in Sisonke to award the replica trophy. The dancing will go long into the night.

And here are the final results of matchday 38:

MATCHDAY 38
La Querida 0–1 Avenida Leal
Kitara AA 4–1 Busukuma AC
La Nueva Avenida 4–0 Hoima Warriors
René Skaé 0–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Dí Maozóxê 5–5 Mynda Electra
Jinja City FC 3–1 Avenida Victoria
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3–3 Avenida Principal
Herzegovina City FC 4–1 Lakiska SC
Istria City FC 8–1 Herzegovina Phoenix

And below... the league table.

---- Team                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
- 1  Kitara AA                   38   23   7   8    95   45  +50    76 Champions----------
- 2  Mâ Âlâmëómë                 38   21  10   7   120   69  +51    73 Champions’ League--
  3  Istria City FC              38   22   6  10   127   58  +69    72 Champions’ League--
  4  Herzegovina City FC         38   21   7  10   115   62  +53    70 Champions’ League--
  5  La Nueva Avenida            38   18  13   7    85   56  +29    67 Champions’ League--
- 6  Jinja City FC               38   19   9  10    91   63  +28    66 Challenger’s Cup---
  7  René Skaé                   38   18   9  11    99   58  +41    63 Challenger’s Cup---
  8  Rülândéá Kôstä              38   17  11  10    95   43  +52    62 Challenger’s Cup---
  9  Busembe Timberwolves        38   18   8  12    89   67  +22    62 Challenger’s Cup---
 10  Ausharmuj Marusi            38   17  11  10    90   76  +14    62 Challenger’s Cup---
 11  Hoima Warriors              38   17  10  11    57   46  +11    61 Challenger’s Cup---
 12  Dí Maozóxê                  38   16  11  11    99   74  +25    59
 13  Busukuma AC                 38   13  10  15    41   42   −1    49
 14  Avenida Leal                38   13   9  16    87   80   +7    48
 15  Avenida Principal           38   11   9  18    51   94  −43    42
 16  Mynda Electra               38    7  13  18    50   76  −26    34
 17  Herzegovina Phoenix         38    9   5  24    34   94  −60    32
-18  Lakiska SC                  38    6   9  23    25   63  −38    27 Relegated----------
 19  La Querida                  38    0   1  37    16  236 −220     1 
-20  Avenida Victoria            38    6   8  24    65  129  −64    -4 Relegated----------

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

-Season 2-

Season Round-up

And the season's come to a close! It's been another tight title race, and yet again we have an unlikely victor. Things ran more smoothly this time around, as the cup was actually played and no team dissolved during the season (or, indeed, at all). Tears and laughs were had, and we got to watch some nice (and some not so nice) football. Let's go over how each team fared.

As always, we start with the champions. Kitara AA. Yeah, that's gonna take some getting used to. For a long, long while, nobody will be happier than their fans. How about this for a first trophy, huh? They had a fairly good IFCF season all things considered, but that's more of an afterthought at this point. Although predicted to finish in ninth place, the Blue and Whites did what no other team could: they just kept winning. Steadily, never letting up. It was a marathon, not a sprint, and they understood that perfectly. It's hard to point to one key factor here because there were many. First of all, Aleksandr Ivanovich outsmarted all of his colleagues. Multiple times. Even the best the league has to offer were left scratching their heads when faced with Ivanovich's abilities to innovate. Because truly, this team never had a well-defined style of play: against the Rulandese teams, they were brutal on the counter. Against the Banijans, they tried to keep possession. Against the worse teams, they played very vertically. There was always a new surprise in store, every matchday. However, credit's also due to the players! Ronald Mickel won the Golden Ball award for spearheading the champions' attack. He was unplayable fairly often but, most crucially, his performances rarely (if ever) dipped below a seven out of ten. In league play, consistency is key, and Ronald has it in spades. In midfield, the Banijan duo of Immaculate Kaba and Gereh Kama was brilliant, especially in its adaptability. The tutor-understudy combo proved very, very fruitful: the Blue and Whites will have a diamond in the middle of the pitch long after Immaculate Kaba is gone. The team's defense was the third-best in the league, and it was mostly down to Ivanovich's drilling. However, special plaudits must go to Brian Merson, who shone through, particularly so when they were playing blow for blow against the Farf teams.

In second place, Mâ Âlâmëómë fans might be disappointed with how the last stretch of the season unfolded, but they are still, for the most part, extremely relieved to be back. Like, back back. If you believe in all of those strange data analysis metrics whatever things, this was the team to beat, especially after the first third of the season, which no doubt cost them the title. The team's new signings meshed very, very well, and credit must go to new manager John Spartan. His status as a legend of the game makes keeping the peace in a room full of egos much easier, it turns out. Tahir Fejzuli was the second-best player in the league, his dominating play in midfield not going unnoticed. He was the perfect partner for Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí, who seems to be going back to his old form. In defense, Alarabi Labeaga was extremely solid, even though the team's set-up was evidently the most takil in the league. The Astograthian man has earned himself a nickname, bômbèró, which is Rulandese for firefighter. The idioms translate well in this case: he's earned the nickname because of his habit of putting out fires in defense. Up front, Dimitri Keldoulis, Lavanya Naqvi and, most notably, Latona Basilisk were deadly, though perhaps somewhat inconsistent. Latona was the best of the three, but her knack for getting into unnecessary trouble sometimes cost the team. Nonetheless, it's very, very hard to argue with the numbers she put up this season. New signing Travis Coffey was also impressive going forward, although the set-up didn't let him flourish defensively.

Coming in third place, Istria City finished the season on a high note. However, the reaction to their final position being third should prompt a bit of a "what?" from everyone. The truth is, their incredible surge towards the end of the season was enough to land them here due to the self-destructive tendencies of the other top teams. Their goals scored stat, in particular, benefited heavily from this late surge: they just hadn't been as effective before the last eight or so games, and you can't really aspire to much when you don't truly turn up until the last fourth of the season. Nonetheless, if they manage to carry on this form to next season, they'll be unstoppable. At times they looked like they could thrash any of the two teams challenging for the title (although the games in which they dominated towards the end of the season were all against much worse teams). Anyway: the Lions have a very solid team, and their frontline was extremely deadly on good days. Kate Huitema-Omeasoo and new signing Voska Avetisyan paired up perfectly in many games, leading to the former landing the Golden Bib and the latter landing on the fans' hearts. Aries Kohler was the best leftback in the league... which sounds more impressive than it really is. Murray Hunnisett failed to carry on his form from last season, but was still a key player in center midfield.

In fourth place, Herzegovina City still struggle to adapt to the S-FPL. They are one of the better teams in it, sure, but they're not used to not being in the title race. They have been outmatched by two teams (three if we count Istria City) for the fourth year in a row and it's still a bit of a culture shock. They've invested money, they have a big fanbase and what-have-you, but things still don't click. Fans are understandably worried at this point. This is not to say they have been bad, though! They were arguably the third-best team in the league. Their attack is as deadly as ever, with Meghan Walcott still the most dangerous winger in the league (though a certain Mavinese is arguably on her level already) and with Edmün Çídh banging them in very, very often thanks to Brian Emerson's set-up. The midfield was also one of the best in the league, with Eamon Mullins finally playing at the level that was expected and with new signing Kai Dias slotting in perfectly in Fireblade's role. Speaking of the Cosumarite manager, he has decided to retire. His presence in the league will be sorely missed, but I for one am glad he didn't have to die on the pitch or something. He was eighty-fucking-six. Props for lasting this long, and for going out with a trophy! Curiously, he was also a capital e away from being named in the Best Eleven.

La Nueva Avenida did not perform any better than last season, but they also didn't perform any worse. With Banija's new Champions' League spot, this was enough to get them in the Champions' League! They quietly snuck into fifth place towards the end of the season, but were very solid throughout. Indeed, they suffered a bit of a draw curse. They drew thirteen games! And they lost the least games, tied with Mâ Âlâmëómë. Considering most of those draws were in games that they dominated, we really should look out for them next season. With some luck, they could mount a serious title challenge. I mean, if Kitara could... Anyway, Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng was their stand-out performer. The Mavinese winger is an absolute sensation in Farolera, with fans of La Nueva Avenida absolutely star-struck by his slick play and fans of opposing Avenidas having lots of very, very begrudging respect for him. Their one other stand-out player was new signing Rashica Horvath, who didn't make it to the team of the season only because center midfield is outstandingly stacked in this league for whatever reason. The Nepharan was a rock in defense—just look at the team's numbers—and fantastic at playmaking from deep. Overall, a seven-out-of-ten season for the Faroleran club.

Jinja City didn't do that badly, all things considered. Sixth place in a pretty stacked league! However, some context is needed: if you ask any fan who finished in sixth place, they'd be quite surprised to find out it was Jinja City if they didn't know the table by heart. They just... sort of got more points than they deserved? Just look at their goal difference. The same could go for La Nueva Avenida, sure, but the Farolerans do pass the eye test, whereas the Banijans do not. What's worse is that they've been spending heavily in an attempt to become title contenders, and failing miserably at accomplishing just that. The new signings didn't fit in particularly well. Sum of the parts more than the whole, yadda-yadda. You get the point. Still, not everything was terrible for the Black Mambas: Riccardo Rastelli had a great season, marshaling the defense very competently, while new signings Ülì Èsàsè, Heike Schoß and Junior Ngoba were great individually. Up front, Madison McClain keeps banging them in at a respectable rate. They have a good team, but it's a jigsaw, and the hardest jigsaw in the league at that. A jigsaw that someone else will be unfortunate enough to pick up soon, as manager Mór Császár (the one and only) has been fired.

In seventh place, René Skaé looked like title challengers early on but fizzled out quite quickly. Their squad is still too young to sustain a title challenge, even with their ridiculous home advantage. Seriously, the street vendors outside don't use fire to make hot dogs: they just place them over iron sheets. Anyway: Darijen Vesele was, once again, the most inspired player in the team, and was the best rightback in the league once again (though one could argue he just doesn't have much competition for that spot anyway). Still, the Siovanijan didn't have his best season, as good as it may have been, and it impacted the team as a whole. Another one of their stars, Tulaki Rauogba was similarly silent relative to his usual self (though, nonetheless, quite good). Right winger Anwar Dawit also had a good season. Overall, however, few players were good enough to challenge for Champions' League spots, even if all of them were good enough week in and week out. A mediocre but not terrible season.

Behind them only by one point, and boasting a ridiculous goal difference, we have Rülândéá Kôstä. They reached the Challenger's Cup semifinals again, and they couldn't have made it more obvious how little they cared about the league by comparison. Still, they should've finished in a higher position. Many data analysts lost money because of them, especially because of Röémün Çídh and Wilsêkïl Lâlâw. They both missed tons of chances. The former's still a great player because he's great at finding himself in scoring positions but Wilsêkïl... well, let's just say the fans are not particularly happy with the youngster's development. As always, tâ Kôstä's biggest selling point was their midfield: Baraxil Muhaburu was surprisingly sober this season, and it directly translated to better performances on the pitch, particularly so in the Challenger's Cup. Erin Kang scored her fair share of goals, but was more important for her playmaking, which was particularly on point. Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá was good, too, but he will have to watch out for Tè Xüwân, who impressed throughout the season and will no doubt get more and more minutes as he develops. Also, Sam Roshanak was their biggest weapon up front and had the most goal contributions in the team. A true difference-maker. Overall, a fairly positive season for a team that wasn't trying hard enough.

Busembe Timberwolves had a great season results-wise: Challenger's Cup qualification was not on sight at the start of the season. They look a bit out of place in ninth, but football can be strange like that. Bøb Übermanager's fiery attitude is still a great hit with the Farves, as is the whole team, though they somewhat failed to entertain this season: their goals for and against record doesn't look different from everyone else's. Jason Þórhallursson up front was once again their most important player by far, banging them in often and with scary efficiency. However, he looked slightly off throughout the season, and was not as good as we thought he would be. He's clearly unsettled in the club, and big clubs must be smelling blood. The fans should be scared: without him, this team is very, very mediocre.

Ausharmuj Marusi were astonishingly good until they weren't. When they weren't, they really weren't. Challenger's Cup qualification is more than they were hoping for at the start of the season, however, so the fans are quite happy with how things turn out, even if daydreaming with a title challenge at their higher points in the season left them with a sour taste in their mouth when things inevitably collapsed. Their defense sucked balls, but this was compensated by their attack being fantastic. Until it wasn't. But before things collapsed, they had some of the best numbers up front. Oskar Holsteiner's return may not have been as triumphant as many thought it would be when he was tearing up teams mid-season, but he still scored twenty-eight goals! A bit of a career renaissance, that one. He's very old, though, so it's hard to look at it as any more than his last (or, at best, second-to-last) good season. Lojes de Sájajo was, unsurprisingly, his ideal partner-in-crime. Joe Green was brilliant up front as well.

Hoima Warriors had a rollercoaster of a season. This rollercoaster, specifically, was one of those that slowly goes up and up and up and then very quickly crashes down and that's it. They were the only team to drop points against La Querida! And they were in second place at the time! Their attack, in particular, was never very sharp, and their defense at one point stopped carrying them. They managed to hang onto an IFCF spot by the skin of their teeth, and only because Dí Maozöxê screwed up in the final seconds of the final matchday. Mark Grayson was sacked. He will forever be beloved by the fanbase, and a very important part of their history, but it's time to move on, just like it was time to move on for Gitonga Kahara last season.

And now we move onto the best team to miss out on IFCF football. It is, to everyone's shock, incumbent champions Dí Maozöxê. In reality, they were worthy of a place in the Challenger's Cup, though it's easy to forget that when you compare this season to the last. Their attack as a whole was not on the level it was last year, but the one enormous difference lies in Xíxì Êns' performances. He was not bad, don't get us wrong, but he was not far and away the best player in the league, and an eight-out-of-ten striker won't get your team out of a slump when they feel like hot shit cause they just won the league and keep getting shat on by better teams. The defense played particularly badly. Honestly, the only player who did not decline considerably compared to last season was Henrik Martin, who nonetheless did not shine quite as much either. He could very reasonably blame the rest of the team for sucking balls.

Busukuma AC missed out on IFCF football entirely, and Andrea Vardalos is finally free as a result. She doesn't know it now, but it's for the best. Overall, the team was just mediocre. Not bad, bad. Certainly not La Querida bad, or even Mynda Electra bad. But they were just not up to the task whenever they faced a good team, even though they managed to get points here and there occasionally. Declan Mason, Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì and new signing Cu Roi Garrard (two of those are World Cup winners, interestingly enough) were responsible for most of the magic that came from this team. It was very little overall. Kalle Bjørnsson was sent off a lot, though. That's gotta count for something.

Banijan fans may not be aware of this, but there was a time when Avenida Leal were arguably the best team in Farfadillis. At worst, they were second only to Mâ Âlâmëómë. Those times are now, apparently, decidedly a thing of the past. It's strange, because they do have a couple of great players, but things just aren't clicking. Like, to the point that one of the highlights of their season was Rogerio Defigueroa's performances... and they still let in eighty goals. The few very good players in the team might be better off in some other club in this league. They'd have little trouble finding suitors.

Avenida Principal were notable mostly for provoking Adrián Napolitano into relegating his team. They... well, look at those stats. Fifty-one goals scored, ninety-four conceded. Lemuel Bereket should probably retire, in all honesty, and the few truly good players in the team (so basically just Leandro Martelli, David Xeniadis and maybe Óliver Tijerina) should definitely look for greener pastures. Martelli, in particular, is likely to garner interest from bigger clubs.

Mynda Electra are, in this humble journalist's opinion, the most forgettable club in the league. They did screw over Dí Maozöxê in the last minute, which was very funny, but there isn't a lot to say about them. They were expected to finish fifteenth, but played bad football and finished sixteenth, way off fifteenth place at that. As a result, Daniel Lucas has been fired. Not all Chromatik managers are geniuses, it turns out.

Don't let those two points between the Foresters and Herzegovina Phoenix fool you, however: the Phoenix were much, much worse. It was expected, though, so no firings here. I mean, look at this team's squad. They should be proud they weren't relegated. I don't think any of their players would easily find a top flight club to sign them if they get relegated next season.

All of this reflects especially poorly on Lakiska SC, and Busogan football as a whole. They were dreadful. They scored twenty-five goals! La Querida scored twenty-two last season, for fuck's sake! Their brand of very negative football could not keep them afloat with no Umbazi Metropolitan to act as a cushion for them. They didn't even fare any worse than last season. Simply put, this was overdue. It's hard to see them making a quick return. But no, we're not changing the league logo. We will use the fact that the S-FPL Cup still has Busogan teams as an excuse.

Decidedly, definitely, miraculously not in last place, we have La Querida. Same old story: Anartz Salayeta scored some goals and everybody else sucked massively. However, the team had one big thing going for them: they were not directly responsible for hundreds of deaths. This is a big plus. Also, they didn't get zero points, so things could've been worse.

In last place, Avenida Victoria fans will surely have learned their lesson. You don't get to cause mass deaths three times in one season, not under the RBSA's watch! They could've salvaged their season after the thirty-point deduction, but they were truly too dreadful to stay up. If Lâ Lüs hadn't dissolved (which would've meant La Querida not staying up last season) they would've one hundred percent gone down. Lancelot Mojica might get a call from one of the bigger clubs (he's a World Cup winner!), but that's about it.

---- Team                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
- 1  Kitara AA                   38   23   7   8    95   45  +50    76 Champions----------
- 2  Mâ Âlâmëómë                 38   21  10   7   120   69  +51    73 Champions’ League--
  3  Istria City FC              38   22   6  10   127   58  +69    72 Champions’ League--
  4  Herzegovina City FC         38   21   7  10   115   62  +53    70 Champions’ League--
  5  La Nueva Avenida            38   18  13   7    85   56  +29    67 Champions’ League--
- 6  Jinja City FC               38   19   9  10    91   63  +28    66 Challenger’s Cup---
  7  René Skaé                   38   18   9  11    99   58  +41    63 Challenger’s Cup---
  8  Rülândéá Kôstä              38   17  11  10    95   43  +52    62 Challenger’s Cup---
  9  Busembe Timberwolves        38   18   8  12    89   67  +22    62 Challenger’s Cup---
 10  Ausharmuj Marusi            38   17  11  10    90   76  +14    62 Challenger’s Cup---
 11  Hoima Warriors              38   17  10  11    57   46  +11    61 Challenger’s Cup---
 12  Dí Maozóxê                  38   16  11  11    99   74  +25    59
 13  Busukuma AC                 38   13  10  15    41   42   −1    49
 14  Avenida Leal                38   13   9  16    87   80   +7    48
 15  Avenida Principal           38   11   9  18    51   94  −43    42
 16  Mynda Electra               38    7  13  18    50   76  −26    34
 17  Herzegovina Phoenix         38    9   5  24    34   94  −60    32
-18  Lakiska SC                  38    6   9  23    25   63  −38    27 Relegated----------
 19  La Querida                  38    0   1  37    16  236 −220     1 
-20  Avenida Victoria            38    6   8  24    65  129  −64    -4 Relegated----------

GOLDEN BALL

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club     
-    8.08                 36           Ronald Mickel         Kitara AA-----------------
-    8.05                 35           Tahir Fejzuli         Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
-    8.03                 32           Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------

GOLDEN BOOT

-Goals Scored        Games Played      Player Name           Club     
-     34                  32           Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
-     33                  36           Edmün Çídh            Herzegovina City FC-------
-     29                  36           Kate Huitema-Omeasoo  Istria City FC------------

GOLDEN BIB

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club   
-    7.75                 36           Kate Huitema-Omeasoo  Istria City FC------------
-    7.45                 29           Gereh Kama            Kitara AA-----------------
-    7.33                 34           Henrik Martin         Dí Maozöxê       ---------

BEST ELEVEN

Average Rating         Position        Player Name           Club      
--   7.85                aGKa          Brian Merson          Kitara AA-----------------
--   7.59                aLBa          Aries Kohler          Istria City FC      -----
--   7.80                aCBa          Alarabi Labeaga       Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
--   7.85                aRBa          Darijen Vesele        René Skaé ---------------
--   7.99                aCMa          Immaculate Kaba       Kitara AA-----------------
--   8.05                aCMa          Tahir Fejzuli         Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
--   7.96                aLWa          Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng     La Nueva Avenida    -----
--   8.08                aOMa          Ronald Mickel         Kitara AA-----------------
--   7.95                aRWa          Meghan Walcott        Herzegovina City FC -----
--   8.03                aSTa          Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
--   7.89                aSTa          Edmün Çídh            Herzegovina City FC -----

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

-Season 3-

Rosters

Ausharmuj Marusi
Nickname: la Sindica (the Syndicate)
Derogatory nickname(s): les Mugrientés (the Grimy ones)
Manager: Ey Farrháteré
Ground: Multisportivé Joan Roaré (17,000), located in Bolanos, Ferdullaele
Major rivals: Ferdullaele (local and political)
Major honours: 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 1 Ferdullaelan state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: Third-worst Farf team would do
Pundits' prediction: 13th place

---

Starting Lineup: aGKa Giolehe Inflax aLBa Valdo Kímé aCBa Ecésar der Efer aRBa Soirelí der Reneska aCMa Liberté Salogadó aCMa Eslejes Aljojí aLWa Joaquim Martell aOMa Óstam Perda Raom aRWa Lojes de Sájajo aSTa Joe Green aSTa Oskar Holsteiner

---

Bench: aGKa Anviungar Lagondanasó aGKa Garrehemí Crenago aLBa Stisé Guhega aCBa Horacéi Xúrkaroá aRBa Lôdgé G’Ôxz aCMa Madusmé Ukén aCMa Cicek Aga aLWa Samahuhe Axjos aOMa Féipé Cronologó aRWa Antu Ouattara aSTa Pmoifue Jopar aSTa Kamara Mboge

---

Background: The only left-wing team in Ferdullaele, the wealthy capital state that had control over Farfadillis until only a decade ago. Why are they the only left-wing team? Because the team is still heavily associated with the syndicate that founded it, so they have by far the largest working-class fanbase outside Ruland. Left-wing as they may be, though, they're very much Ferdullaelan nationalists like almost all other teams in the capital (don't ask them why their roster features so many non-Ferdullaelans). So, basically, they're hated outside Ferdullaele for being xenophobes and hated inside Ferdullaele for being filthy commies. They relish this.

Avenida Leal
Nickname: los Leales (the Loyal ones)
Derogatory nickname(s): la Plata (the money)
Manager: Constantino Martínez
Ground: Lealtad y Fuerza (30,000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: La Nueva Avenida (local), Avenida Principal (local), Avenida Victoria (local)
Major honours: 3 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 3 Faroleran state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: IFCF qualification and/or rolling heads
Pundits' prediction: 10th place

---

Starting Lineup: aGKa Rogerio Defigueroa aLBa Shoji Suzukaze aCBa Fueke Gorlamel aRBa Krysia Bailey aDMa Simón Franco aCMa Mark Anderson aCMa Travis Grimaldi aCMa Næmor Paala aLWa José Córdova aRWa Marcus Young aSTa Nevaeh Cathar

---

Bench: aGKa Noé Perea aGKa Émîróînó Ônzántolöìra aLBa Fausto Alcazar aCBa Trinidad Arochi aRBa Aristide Agostino aDMa Tobías Santacruz aCMa Julián Rodríquez aCMa Vinicio Arizabal aLWa Abel Terrazas aOMa Matías Marín aRWa Svetislav Cirkovic aSTa Suaham Ararina

---

Background: Though Avenida Leal arrived comparatively late to the whole successful Avenida thing, they're nowadays arguably the second-best one historically, and some might argue the best one at the moment. They're a club of working class roots, much like La Nueva Avenida. In their case, they're heavily tied to the wood industry. This rather bizarrely puts them at odds with the rest of the Avenidas which, while more right-leaning, are much more environmental, going so far as to have their shared stadium in the forest. Silly chants about deforestation ensue. While the relationship between the Avenidas is bizarre, Avenida Leal can boast the title of "not very hated outside their home state", thanks to their many charitative efforts during the times of crisis. Notably, to date, none of their fans have died in clashes against Rulandese fans, with only a few exceptions.

Avenida Principal
Nickname: los Caballeros (the Knights)
Derogatory nickname(s): la Tercera Avenida (the Third Avenue)
Manager: Gregorio Fredeluces
Ground: La Gran Avenida (60,000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: Avenida Leal (local and political), La Nueva Avenida (local), Avenida Victoria (local and political)
Major honours: 3 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Globe Cup title, 1 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League title, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: Totally unrealistic
Pundits' prediction: 17th place

---

Starting Lineup: aGKa Lemuel Bereket aLBa Abram Aguayo aCBa David Xeniadis aCBa Ezequiel Zayas aRBa Emilio Frondarina aCMa Lucián Saldivar aCMa Óliver Tijerina aTKa Alson Figueroa aLWa Alonzo de Anda aRWa Leandro Martelli aSTa Celio Pompa

---

Bench: aGKa Godofredo Armendez aGKa Alejandro Montes aLBa Lucas Valdés aCBa Celio Astol aCBa Gervasi Cabezadebaca aRBa Matías Buendía aCMa Abraham Mondragón aCMa Adrián Fajardo aTKa Jorge Varela aLWa Casimiro Carrizosa aRWa Joel Cotto aSTa Emiliano Barreto

---

Background: Avenida Principal is, you guessed it, one of the Avenidas. They are following in Avenida Victoria's footsteps: they've been in a clear downturn for about ten seasons now. Bizarrely, they're generally agreed to be the richest team in the country. In the past, they used to have the most foreigners in the league. Nowadays, well... they've had to change plans, and it hasn't helped them one bit. Politically, as the most affluent team in the nation, and having some of the most affluent fans outside Ferdullaele, you can guess where their loyalties lie...

Busembe Timberwolves
Nickname: Timberwolves
Derogatory nickname(s): Beta Wolves
Manager: Bøb Übermanager
Ground: Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf’s Den (44,000), located in Busembe, Kitara
Major rivals: Kitara AA (local)
Major honours: 2 RBSA Cups
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: Mid-table finish
Pundits' prediction: 14th place

---

Starting Lineup: aGKa Edgar Farsal-Smith aLBa Charly Renard aCBa Chuks Uchie aCBa Eze Mbanefo aRBa Darin Nicolas aCMa Juurou Okumura aCMa Jombo Sillah aOMa Orji Uzoma aOMa Kiggwe Basamula aOMa Kekoto Sey aSTa Akachi Orjee

---

Bench: aGKa Mamadi Thiaw aGKa Okorie aLBa Orji Ikem aCBa Jamang Kinte aCBa Diamond Shard aRBa Boy Manneh aCMa Bright Idea aCMa Sirif Mansaray aOMa Jaja Obasey aOMa Basile Langlois-Zuluka aOMa Amachey Chi aSTa Jeff Finte

---

Background: Another side who are owned by a foreign investor. They are owned by the Taeshani pizza conglomerate, Fadron Pizza, who have owned the side for a few seasons now. Fully committed to South Kitara, the Timberwolves are a team without much history, but who are a success story. One of the few Banijan professional teams to have started after the beginning of the BSL, they have worked their way up from basement dwellers to consistent mid-table status, with a pair of trophies in there. A powerful story with the potentially problematic message that money can do anything. They could not be denied one of Banija’s 10 spots in the S-FPL. They are a club that loves attacking, and their fanbase is in love with their popular manager, Bøb Übermanager. An almost excessively confident manager who throws all sorts of players forward, their fans embody his attitude, with their ultras group “The Wolfpack” declaring themselves favorites to win the second edition of the S-FPL. They made a similar prediction last season; it didn't pan out and this one won't either. Also, their fans are possibly the most violent in Banija.

Busukuma AC
Nickname: The Promised Club (in reference to Busukuma's nickname, "The Promised City")
Derogatory nickname(s): Sugar Daddies
Manager: Mark Grayson
Ground: Lukwago Field (37,000), located in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Major rivals: Busukuma Force (local), Capitol City FC (local), Hoima Warriors (competitive)
Major honours: 1 Banijan Soccer League title, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: IFCF qualification + manager going to rehab
Pundits' prediction: 11th place

---

Starting Lineup: aGKa Althea Taliadoros aLBa Melodic Ward aCBa Balduin Friedel aCBa Obadiah Parrott aRBa Coriolan aDMa Kalle Bjørnsson aCMa Declan Mason aLWa Adama Coote aCMa Vínseslâdís Wìjìnì aRWa Sarjo Danso aSTa Cyper Baldeh

---

Bench: aGKa Junkung Conateh aGKa Ebrima Jallow aLBa Bouba Ouattara aCBa Edrissa Ngom aRBa Kawsu Marenah aRBa Hassan Kinteh aDMa Lama Keita aLMa Juma Bah aCMa Saikou Kah aRMa Kekoto Jagne aOMa Hildegard von Krone aSTa Auhasard

---

Background: This one's known as the club of big business. Lukwago Field is known for having plenty of suites for businessmen to visit, and it is traditionally a right-wing club in a very left-wing city. Generally attracts support from members of the Royal Family... you get the idea. Royalist dipshits, is what the Farves would call them. The Kabaka himself was a big fan before ascending to the throne. He's now "neutral". Yeah, sure. They are one of four clubs in Banija that are owned by foreigners, as Quebecois investor Jean-Francois Joffre bought the team just before the end of the final BSL season. They are generally ripped for having a more “corporate friendly crowd”—fewer ultras, a ban on smoke and flares, you get the idea. The team’s fans are generally known for their relative quietness in comparison to Banija’s other passionate fanbases.

Dí Maozöxê
Nickname: lôs Rébélés (the Rebels)
Derogatory nickname(s): Too many to count
Manager: Blâás Âgínsôgnó
Ground: Rülândéá Çölíséá (35,000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: Mâ Âlâmëómë (local)
Major honours: 1 S-FPL title, 2 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League title, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 1 Farf Torde Ligá title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Fans' expectations: Defend the title... hopefully?
Pundits' prediction: 4th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Íüé Tgô aLBa Xíxì Jóf aCBa Demba Kinteh aCBa Ali Faruq aRBa Têrçêr Ànáxímane aCMa Lésgöékëngüí Fwâás aCMa Henrik Martin aTKa Çè Löjámangó aLWa Lana Mensdóttir aRWa Keaton Durbridge aSTa Xíxì Êns

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Bench: aGKa Dîmás Bërrôsân aGKa Émérí Dü Sêr aLBa Lís Rüg aCBa Mohammed Saleem aCBa Ôrelí Târâjâs aRBa Edmün Üjíkân aCMa Drì Çôçô aCMa Alkrÿ Bren aCMa Ton Ylkaanas aLWa Dês Ârâgón aRWa Brááhám Çíraógôs aSTa Alois Chiliarch

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Background: The second-biggest club in Ruland in terms of success, and the one with the biggest fanbase, though Mâ Âlâmëómë fans would never admit it. Dí Maozöxê is a club founded by uranium miners, which means they have a massive following in all of Ruland, especially in the capital. That may sound like a non-sequitur but it really isn't. Their fans are some of the most passionate and violent in the country. Though they lean heavily left, as does most of Ruland nowadays, they lean more towards chaos than anything else. Their clashes with Mâ Âlâmëómë almost always take a few people with them. They also have a huge enmity with, well, the rest of Farfadillis as a whole, much like their rivals. Being Rulandese and successful will tend to do that.

Duntho Sporting Club
Nickname: Pythons
Derogatory nickname(s): Bupmkins
Manager: Chydey Obasey
Ground: Duntho Public Sporting Facility, located in Duntho, Hangaza
Major rivals: Igulu City FC (local)
Major honours: 1 post-unification BSL title, 4 Northern League titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: Don't get pummeled by La Querida (but it will happen)
Pundits' prediction: 19th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Ebrima Ceesay aLBa Uzoma Chidiegwu aCBa Alifa Kah aCBa Suma Kolley aRBa Kenosi Moreri aLMa Kimaru Njoroge aCMa Thaddeus Mutebi aCMa Nwankwo Mazzi aRMa Jelaney Tobacheu aSTa Lamarr Watkins aSTa Chidea Jelan

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Bench: aGKa Bakary Singateh aGKa Jamuike Chidea aLBa Uchechea Sarr aCBa Orjie Obyke aCBa Chizoba Baldeg aRBa Okpara Okafo aLMa Essah Savaneh aCMa Chizoba Obasi aCMa Ibeabuchi Nkechi aRMa Obey Ebele aSTa Nfansu Uchechie aSTa Mazi Jelany

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Background: From one of the smallest towns in Banija with a professional team, Duntho SC has always been a well-run machine that has achieved sustained success by punching above their weight. A strong regional league team, a few sustained years of success have had the stars aligned to see them reach the S-FPL. While their stay here is likely to be short, their fans are simply along for the ride and praying ferociously for a second season in the top flight

Herzegovina City FC
Nickname: Trumpeteers
Derogatory nickname(s): Choir Boys
Manager: Omar Sanyang
Ground: Star Field (62,600), located in Herzegovina City, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina Phoenix (local), Istria City FC (competitive)
Major honours: 5 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 S-FPL Cup, 1 RBSA Cup, 3 Kabaka's Cups
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Gold or bust
Pundits' prediction: 2nd place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Francois Tantoh aLBa Jamang Sanneh aCBa Lukas Kayserling aCBa Martín Delgado aRBa Kabiru Sowe aCMa Tessa Matfield aCMa Eamon Mullins aOMa Babaja Mboob aOMa Meghan Walcott aOMa Madu Okparra aSTa Jason Þórhallursson

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Bench: aGKa Duwa Kinteh aGKa Jibril Ceesay aLBa Jamang Sanneh aCBa Momodou Kairaba aCBa Paoboy Diawara aRBa Malick Jatteh aCMa Kai Dias aCMa Anton Vujadinovic aLWa Kai Dias aOMa Zippy Doo aRWa Habib Fadika aSTa Saikou Ndour

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Background: This is arguably Banija's biggest club, as they had the most success out of any in the BSL era. Winners of 5 league titles in the past 10 seasons. They are a club located in Herzegovina City, one of Banija's biggest cities and at the heart of Banija's dominant religion, Puritan Mormonism. Due to location, they are a club and a fanbase that is generally considered both right-wing and fairly religious, as shown by their crest. Their fans are known for their general arrogance, which has truly blossomed with their recent success. Of course, people from the Moravica region are generally known for their superiority complex, so this is a general feature of the Moravican sides in this league. Kobe Azizi, the present center-right Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Banija, is a widely known supporter of the club. Fans usually resort to accusations of heresy in order to thrash other team's stadiums.

Herzegovina Phoenix
Nickname: Phoenix
Derogatory nickname(s): Pretenders (reference to them being located in the Herzegovina Suburbs, rather than the city itself)
Manager: Reinhard Drake
Ground: Phoenix Stadium (25,000), located in Vdizi, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina City (local)
Major honours: 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup, 1 post-unification BSL title
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: Avoid relegation
Pundits' prediction: 18th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Mustafa Taal aLBa Avigdor Levitansky aCBa Dennis Lampshire aCBa Mamadi Sillah aRBa Yashpal Gopaal aLMa Sheriff Sene aCMa Gibril Kargbo aCMa Lucia Silkemark aRMa Vidyo Avramov aSTa Daniel Kasaboski-Wilcox aSTa Daba Kuta

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Bench:aGKa Longcan Gaye aGKa Bango Jagne aLBa Suma Jobe aCBa Vanilla Sweets aCBa Habib Daramy aRBa Ifeatu Ofako aLMa Ardent Blaze aCMa Jalang Jobateh aCMa Badara Ndiaye aRMa Thomas Allen aSTa Azat Akgun aSTa Ferne Horn

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Background: Phoenix are one of Banija's youngest clubs, without a ton of history. They're Banija's biggest club to only have formed in the BSL era. They are in Herzegovina City's southern suburbs, and constantly live in the shadow of their local rivals. Many thought that they would be chosen to be part of the original Banijan 10 to be in the S-FPL, but were passed over by better moneyed interests like Busembe and Mynda. The club is generally supported by upper-middle-class suburbanites, so they have that sort of 'posh' atmosphere at their club, except for derbies, which can turn violent.

Hoima Warriors
Nickname: Warriors, East Side Dubs
Derogatory nickname(s): Commies
Manager: Faraba Sarr
Ground: Mavuto Field (75,000), located in Hoima, Ankole
Major rivals: Busukuma AC (competitive)
Major honours: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: They're in denial, so they'll demand CL qualification
Pundits' prediction: 12th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Nelson Okello aLBa Babou Kargbo aCBa Chewbacca aCBa Suma Dibba aRBa Uzoma Iruka aCMa Robert Craig aCMa Ilona Duerden aLWa Anja Ruthenbeck aOMa Indigo Zap aRWa Josef Lawerenz aSTa Lukas Boldfont

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Bench: aGKa Essa Sey aGKa Sibideh Corr aLBa Kabiru Secka aCBa Jibril Jaiteh aCBa Idi Dabo aRBa Jabril Sesay aCMa Dembo Sonko aCMa Isamu Maki aLWa Mariam Ogoo aOMa Bobby Keene aRWa Isa Kujabi aSTa Snow Pearl

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Background: Previously known as Banija's most "chaotic" club—which, if true, would've made them the eleventh most chaotic club in the league—Hoima has now forged a reputation based on shrewd management and unexpected success. Their fanbase is the most avowedly left wing in Banija, appropriately reflecting the city's views. Their working class fanbase can get very passionate and very rowdy, filling the biggest stadiums on a regular basis. Well-known in Banija for being quite the rude visitors, and also well-known in Farfadillis for not being massive sissies.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

Istria City FC
Nickname: The Lions
Derogatory nickname(s): The Rich Kids
Manager: Alvin Burnsides
Ground: Kabonero III Field (48,000), located in Istria, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina City FC (competitive), Rukunbi FC (local)
Major honours: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, 1 RBSA Cup, 2 Kabaka's Cups
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: After coming so close last season, the title is a must
Pundits' prediction: Champions

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Starting Lineup:aGKa Akabueze Okparo aLBa Aries Kohler aCBa Xe Xuang aCBa Madue Akuchi aRBa Fafa Ngom aLMa Ariel Balboa aCMa Murray Hunnisett aCMa Farina Luhukay aRMa Linoan Waters aSTa Voska Avetisyan aSTa Kate Huitema-Omeasoo

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Bench: aGKa Cherry Blossom aGKa Yoro Kaba aLBa Bruce Ramirez aCBa Badara Touré aCBa Clint Renner aRBa Jajah Uchie aLMa Bunama Ngum aCMa Banja Singateh aCMa Ijeawele Halim aRMa Piretta Daramy aSTa Karafa Baldeh aSTa Server Ornet

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Background: This is the biggest club in Banija’s biggest city. It is a club that values attacking, as their Season 12 BSL title saw them score 123 goals as a team en route to a league title, leading to a great +90 goal differential and a league title, and kept up their performances in the inaugurual S-FPL season, only finishing behind Dí Maozöxê. They are also Banija’s only international club champion, as they've won the Atlantian Oceania Champions' League. Istria City is certainly the bigger club in Istria, and it is supported by primarily a middle class fanbase. The likelihood of seeing violence or anything crazy like that around this club is small, but they are a club that gets very angry at any sort of hint that Herzegovina City is a bigger club than they are. Doesn't make it any less true, though.

Flying Jellyfish
Nickname: you tell me
Derogatory nickname(s): Purple Poo
Manager: Ulrik Eriksen
Ground: Gra Aguaviva Mitologica (28,000), located in Fröndt, Fröndt
Major rivals: None
Major honours: None
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: Stay up; surely La Querida's luck has run out
Pundits' prediction: 18th

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Soirelí Erichsen aLBa Laust Hodne aCBa Kristofer Abildgaard aCBa Benny Anderson aRBa Søren Dahl aCMa Jonatan Wisløff aCMa Thomas Heyerdahl aLWa Caprakan aOMa Ilimondí Hjortsberg aRWa Eskild Lütken aSTa Artak Voskanyan

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Bench: aGKa Ezelefra Määttä aGKa Petri Backstrom aLBa Santiertairó Tirkkonen aCBa Odd Aanderaa aCBa Wilhelm Suomalainen aRBa Lauge Thiessen aCMa Mattias Thorsell aTKa Tobias Engdahl aLWa Arfibiá Rautio aTKa Tobias Engdahl aOMa Ander Lindegaard aSTa Viktor Tveten

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Background: A vintage club, Flying Jellyfish are the first FFL founder club to have made it into the S-FPL! They're also the first Fröndti club to make it. It's not clear how they did it—the FFFF refuses to share details about the many obstacles they put lower-tier teams through to get them promoted—but they're here to stay, surely, since La Querida suck. Their fans will be jubilant to be back trading blows with top clubs, although it's not clear what the proportion of given blows vs received blows is gonna look like. Also, their stadium is infested with, yes, flying jellyfish. Watch out.

Jinja City FC
Nickname: Black Mambas
Derogatory nickname(s): River Rats (after the Jinja River, which is the city's namesake)
Manager: Alexander Bumba
Ground: BCEL Stadium (52,400), located in Jinja City, Hangaza
Major rivals: Aissa United FC (local)
Major honours: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: CL qualification
Pundits' prediction: 5th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Iiro Pakanen aLBa Lama Nyang aCBa Dominik Antosch aCBa Riccardo Rastelli aRBa Ishmael Rosesnstein aLMa Casimir Ronayne aCMa Musa Gaye aRMa Junior Ngoba aOMa Heike Schoß aSTa Ülì Èsàsè aSTa Madison McClain

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Bench: aGKa Antouman Saidykhan aGKa Jumu Kaba aLBa Ismaela Diouf aCBa Buramo Sonko aCBa Sarjo Jallow aRBa Faraba Singateh aLMa Angel Wings aCMa Juma Faye aRMa Alanso Kah aOMa Kebba Kargbo aSTa Xilit-Zaxac Yol aSTa Juka Jarju

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Background: This is one of Banija’s traditional big clubs, they consistently do well in the transfer market and are always out competing for titles. The only big league club in Banija’s second largest city, many say that they have a legitimate claim to being the most popular club in the country. Jinja City is located in North Central interior Banija, and is situated along the mighty Jinja River, which starts on Banija’s west coast just south of Herzegovina, and flows west to east across the entire country. As Banija’s biggest interior club and also with a pair of BSL titles, expectations are always generally high at the club. Their star is likely to shrink down with the S-FPL, as they are behind clubs like Hoima, Istria City, and Herzegovina City at the moment.

Kitara AA
Nickname: Blue and Whites
Derogatory nickname(s): The Little Brother (in reference to their regional rivary with Busembe)
Manager: Aleksandr Ivanovich
Ground: Keystone Stadium (47,000) located in Sisonke, Kitara
Major rivals: Busembe Timberwolves (local)
Major honours: 1 S-FPL title
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: IFCF qualification seems reasonable
Pundits' prediction: 9th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Brian Merson aLBa Ebrahima Jallow aCBa Ralph Winter aCBa Célestine Belrose aRBa Morgana Kolaj aCMa Gereh Kama aCMa Immaculate Kaba aCMa Alaji Dieye aOMa Ronald Mickel aOMa Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov aSTa Nightingale

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Bench: aGKa Ebou Ndour aGKa Burama Kinteh aLBa Ediresa Darboe aCBa Keira Anbient aCBa Alfan-Harta Waz aRBa Fanding Jagne aCMa Sama Camara aCMa Noah Urbansson aCMa Ballista aOMa Betanni Jetvanna aOMa Ozkaya Tarhan aSTa Sarafina Iyasu

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Background: Kitara AA is a club on the rise. The fourth of Banija’s four foreign-owned clubs, as they were just bought out by Equestrian investors over the offseason. They have spent the last few years rising, and feel that the S-FPL will be a good place for them to truly start to reach new heights. The fans generally like to term themselves as the "sixth member of the Power 5", whether accurate or not. They truly believe that, with a little bit of luck, they’ll be able to challenge this league’s biggest clubs and possibly compete for a trophy during the upcoming season. Very pie-in-the-sky, sure, since there's absolutely no way Kitara will find success for another decade or so (if at all), but at least they've got a shiny new stadium now.

La Nueva Avenida
Nickname: los Novanos (the Novans; no, it doesn't really mean anything)
Derogatory nickname(s): Fachitos (little fascists)
Manager: Thjorgias Pickton
Ground: La Gran Avenida (60,000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: Avenida Victoria (local), Avenida Principal (local), Avenida Leal (local), Mâ Âlâmëómë (sporting)
Major honours: 7 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 2 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League title, 1 Faroleran state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Be the best Farf team; hopefully win the title in the process
Pundits' prediction: 7th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Paige Daunten aLBa Fabián Saiz aCBa Vyacheslav Khavarin aRBa Ezo Gicquel aDMa Kaia Larriet-Cortes aCMa Óceane Chastain aCMa Rashica Horvath aLWa Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng aOMa Thalassa Fletcher aRWa Soter Duraniona aSTa Horacio Bastanchury

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Bench: aGKa Ramón Olabarria aGKa Benjamín Gaona aLBa Ambrosio Archunde aCBa Furia de Jesús aRBa Fabián Malave aDMa Fernand Way aCMa Ÿya Tuuvyr aCMa Reece Graham aLMa Sieb Bosbooms aRWa Gurielefre Aixenxó aSTa Ugós Oroso aSTa Salomón De Zúñiga

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Background: The most successful of the Avenida clubs, and the second-most successful club in the nation, La Nueva Avenida are a club focused on success. While their supporters have a bit of a xenophobic right-wing (ecological) streak at times, the truth is people of every type support them in their home state, purely because of how successful they've been historically. After a dark period of not winning anything, they finally managed to win the league again six seasons ago, and they're building on that to retake the crown that Mâ Âlâmëómë stole from them a few decades ago... to limited success. Let's be honest, it's an uphill battle, now made even more uphill by the new format. The club is nowadays the darling of Alex Terán, president-for-life of Farolera, so they've been getting some extra funds, panem et circenses style. Also, they've recently been acquired by Grupo Taxhvan, a shady Tequiloan organization which definitely doesn't launder money.

La Querida
Nickname: los Encorvados (the Hunchbacks)
Derogatory nickname(s): club de plástico (plastic club), la pija (the very bad one, literally: the dick)
Manager: Porfirio Seijas
Ground: Estadio Manolo Lapaz (8,000), located in Pacifista, Farolera
Major rivals: La Armonía (local), La Pacifista (local)
Major honours: 4 Pacifistan state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★
Fans' expectations: To have fun
Pundits' prediction: 20th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Marc Cotoneaster aLBa Régulo Elizarraras aCBa Horazio Buriain aCBa Raul Hoyo aRBa Daniel Zihark aCMa Pan Xilei aCMa Mario Girón aLWa Neimi Tschauner aOMa Sugoi Mendia aRWa Mo Moss aSTa Anartz Salayeta

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Bench: aGKa Plinio Uria aGKa Emilio Naranjo aLBa Armando Marín aCBa Ab Hoes aRBa Bârrtoló Küáándökrás aRBa Bârrtoló Küáándökrás aCMa Alexandra Price aCMa Josephine Leonhardsdóttir aLWa Drî Êréçênsér aRWa Ügüs Âllámböjí aOMa Mito aSTa Mauricio Segura

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Background: A very young club from what used to be the state of Pacifista, historically one of the worst states when it came to quality of football. Pacifista is now a part of Farolera, though, so maybe Pacifista will suddenly start producing better footballers. That's how it works. Anyway: the La Querida project was very simple on the outset: found a club that the whole city of Pacifista can support, and pour money into it until it works. It worked far better than anyone expected: the whole city has rallied behind them, elated at the prospect of long-term relevance in the Farf football scene. Unsurprisingly, they lack an identity beyond being from Pacifista and having been named after a grocery store. Older, more set-in-their-ways Pacifistans tend to look down on supporters of the team as plastics. They have recently become something of—as the youngsters say—a "meme".

Mâ Âlâmëómë
Nickname: lôs Vhêrdês (the Green ones)
Derogatory nickname(s): Too many to count
Manager: John Spartan
Ground: Rülândéá Çölíséá (35,000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: Dí Maozöxê (local), La Nueva Avenida (sporting)
Major honours: 14 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 3 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League titles, 3 Rulandese state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Fans' expectations: Win the title comfortably; probably in for a rude awakening
Pundits' prediction: 3rd place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Corann Ghillis aLBa Fekati Abdi aCBa Alarabi Labeaga aRBa Travis Coffey aCMa Cheney Deal aCMa Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí aCMa Tahir Fejzuli aLWa Lavanya Naqvi aOMa Dimitri Keldoulis aRWa Lüí Wçêíl aSTa Latona Basilisk

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Bench: aGKa Drö Âloré aGKa Bâjâ Töxól aLBa Drö Yorópëlrío aCBa Lihonhegeí Puumalainen aRBa Rímân Dòrrò aDMa Esther Axelrod-Conway aCMa Liam Sæthre aCMa Vínseslâdís t'Îswér aLWa Asztrik Biró aOMa Zsolgar Zsase aRWa Ezalta Arambauzá aSTa Horâsio Wôndôji

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Background: The one Farf club that any football fan worth their salt should be able to recognize. Mâ Âlâmëómë have had some of the best squads in the history of club football. Among the players that have worn green and black are: Mêndêlöíndçêl, Einarsson, Kâí, Etezadi, Aurora, Wínrôuge, Rainsford, Gosforth, Campbell, Zubiri, Shrike, Tzâín, Röènôùjýâ, Na'Kale, Söh, Wçêíl, Killanen, Soria Luna... you get the idea. As a Rulandese club, they are utterly despised outside of Ruland. As the best Rulandese club, they are utterly despised inside of Ruland as well. Their fans, numerous and very violent, wouldn't give this up for the world. They were orignially founded as a loosely cultish collection of followers of one of the many Farf pagan faiths, one which venerated “Mother Earth”, better known as Mâ Âlâmëómë in the local language. True to their roots, they don't like the prevalence of uranium mining in Ruland. Unsurprisingly, they have many ties with past and present Rulandese revolutionary movements. However, to you and me, dear international reader, they're just that Farf behemoth nobody can spell or pronounce.

Mynda Electra
Nickname: Foresters
Derogatory nickname(s): Villagers
Manager: Ifeatu Jaja
Ground: Electra Stadium (41,000), located in Mynda, Aksum
Major rivals: None
Major honours: 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★
Fans' expectations: Not get relegated, maybe? They're bound for a completely average season either way
Pundits' prediction: 15th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Tore Delgado aLBa Isaka Karamba aCBa Chononso Uchi aCBa Jibrin Ouattara aRBa Helek-Evela Mal aDMa Abbas Guiss aDMa Uzoma Nkemdilim aOMa Edrissa Coulibaly aOMa Lars Putnam aOMa Xavier Melchoir aSTa Suliven Roagart

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Bench: aGKa Chydea Mazzi aGKa Kazak Karatay aLBa Efe Sahan aCBa Dust Devil aCBa Akuchi Chydee aRBa Chukwuemeka Obasy aDMa Banta Thiaw aDMa Chinaza Madu aOMa Adaeze Obasee aOMa Arthur Trudell IV aOMa Somayina Izuchukwu aSTa Obika Chinasa

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Background: Mynda Electra have an interesting culture. They are Banija’s first club to have been bought by a foreign owner, with Electra Corporation of Damukuni (a public utility) having owned the team for quite a long time. Mynda is a surprisingly large city, a city of 800,000 but located at the heart of Banija’s smallest region, Aksum. Residents of Mynda claim they fail to get respect from national media, despite their large size, and you can see it in how their fans operate. Claiming Herzegovina City as their chief rival when they don’t acknowledge them as a rival back—is there no higher form of disrespect in the sport?—and, although Askatasuna FC is also in Aksum, they’ve never seriously considered each other rivals. A fanbase conditioned to disrespect, their culture loves “Mynda men” and is generally distrusting of outsiders, although they have embraced the foreign ownership group and their Chromatik manager, Daniel Lucas.

René Skaé
Nickname: les Ezrenels (the Colonels)
Derogatory nickname(s): Barabara (intended to imitate uneducated mumbling)
Manager: Louis-Étienne Hevesi
Ground: Grand René Skaé (25,000), located in René Skaé, Szoirsia
Major rivals: Torrhe del Viento (local)
Major honours: 2 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 1 Farf Norde Ligá title, 1 Farf Amateur Ligá title, 3 Szoirsian state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Fans' expectations: Win the title, make Szoirsians proud
Pundits' prediction: 6th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Berény Phelede aLBa Camille Auguste aCBa Ljuba Buczvarov aCBa Nadezhda Odling aRBa Darijen Vesele aCMa Pickering Sionne aCMa Lőrensz Ziczi aRWa Anwar Dawit aLWa Lajos Éwanjé-Épée aOMa Tulaki Rauogba aSTa Eötrenois Rigozsoldos

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Bench: aGKa Géza Gaudin aGKa Alfred Molka aLBa Frank Zsetvanyi aCBa Dezső Detienne aCBa Mihály Lemaître aRBa Botond Zsabados aLMa Denis Erdéli aCMa András Zsabados aTKa Archard Ezaa Robé aTKa Lőrinc Subercaseaux aSTa Lajos Latheleanódi aSTa Elemér Miross-Lezocz

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Background: Ever since René Skaé got promoted to the FFL, Szoirsian football has been slowly and very steadily rising through the ranks. First they produced NT-caliber players like Zsolgar Zsase, Kósa Bajnok and, most famously, Lázár Eleonóra. Then, René Skaé started following suit, eventually winning back-to-back FFL titles, mostly thanks to a certain Faragó rue Cazade. Off-the-pitch, René Skaé is quite the sensation in Szoirsia, with most anyone in the desert-that-some-people-believe-to-be-a-nation supporting the club. They're the second most left-leaning (now ex-)state, so their fans naturally lean that way as well. Their fans are remarkably mild, perhaps owing to the temperatures of their state, which is 90% a huge fucking desert (as we have made clear) where things you didn't know could melt do melt. Ferdullaelans and Farolerans resent, fear and envy them, because Szoirsians are not supposed to be better at football than them.

Rülândéá Kôstä
Nickname: tâ Kôstä (those from the Coast)
Derogatory nickname(s): Mey Kôsâng (Little Brother, in reference to the two bigger Rulandese clubs), Pêskätörès (Fishermen)
Manager: Fêrm Égéré
Ground: Âréné Délékôstä (10,000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: None
Major honours: 1 Farf Freitball Ligá. 3 Farf Torde Ligá titles, 1 Rulandese state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Keep up the moderate success; they're still not used to the respect they've been getting lately, but they love it
Pundits' prediction: 8th place

---

Starting Lineup: aGKa Pär Tjova aLBa Pâb Bílísô aCBa Gëngüdó Pìgülôçô aRBa Lînó Çíwâ aCMa Erin Kang aCMa Baraxil Muhaburu aTKa Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá aLWa Sam Roshanak aRWa Çè Sêwansé aSTa Aire Epherra aSTa Röémün Çídh

---

Bench: aGKa Horâcio Mâ Mórsna aGKa Jê Êrgön aLBa Náán S'Êbârá aCBa Pâb Ýuó aRBa Berrëngüé Êrsáreng aCMa Tè Xüwân aCMa Kârl Víçâr aTKa Çìríkô Tlísnadâ aLWa Merluxia van de Kraan aRWa Valën Rónellsön aSTa Wilsêkïl Lâlâw aSTa Pâás Çélçôl

---

Background: Rülândéá Kôstä are massive in the Rulandese coast. When we say massive, we mean truly massive. Most everyone in the city's coast supports the team named after the city's coast which, to be fair, is not exactly shocking. Their supporters have very strong ties to the revolutionary movements of the last two decades, and are violent even by Rulandese standards. Their stadium, partially destroyed by bombings, will probably pack twice its capacity every game. Surprisingly, tâ Kôstä have a very friendly relationship with all other Rulandese clubs, seeing them more as family than rivals. Teams from outside Ruland, though? Well, that's a very different, much bloodier story... The fans will be subdued for now, though, due to the team's more fortunate present.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

Matchdays 1-37

MATCHDAY 1
Herzegovina City FC 8-0 La Querida
Mâ Âlâmëomë 2-3 Duntho Sporting Club
Istria City FC 5-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Kitara AA 2-1 Flying Jellyfish
Jinja City FC 3-1 Busembe Timberwolves
La Nueva Avenida 5-0 Avenida Prinicipal
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-0 Mynda Electra
Dí Maozöxê 5-1 Busukuma AC
René Skaé 3-1 Hoima Warriors
Avenida Leal 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
MATCHDAY 2
Duntho Sporting Club 0-1 Herzegovina City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 3-2 La Querida
Flying Jellyfish 0-6 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Busembe Timberwolves 0-1 Istria City FC
Avenida Prinicipal 0-4 Kitara AA
Mynda Electra 1-2 Jinja City FC
Busukuma AC 2-6 La Nueva Avenida
Hoima Warriors 0-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Ausharmuj Marusi 4-1 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Leal 3-0 René Skaé
MATCHDAY 3
Herzegovina City FC 3-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Duntho Sporting Club 1-4 Flying Jellyfish
La Querida 1-4 Busembe Timberwolves
Mâ Âlâmëomë 0-0 Avenida Prinicipal
Istria City FC 7-0 Mynda Electra
Kitara AA 0-2 Busukuma AC
Jinja City FC 1-1 Hoima Warriors
La Nueva Avenida 0-0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Rülândéá Kôstä 2-1 Avenida Leal
Dí Maozöxê 1-2 René Skaé
MATCHDAY 4
Flying Jellyfish 0-0 Herzegovina City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 0-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Avenida Prinicipal 2-1 Duntho Sporting Club
Mynda Electra 8-1 La Querida
Busukuma AC 1-2 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Hoima Warriors 0-6 Istria City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 2-1 Kitara AA
Avenida Leal 1-3 Jinja City FC
René Skaé 1-0 La Nueva Avenida
Dí Maozöxê 5-2 Rülândéá Kôstä
MATCHDAY 5
Herzegovina City FC 4-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Flying Jellyfish 4-4 Avenida Prinicipal
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-0 Mynda Electra
Duntho Sporting Club 0-3 Busukuma AC
La Querida 0-4 Hoima Warriors
Mâ Âlâmëomë 4-3 Ausharmuj Marusi
Istria City FC 0-1 Avenida Leal
Kitara AA 3-2 René Skaé
Jinja City FC 0-2 Dí Maozöxê
La Nueva Avenida 3-4 Rülândéá Kôstä
MATCHDAY 6
Avenida Prinicipal 0-2 Herzegovina City FC
Mynda Electra 2-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Busukuma AC 4-0 Flying Jellyfish
Hoima Warriors 3-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Avenida Leal 3-0 La Querida
René Skaé 6-2 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Dí Maozöxê 8-4 Istria City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-1 Kitara AA
La Nueva Avenida 1-0 Jinja City FC
MATCHDAY 7
Herzegovina City FC 9-0 Mynda Electra
Avenida Prinicipal 1-0 Busukuma AC
Busembe Timberwolves 0-1 Hoima Warriors
Flying Jellyfish 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-4 Avenida Leal
Duntho Sporting Club 1-8 René Skaé
La Querida 0-4 Dí Maozöxê
Mâ Âlâmëomë 0-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Istria City FC 0-2 La Nueva Avenida
Kitara AA 3-1 Jinja City FC
MATCHDAY 8
Busukuma AC 0-1 Herzegovina City FC
Hoima Warriors 0-3 Mynda Electra
Ausharmuj Marusi 4-4 Avenida Prinicipal
Avenida Leal 1-4 Busembe Timberwolves
René Skaé 1-2 Flying Jellyfish
Dí Maozöxê 2-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-0 Duntho Sporting Club
La Nueva Avenida 8-0 La Querida
Jinja City FC 3-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Kitara AA 1-1 Istria City FC
MATCHDAY 9
Herzegovina City FC 1-2 Hoima Warriors
Busukuma AC 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Mynda Electra 1-2 Avenida Leal
Avenida Prinicipal 1-1 René Skaé
Busembe Timberwolves 1-10 Dí Maozöxê
Flying Jellyfish 5-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-4 La Nueva Avenida
Duntho Sporting Club 2-1 Jinja City FC
La Querida 0-9 Kitara AA
Mâ Âlâmëomë 7-0 Istria City FC
MATCHDAY 10
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-3 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Leal 1-2 Hoima Warriors
René Skaé 4-2 Busukuma AC
Dí Maozöxê 4-0 Mynda Electra
Rülândéá Kôstä 6-1 Avenida Prinicipal
La Nueva Avenida 7-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Jinja City FC 4-1 Flying Jellyfish
Kitara AA 1-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Istria City FC 4-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Mâ Âlâmëomë 4-0 La Querida
MATCHDAY 11
Herzegovina City FC 2-0 Avenida Leal
Ausharmuj Marusi 3-10 René Skaé
Hoima Warriors 2-1 Dí Maozöxê
Busukuma AC 1-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Mynda Electra 1-5 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Prinicipal 0-3 Jinja City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 2-3 Kitara AA
Flying Jellyfish 2-6 Istria City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-4 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Duntho Sporting Club 1-0 La Querida
MATCHDAY 12
René Skaé 3-2 Herzegovina City FC
Dí Maozöxê 2-0 Avenida Leal
Rülândéá Kôstä 5-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
La Nueva Avenida 0-1 Hoima Warriors
Jinja City FC 3-2 Busukuma AC
Kitara AA 4-0 Mynda Electra
Istria City FC 4-0 Avenida Prinicipal
Mâ Âlâmëomë 6-0 Busembe Timberwolves
La Querida 1-4 Flying Jellyfish
Duntho Sporting Club 1-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
MATCHDAY 13
Herzegovina City FC 0-1 Dí Maozöxê
René Skaé 1-1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Leal 1-0 La Nueva Avenida
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-3 Jinja City FC
Hoima Warriors 2-0 Kitara AA
Busukuma AC 2-2 Istria City FC
Mynda Electra 0-6 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Avenida Prinicipal 1-0 La Querida
Busembe Timberwolves 4-5 Duntho Sporting Club
Flying Jellyfish 0-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
MATCHDAY 14
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-2 Herzegovina City FC
La Nueva Avenida 4-2 Dí Maozöxê
Jinja City FC 3-1 René Skaé
Kitara AA 4-0 Avenida Leal
Istria City FC 4-2 Ausharmuj Marusi
Mâ Âlâmëomë 2-0 Hoima Warriors
La Querida 1-4 Busukuma AC
Duntho Sporting Club 5-1 Mynda Electra
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-4 Avenida Prinicipal
Flying Jellyfish 0-8 Busembe Timberwolves
MATCHDAY 15
Herzegovina City FC 7-3 La Nueva Avenida
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-2 Jinja City FC
Dí Maozöxê 0-1 Kitara AA
René Skaé 1-1 Istria City FC
Avenida Leal 1-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Ausharmuj Marusi 6-1 La Querida
Hoima Warriors 4-1 Duntho Sporting Club
Busukuma AC 6-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Mynda Electra 3-0 Flying Jellyfish
Avenida Prinicipal 1-4 Busembe Timberwolves
MATCHDAY 16
Jinja City FC 0-3 Herzegovina City FC
Kitara AA 2-2 La Nueva Avenida
Istria City FC 4-2 Rülândéá Kôstä
Mâ Âlâmëomë 1-1 Dí Maozöxê
La Querida 1-4 René Skaé
Duntho Sporting Club 0-6 Avenida Leal
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Flying Jellyfish 2-0 Hoima Warriors
Busembe Timberwolves 1-2 Busukuma AC
Avenida Prinicipal 0-6 Mynda Electra
MATCHDAY 17
Herzegovina City FC 4-2 Kitara AA
Jinja City FC 3-1 Istria City FC
La Nueva Avenida 5-4 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Rülândéá Kôstä 17-1 La Querida
Dí Maozöxê 6-0 Duntho Sporting Club
René Skaé 5-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Avenida Leal 2-0 Flying Jellyfish
Ausharmuj Marusi 5-3 Busembe Timberwolves
Hoima Warriors 1-1 Avenida Prinicipal
Busukuma AC 6-4 Mynda Electra
MATCHDAY 18
Istria City FC 6-1 Herzegovina City FC
Mâ Âlâmëomë 1-4 Kitara AA
La Querida 0-3 Jinja City FC
Duntho Sporting Club 1-4 La Nueva Avenida
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-4 Rülândéá Kôstä
Flying Jellyfish 1-6 Dí Maozöxê
Busembe Timberwolves 0-0 René Skaé
Avenida Prinicipal 1-3 Avenida Leal
Mynda Electra 4-2 Ausharmuj Marusi
Busukuma AC 2-2 Hoima Warriors
MATCHDAY 19
Herzegovina City FC 2-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Istria City FC 10-0 La Querida
Kitara AA 4-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Jinja City FC 8-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
La Nueva Avenida 12-1 Flying Jellyfish
Rülândéá Kôstä 3-1 Busembe Timberwolves
Dí Maozöxê 2-0 Avenida Prinicipal
René Skaé 1-2 Mynda Electra
Avenida Leal 0-1 Busukuma AC
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-3 Hoima Warriors
MATCHDAY 20
La Querida 0-6 Herzegovina City FC
Duntho Sporting Club 0-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Herzegovina Phoenix 4-4 Istria City FC
Flying Jellyfish 1-4 Kitara AA
Busembe Timberwolves 2-6 Jinja City FC
Avenida Prinicipal 4-6 La Nueva Avenida
Mynda Electra 1-6 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busukuma AC 0-0 Dí Maozöxê
Hoima Warriors 1-0 René Skaé
Ausharmuj Marusi 3-1 Avenida Leal
MATCHDAY 21
Herzegovina City FC 1-2 Duntho Sporting Club
La Querida 0-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Mâ Âlâmëomë 6-6 Flying Jellyfish
Istria City FC 6-3 Busembe Timberwolves
Kitara AA 3-1 Avenida Prinicipal
Jinja City FC 4-2 Mynda Electra
La Nueva Avenida 1-0 Busukuma AC
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-0 Hoima Warriors
Dí Maozöxê 1-7 Ausharmuj Marusi
René Skaé 4-2 Avenida Leal
MATCHDAY 22
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-6 Herzegovina City FC
Flying Jellyfish 4-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Busembe Timberwolves 8-1 La Querida
Avenida Prinicipal 2-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Mynda Electra 1-10 Istria City FC
Busukuma AC 3-0 Kitara AA
Hoima Warriors 2-2 Jinja City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 3-3 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Leal 0-2 Rülândéá Kôstä
René Skaé 2-2 Dí Maozöxê
MATCHDAY 23
Herzegovina City FC 1-1 Flying Jellyfish
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-2 Busembe Timberwolves
Duntho Sporting Club 1-7 Avenida Prinicipal
La Querida 0-13 Mynda Electra
Mâ Âlâmëomë 2-3 Busukuma AC
Istria City FC 4-1 Hoima Warriors
Kitara AA 4-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Jinja City FC 3-6 Avenida Leal
La Nueva Avenida 0-0 René Skaé
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-2 Dí Maozöxê
MATCHDAY 24
Busembe Timberwolves 5-8 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Prinicipal 6-2 Flying Jellyfish
Mynda Electra 1-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Busukuma AC 5-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Hoima Warriors 4-0 La Querida
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-0 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Avenida Leal 1-0 Istria City FC
René Skaé 2-2 Kitara AA
Dí Maozöxê 2-4 Jinja City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-1 La Nueva Avenida
MATCHDAY 25
Herzegovina City FC 8-0 Avenida Prinicipal
Busembe Timberwolves 2-1 Mynda Electra
Flying Jellyfish 2-1 Busukuma AC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-5 Hoima Warriors
Duntho Sporting Club 0-3 Ausharmuj Marusi
La Querida 0-2 Avenida Leal
Mâ Âlâmëomë 3-3 René Skaé
Istria City FC 0-3 Dí Maozöxê
Kitara AA 3-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Jinja City FC 3-2 La Nueva Avenida
MATCHDAY 26
Mynda Electra 1-8 Herzegovina City FC
Busukuma AC 1-1 Avenida Prinicipal
Hoima Warriors 4-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Ausharmuj Marusi 2-3 Flying Jellyfish
Avenida Leal 3-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
René Skaé 8-1 Duntho Sporting Club
Dí Maozöxê 10-0 La Querida
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
La Nueva Avenida 1-1 Istria City FC
Jinja City FC 0-2 Kitara AA
MATCHDAY 27
Herzegovina City FC 3-1 Busukuma AC
Mynda Electra 2-5 Hoima Warriors
Avenida Prinicipal 2-3 Ausharmuj Marusi
Busembe Timberwolves 1-1 Avenida Leal
Flying Jellyfish 1-1 René Skaé
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-5 Dí Maozöxê
Duntho Sporting Club 0-5 Rülândéá Kôstä
La Querida 1-7 La Nueva Avenida
Mâ Âlâmëomë 1-1 Jinja City FC
Istria City FC 4-1 Kitara AA
MATCHDAY 28
Hoima Warriors 1-0 Herzegovina City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-1 Busukuma AC
Avenida Leal 6-0 Mynda Electra
René Skaé 4-1 Avenida Prinicipal
Dí Maozöxê 4-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-0 Flying Jellyfish
La Nueva Avenida 4-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Jinja City FC 4-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Kitara AA 7-0 La Querida
Istria City FC 1-2 Mâ Âlâmëomë
MATCHDAY 29
Herzegovina City FC 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Hoima Warriors 0-1 Avenida Leal
Busukuma AC 0-7 René Skaé
Mynda Electra 1-4 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Prinicipal 3-6 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busembe Timberwolves 1-6 La Nueva Avenida
Flying Jellyfish 1-6 Jinja City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-5 Kitara AA
Duntho Sporting Club 3-8 Istria City FC
La Querida 3-7 Mâ Âlâmëomë
MATCHDAY 30
Avenida Leal 1-1 Herzegovina City FC
René Skaé 5-3 Ausharmuj Marusi
Dí Maozöxê 4-0 Hoima Warriors
Rülândéá Kôstä 3-2 Busukuma AC
La Nueva Avenida 9-0 Mynda Electra
Jinja City FC 6-0 Avenida Prinicipal
Kitara AA 3-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Istria City FC 12-1 Flying Jellyfish
Mâ Âlâmëomë 1-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
La Querida 7-1 Duntho Sporting Club
MATCHDAY 31
Herzegovina City FC 1-0 René Skaé
Avenida Leal 0-1 Dí Maozöxê
Ausharmuj Marusi 4-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Hoima Warriors 1-1 La Nueva Avenida
Busukuma AC 0-1 Jinja City FC
Mynda Electra 1-7 Kitara AA
Avenida Prinicipal 0-3 Istria City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 0-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Flying Jellyfish 3-3 La Querida
Herzegovina Phoenix 4-0 Duntho Sporting Club
MATCHDAY 32
Dí Maozöxê 2-3 Herzegovina City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 2-0 René Skaé
La Nueva Avenida 6-0 Avenida Leal
Jinja City FC 1-2 Ausharmuj Marusi
Kitara AA 0-2 Hoima Warriors
Istria City FC 2-1 Busukuma AC
Mâ Âlâmëomë 2-3 Mynda Electra
La Querida 1-1 Avenida Prinicipal
Duntho Sporting Club 2-1 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-2 Flying Jellyfish
MATCHDAY 33
Herzegovina City FC 1-1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Dí Maozöxê 0-0 La Nueva Avenida
René Skaé 2-1 Jinja City FC
Avenida Leal 3-1 Kitara AA
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-4 Istria City FC
Hoima Warriors 1-4 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Busukuma AC 8-1 La Querida
Mynda Electra 4-1 Duntho Sporting Club
Avenida Prinicipal 2-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Busembe Timberwolves 0-2 Flying Jellyfish
MATCHDAY 34
La Nueva Avenida 3-4 Herzegovina City FC
Jinja City FC 0-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Kitara AA 1-1 Dí Maozöxê
Istria City FC 1-1 René Skaé
Mâ Âlâmëomë 1-1 Avenida Leal
La Querida 0-12 Ausharmuj Marusi
Duntho Sporting Club 1-2 Hoima Warriors
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-4 Busukuma AC
Flying Jellyfish 1-1 Mynda Electra
Busembe Timberwolves 0-2 Avenida Prinicipal
MATCHDAY 35
Herzegovina City FC 1-0 Jinja City FC
La Nueva Avenida 0-0 Kitara AA
Rülândéá Kôstä 5-2 Istria City FC
Dí Maozöxê 2-0 Mâ Âlâmëomë
René Skaé 8-0 La Querida
Avenida Leal 6-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Ausharmuj Marusi 2-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Hoima Warriors 2-0 Flying Jellyfish
Busukuma AC 3-1 Busembe Timberwolves
Mynda Electra 3-0 Avenida Prinicipal
MATCHDAY 36
Kitara AA 1-0 Herzegovina City FC
Istria City FC 1-2 Jinja City FC
Mâ Âlâmëomë 1-0 La Nueva Avenida
La Querida 1-12 Rülândéá Kôstä
Duntho Sporting Club 1-10 Dí Maozöxê
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-3 René Skaé
Flying Jellyfish 0-4 Avenida Leal
Busembe Timberwolves 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Avenida Prinicipal 2-1 Hoima Warriors
Mynda Electra 2-2 Busukuma AC
MATCHDAY 37
Herzegovina City FC 2-0 Istria City FC
Kitara AA 0-1 Mâ Âlâmëomë
Jinja City FC 4-0 La Querida
La Nueva Avenida 4-0 Duntho Sporting Club
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Dí Maozöxê 12-1 Flying Jellyfish
René Skaé 4-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Avenida Leal 4-4 Avenida Prinicipal
Ausharmuj Marusi 4-1 Mynda Electra
Hoima Warriors 2-1 Busukuma AC

S-FPL                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dí Maozöxê             37   24   5   8   128   47  +81    77
 2 Herzegovina City FC    37   24   5   8   110   44  +66    77
 3 Kitara AA              37   23   5   9    93   40  +53    74
 4 Jinja City FC          37   23   4  10    94   48  +46    73
 5 Rülândéá Kôstä         37   22   6   9   120   52  +68    72
 6 La Nueva Avenida       37   21   8   8   125   47  +78    71
 7 René Skaé              37   19  10   8   108   52  +56    67
 8 Istria City FC         37   20   6  11   129   65  +64    66
 9 Hoima Warriors         37   20   5  12    63   55   +8    65
10 Mâ Âlâmëomë            37   17   9  11    89   60  +29    60
11 Avenida Leal           37   18   6  13    73   53  +20    60
12 Ausharmuj Marusi       37   14  10  13    89   82   +7    52
13 Busukuma AC            37   14   7  16    78   68  +10    49
14 Mynda Electra          37   12   3  22    74  126  −52    39
15 Avenida Prinicipal     37   10   8  19    59  105  −46    38
16 Flying Jellyfish       37    9  10  18    59  128  −69    37
17 Busembe Timberwolves   37    7   3  27    60  112  −52    24
18 Herzegovina Phoenix    37    6   5  26    40  106  −66    23
19 Duntho Sporting Club   37    7   1  29    35  144 −109    22
20 La Querida             37    1   2  34    27  219 −192     5

What's at Stake on the Final Day?

It's been a long, winding season to get to this point. Kitara Athletic Association is having their run through the Champions League, having just beaten Raynor City United 6-0 on aggregate to reach their first ever CL Final. La Querida has won a game. Hell, La Querida has 5 points, amazingly! Here, we're going to talk about what's left to play for on the Final Day.

#1 The League Title

The title chase is still on! Functionally, there are three teams in the title chase, but for practical purposes, there are two teams remaining- Dí Maozöxê and Herzegovina City FC, who are both sitting on 77 points.

Herzegovina City FC is traditionally Banija's biggest club, and right now, with Kitara AA winning both the S-FPL last season and on the verge of the Champions League this season, they do not seem like Banija's biggest club. That is why they have put together their strongest title challenge yet. The Trumpeteers sit with 77 points, tied for the league lead. It is a different season. After 10 seasons of the all-encompassing Brian Emerson, the old manager finally retired at 87 years old, replaced with former assistant Omar Sanyang.

It's been a great debut managerial season for the young Banijan, managing the club to this serious title challenge. But Dí Maozöxê has been the better side, ever so slightly, across the season. The two teams are level with points, but Dí Maozöxê has 77 points and has that +81 goal differential. The Rulandese club continued to be powered by Xíxì Êns, the former Galactico who seemingly cannot stop scoring goals. He's slowing down, of course, but the talent around him are putting Dí Maozöxê in a great position to win their second league title in just three seasons.

What are the final matchups for both clubs? Dí Maozöxê will visit Avenida Principal, while Herzegovina City will pay a visit to Dí Maozöxê's struggling archrivals, Mâ Âlâmëomë. Will Mâ Âlâmëomë roll over and make their hated rivals Dí Maozöxê earn the title themselves on the road? Or will a Mâ Âlâmëomë do the unthinkable and deliver the trophy straight into the hands of their archrivals for the second time in just three seasons? No good options for Mâ Âlâmëomë fans here.

#2 Banijan Champions League spots

The Farf Champions League berths are set. Dí Maozöxê, Rülândéá Kôstä, La Nueva Avenida, and René Skaé will not be overtaken by any Farf clubs behind them. Three of the Banijan berths are set. While the order isn't exactly set yet, we know Herzegovina City, Kitara AA, and Istria City will all participate in next season's Champions League. That's 7 of 8 slots for the league.

Mâ Âlâmëomë will be extremely disappointed to not feature in the Champions League. Last season, they were just short of winning a title, competing until the final day before Kitara AA eventually wrapped up the league trophy. Many thought that Mâ Âlâmëomë would be favorites to earn the title this season. But they've fallen back down to 10th, making the fanbase angry and throwing the club in chaos. Well, even more chaos than you'd normally expect from the Rulandese club.

In their place, of course, they've watched Rulandese rivals, Rülândéá Kôstä and Dí Maozöxê, get places in the Champions League ahead of them. Anger and resentment. And their fans will watch either Istria City or the Hoima Warriors claim the last CL spot. Now, Istria City has a near unsurmountable advantage. They are up just one point, yes. But their final day opponent? La Querida. Does it even matter who Hoima plays? Should we just book the appointment to see Istria City in the Champions League next season?

#3 Challenger's Cup Spots

There is heavy competition for the last Challenger's Cup slots. The 14th and final IFCF berth for this 20 team league- Avenida Prinicipal and Mynda Electra are close, as Avenida Principal has 38 points and is one point behind Mynda Electra, as they compete to reach IFCF play, and all the cash and prestige that comes with it. We've already gone over who Avenida Prinicipal plays- their visit to Rulandea is that much bigger, since it's functionally a must-win to get them to the Challenger's Cup.

Mynda Electra, on the other hand, will play René Skaé, who are in the Champions League. Mynda Electra, at minimum, will need a point and potentially some help- but three points will get the job done. Can they get those points at home? While finishing in 14th place in a 20 team league isn't exactly great, The IFCF berth would cap off a strong first season for Ifeatu Jaja in his first year at the club. He's avoided the relegation race, and is on the verge of the IFCF. For a club like Mynda, can't complain about that, eh?

#4 The Banijan Relegation Battle

With just one game left, we are about to have as exciting a finish at the bottom of the table as we are at the top of the table. Just two points separate 19th place Duntho Sporting Club from 17th place Busembe Timberwolves.

Busembe's fallen on some hard times- with Basamula hitting a rapid decline at age 35, and their superstar striker Jason Þórhallursson looking for greener pastures with Herzegovina City, they have not been in competition for the Challenger's Cup like they are used to. Without the star pairing up front to power Bøb Übermanager's high pressing offense, they've become far less lethal in front of goal, and are threatening to fall out of the league entirely.

Duntho Sporting Club, with 22 points, are currently in last place. Their lowlight? Losing 7-1 to La Querida. How does one lose by six to La Querida? Need anybody say more? We understand that they are not much more than a village club, but man, that's embarassing. They should've been kicked out of the league the moment that game ended. That alone should mean that they should not stay up. They're at home on Matchday 38, but unfortunately, they have Champions League finalists Kitara AA as their opponents.

In 18th place, just one point ahead of Duntho, is the Herzegovina Phoenix. Also recently promoted, they are in a tough spot. They don't really have the talent to compete at this level after were not selected for this league originally. But they should have enough to at least stay up in this league for a while, even if they're gonna be in this zone. They've got Jinja City at home, who are another Champions League club. Three points, regardless of other results, puts them in the CL. Can they do it?

And in 17th, are the Timberwolves. The least likely to get relegated- but if Herzegovina and Duntho both win, while the Timberwolves lose, well- to Banija League Soccer they go. They will host Rülândéá Kôstä. This will be the highest pressure game Bøb Übermanager has ever managed. The Timberwolves have backed him publicly, which is a good sign- but also, when you have to be backed publicly, you know that's a bad sign in and of itself. He's a great culture fit here, but relegation would obviously be disastrous. Can he do enough to stay up and get to the offseason, where they can make additions and get back to being a Challenger's Cup regular?

How do teams feel about their seasons?

Although we've got a game left, it's a decent time to ask the question- which team has had the most success this season? This is, of course, relative to expectations. 5 points for La Querida is honestly a pretty good haul for them, earning results in 3 of their last 8 games. Tis the life of a La Querida fan. And yet, Mâ Âlâmëomë sit firmly in the mid-table, competing only for a Challenger's Cup berth. Disastrous. Let's go through it, shall we?

#1 Excellent Seasons- Dí Maozöxê, Herzegovina City FC, Kitara AA, Jinja City FC, Rülândéá Kôstä, La Querida

All of these teams, of course, no matter how the final day turns out, can say they have had excellent seasons, for one way or another. The first two, of course, you simply look at the table- they are the two teams left in the title race. Dí Maozöxê finds themselves at the top of the table, and most importantly, in control of their own destiny as they look to wrap up their second league title in just the third season of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. And if they do so- well, they will continue to laugh at the chaos enveloping their archrivals Mâ Âlâmëomë, who are awaiting a double digit placed finish for the second time in three seasons.

Herzegovina City FC, of course, are the title challengers. They are very much in the thick of the title race, although they lack the advantage. The Trumpeteers, however, had their first managerial change in a decade with Brian Emerson's retirement. The transition has been smooth. Sanyang picked up right where Emerson left off- challenging for trophies. The worry was without Emerson, they'd fall back. But instead, they've stayed on the path. The future is bright.

Kitara AA and Jinja City both have had excellent seasons, for different reasons. Kitara AA, because they proved last season wasn't a fluke. While the title challenge is all but dead, they were able to stay in the thick of the race for the entire season to chase their second consecutive league title. Combine that with a chance to win the Champions League? Mad impressive. Jinja City, on the other hand, going back to an old manager in Alexander Bumba, wanted to get back to the Champions League after missing out. They did so this season comfortably, and Bumba is going to have these guys prepping for bigger and better things in the future.

Rülândéá Kôstä is in the same place. The Rulandese club wants to be competing for Champions League berths, and it is likely that they clinched a berth directly in the group stages of club football's most prestigious competition. They had an outside shot at a league title, so not really factoring into the title race late in the season isn't necessarily a huge thing. They've got everything to make a Champions League run next year, and the Farf club will hope for a good ending to the season next week.

And then, La Querida. 5 points is an excellent haul for them. They won one game- but a total domination. 7-1 over Duntho Sporting Club! That's what clubs do to them every week. An absolute shredding of a league rival. La Querida got to finally experience what other clubs experience when they play La Querida. Blowout wins. Can't hurt, eh?

#2- Alright seasons- La Nueva Avenida, René Skaé, Istria City FC, Hoima Warriors, Duntho Sporting Club, Ausharmuj Marusi, Busukuma AC, Mynda Electra, Flying Jellyfish

A lot of these teams met expectations, but didn't do anything to push past them. We've got Champions League and Challenger's Cup Qualifiers on this list, and a DUntho Sporting Club team that's likely to be relegated.

Let's simply go through two teams in detail on this list. The first? La Nueva Avenida. A club that considers themselves worthy of being the biggest club in Farfadillis. A strong campaign to qualify for the Champions League, then, is welcome. Would they have liked to make more of a difference towards the top of the table? Of course. But what can be done. Look for them to make those improvements in the offseason at the window, one or two more signings with that killer instinct, and they can elevate themselves from CL qualifiers to championship contenders.

The second? None other than Duntho Sporting Club. How is a club that lost 7-1 to La freaking Querida on the "Alright" list? Well, they've proven surprisingly resilient. Of course, if they had beaten La Querida on Matchday 30, as expected, they'd be favorites to survive. Alas, they didn't. But even with that loss, they're only a win away from safety. Unfortunately, their MD38 opponent is Kitara AA, so unlikely. But many thought they'd simply be run over. But they've adjusted to the level of competition, and been surprisingly competitive all year long.

#3- Disappointing Seasons- Avenida Leal, Avenida Principal, Busembe Timberwolves, Herzegovina Phoenix

Of course, if the latter two get relegated, they will fall to #4. But what are the chances of Duntho Sporting Club defeating Kitara AA on the final day of the season? Miniscule right? But all these teams had much higher hopes than where they ended up. The Avenidas wanted to compete for the Champions League, but instead, they will be in the Challenger's Cup. Or in Avenida Principal's case, they may end out being one of just three Farf clubs to miss out on the IFCF altogether.

The only Farf teams behind Avenida Principal this year are La Querida, who are, well, yeah. And the Flying Jellyfish, who are in their first year in the league. That's not a position that Principal wants to be in. And as for the Timberwolves- regression was expected with their star striker's move to Herzegovina City, but regression to the point where S-FPL safety isn't assured 37 matchdays in? It's not great. The team is lacking talent, so it's not in the below category, but if they do get relegated, it'd be a true disaster.

#4- Outright disaster- Mâ Âlâmëomë

What more is there to say? From 2nd place last season to 10th now this season? What was supposedly the biggest club in the whole damn basin giving us two double digit place finishes in three seasons? Heads will roll here. Is anyone safe at this club besides Latona Basilisk? Expect them to be aggressive in making those changes, on and off the field, so they can get back to where they feel they belong- winning the freaking league title.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

The Final Day! So much at stake, so much to play for. The S-FPL will be running a true final day format for the second season in a row: all ten games played at the very same time. Occurring at 4:30 PM, we're going to come at you with the special online live feed for all games. A joint kick-off time of 4:30 Banijan Standard Time.

As a reminder for all of you, here are this week's games. The home team, obviously, is listed first.

MATCHDAY 38
Mâ Âlâmëomë v. Herzegovina City FC
La Querida v. Istria City FC
Duntho Sporting Club v. Kitara AA
Herzegovina Phoenix v. Jinja City FC
Flying Jellyfish v. La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves v. Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Prinicipal v. Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra v. René Skaé
Busukuma AC v. Avenida Leal
Hoima Warriors v. Ausharmuj Marusi

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4:00 PM: The eyes of the Shango-Fogoa Basin, and many more beyond the Basin, will gaze upon Farfadillis this afternoon. The two teams that call Rülândéá Çölíséá home are both contenders. Herzegovina City FC, in second place with 77 points and a +53 goal differential, are scheduled to visit Mâ Âlâmëomë at that stadium. If you had to bet before the S-FPL formed which two teams would win the league's first two titles, it would be these two squads. And yet, although we're only two seasons in, neither has won it. But can Herzegovina City get the league trophy for the first time?

And of course, in first place, we have Dí Maozöxê, with 77 points and a +81 goal differential. The title deciders. They will pay a visit to Victoria, to play against Avenida Prinicipal. A win for them, or a loss for Herzegovina City, barring some insanely stupid scoreline, will win them the league. Can they do themselves, or will they have to rely on their archrivals to deliver the trophy?

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4:10 PM: There's a lot at stake today. Three teams left in the Banijan relegation race. Two teams left in the trophy race. There is still an aggressive race for Champions League spots. It's a busy world out there today. Who will survive? Who will earn that trophy?

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4:20 PM: We interviewed one Dí Maozöxê fan, and asked if they would be rooting for Mâ Âlâmëomë tonight in order to win the league. He simply flipped his middle finger at our reporter and continued walking. As he turned into the bar, of course, the nerves were clear on his face. Could his squad win the title? Could they please not rely on MaA to do it for them?

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4:25 PM: Nerves are running high in a lot of places tonight. Duntho Sporting Club's manager survived a 7-1 beatdown at the hands of La Querida and can still survive. Can they? Should they?

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4:28 PM: Players have walked onto the pitch at all 10 venues today. Such high stakes across the league, so much to play for, only 90 minutes left for a lot of these clubs and players to make or break their seasons.

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4:30 PM: And we're off! It seems as if everybody has kicked off on time and in unison- we are in for a barnstormer of a final day.

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4:33 PM: The ageless wonder Xíxì Êns has the first chance of the day to get his club in front of the title race. He's just a tad slower than he was in his golden days- he's 38 years old. Those older legs seemed to have made the difference, as he was slower to get to the overhead through ball, one that five years ago he would have blitzed to and smashed into the net. Unfortunately for him, Ezequiel Zayas caught up to him and was able to slide in just as Êns took the shot, ensuring that the ball would go out for a corner kick.

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4:37 PM: We're in for one hell of a match at Duntho! They've got the herculean task of taking on the defending S-FPL champions, who are Kitara AA, to try and do their best and survive. It did not start off well. This is indeed Kitara's last match before the Champions League Final. They're technically in the title race, but they'd need to win, have both teams ahead of them lose, and overturn a +28 goal differential gap with Dí Maozöxê. Since that's not happening, they've got a number of backups playing as they rest the starters for the CL Final. Ergo, Sarafina Iyasu scored the game's opening goal for the visitors. 1-0 to the Blue and Whites. A nail in the coffin for Duntho's dreams of staying up?

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4:42 PM: Istria City's task to get to the Champions League has gotten off to a good start. They've already created a couple of chances, and in the 12th minute, Quebecois international Kate Huitema-Omeasoo scored the opening goal against La Querida. 3 points is enough to get the job done for them, and you can expect them to drive their point home until they are absolutely assured both of the three points and assured of getting back in club football's premier competition.

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4:47 PM: Oh, there's a stunner at the Rülândéá Çölíséá! And who else could it be! A brilliant combination of passing by the team, that had Eamon Mullins feed Meghan Walcott, who played a first time back heel pass to a streaking Jason Þórhallursson. The Græntfjall international then took one step past his defender, and fired home to the upper right hand corner. 1-0 to the Trumpeteers! With the match 0-0 in Victoria, this means that Herzegovina City has taken the lead in the title race! Still a long, long way to go of course- but could Herzegovina City win this title?

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4:50 PM: We've got a reporter stationed at a bar in Lìbêrêtê, and he's reporting that scenes at the bar are getting violent. Split between Mâ Âlâmëomë and Dí Maozöxê fans, you have a few fans of the former team reportedly glad their boys are losing, just to prevent the archrivals from winning the league. Nervous Dí Maozöxê fans, on the other hand, seem to be chewing straight through their fingernails.

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4:55 PM: WHAT A SAVE from Lemuel Bereket! The former Banijan international, possibly the oldest player in the league, just saved a shot from Lana Mensdóttir at point blank range. She was inside the six for Dí Maozöxê, but Bereket stuck his left leg out for Avenida Prinicipal and made the foot save, and the ball was immediately cleared. Avenida Prinicipal and Dí Maozöxê are still tied at 0.

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4:59 PM: What wild scenes in Lìbêrêtê. Mâ Âlâmëomë is currently losing, and because of that, Dí Maozöxê is not winning the league. Still an hour of game time left- but Mâ Âlâmëomë fans are currently making fun of Dí Maozöxê fans on the streets and in the pubs, functionally because they are losing. Lots of fist fights already- we're sure that security will have to be all over the streets of that city tonight.

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5:02 PM: There's movement in the relegation race! Jinja City has scored in Vdizi, to take the lead over the Phoenix by a score of 1-0. It's the Farf refugee striker, Ülì Èsàsè, who has scored the goal for Jinja City. A Champions League team playing at a quality level- the goal was much, much deserved. 1-0 to them. Of course, a loss for the Phoenix could be disastrous if Duntho Sporting Club figure out how to upset Kitara AA.

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5:06 PM: The race for the last Champions League spot seems to functionally be over. It's a 3-0 lead to Istria City right now over La Querida, and there's no way La Querida are coming back. While Xe Xuang headed in a corner kick for Istria's second goal, Voska Avetisyan proved why he was bought two windows ago for an 8 figure price- bicycle kicking in a goal from about 15 yards on a cross from Ariel Balboa. With so much going on elsewhere, there's not a ton of reason to give that game much more attention unless La Querida does the impossible and launches what'd be one of the most unlikely comebacks of all time.

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5:09 PM: What about the race for Challenger's Cup slots? While Avenida Prinicipal is locked currently in a 0-0 draw with Dí Maozöxê, the ChC aspect of that match has been underappreciated. Mynda Electra, however, controls their own destiny with a win. But they are locked in a battle right now. 2-2 already against René Skaé in what has been an absolutely wild match. Helek-Evela Mal and Lars Putnam have both scored for Mynda Electra, as they lock horns with Champions League bound René Skaé for their own IFCF berth.

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5:11 PM: There has been an equalizer at Phoenix Stadium! An own goal by Ishmael Rosenstein, who had a ball deflect off his shoulder into the back of his own net, makes it 1-1 in the Phoenix v. Jinja City match.

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5:13 PM: But WHAT is going on in Duntho! Duntho Sporting Club, of all teams, has scored back to back goals in quick succession, to take the lead against Kitara AA! Lamarr Watkins headed home a cross in the 41st. And then, just two minutes later, an errant pass by goalkeeper Ebou Ndour, who was starting for Brian Merson as he rested up for the CL Final, went right to Thaddeus Mutebi. Mutebi simply chipped the goalkeeper from distance, and all of a sudden, Duntho Sporting Club leads. Mutebi's goal lifted them from 19th to 18th- is that enough to improbably give Duntho Sporting Club a second chance at life in the S-FPL?

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5:14 PM: We're really all over the place today, aren't we? But it looks as if Latona Basilisk wants people to remember that she's the league's best striker. A powerful strike from about 20 yards drew Mâ Âlâmëomë level with Herzegovina City. And, most importantly, it put Herzegovina City and Dí Maozöxê back level with each other on points- and Dí Maozöxê at the top of the table thanks to a superior goal differential. Who was celebrating Basilisk's goal more than fans of the archrival squad who hate her guts, Dí Maozöxê fans?

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5:19 PM: And with the halftime whistle blown in the La Querida v. Istria City match, it looks like all 10 games are at halftime. What are the current scores?

Mâ Âlâmëomë 1-1 Herzegovina City FC
La Querida 0-5 Istria City FC
Duntho Sporting Club 2-1 Kitara AA
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-1 Jinja City FC
Flying Jellyfish 2-2 La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves 0-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Prinicipal 0-0 Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra 2-2 René Skaé
Busukuma AC 2-1 Avenida Leal
Hoima Warriors 0-3 Ausharmuj Marusi

If scores held, of course, Dí Maozöxê would win the league, while the Herzegovina Phoenix would get relegated.

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5:35 PM: So halftimes were a little long! The S-FPL, to maximize final day excitement, said that this year all second halves on the Final day would kick off at the same time. So now, everybody's ready, and all the referees have the go-ahead from league headquarters. One by one, in succession, everyone kicks off in about a 25 second timespan.

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5:39 PM: Things have gone from bad to worse for Dí Maozöxê! Henrik Martin, the Siovanijan central midfielder, went up to contest the ball on a relatively routine punt from Lemuel Bereket. But his elbows were flying out- he got Alson Figueroa right below the eye. Not good positioning. And the referee was not going to mess around- Henrik Martin got a straight red. Harsh? Yes. But Figueroa was bleeding pretty badly. Dí Maozöxê fans were pretty ticked off, but they knew that this could be a disaster. Down to 10 men- what if Herzegovina City scored again? Could Dí Maozöxê create opportunities without their starting star central midfielder?

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5:42 PM: Betanni Jetvanna, the Starblaydian who has spent essentially her whole club career in Sisonke, is getting what many believe to be her final start for Kitara AA as she considers retirement. Getting the opportunity to take a penalty kick after a handball in the box by a Duntho defender, she buries it, as she runs to the visiting fan section and pretends to conduct them like a choir. It's 2-2 in the Duntho SC v. Kitara AA game, which is enough to save the skins of both the Herzegovina Phoenix and the Busembe Timberwolves- for now.

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5:47 PM: The Busembe Timberwolves, after a lot of resistance, concede the opening goal to Rülândéá Kôstä. None other than Röémün Çídh to potentially send the Timberwolves down to the lower leagues? It was a scrappy goal of a classic #9- a Sam Roshanak shot bouncing off the crossbar right to the head of Çídh, who heads the ball into the net. Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den is silent, contemplating what that means.

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5:50 PM: Oh but what a moment in the Dí Maozöxê match! They've conceded a penalty! They argue desperately but to no avail. Têrçêr Ànáxímane was late sliding in on the challenge to Prinicipal striker Leandro Martelli, got all body and no ball. The penalty had to be given, the yellow card was shown. Celio Pompa stepped up to take the penalty and absolutely drilled it. 1-0 to Principal. Not only do they take one step forward in the race for the Challenger's Cup- but Dí Maozöxê suffers greatly, as they are no longer in the league lead. Mâ Âlâmëomë fans celebrate this goal probably even more than Avenida Principal fans, as now a 10 man Dí Maozöxê is in desperate need of a goal if they want to win the league.

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5:54 PM: What a moment for Duntho Sporting Club! If they do go down, they are going down fighting. Nwankwo Mazzi, who is a favorite to compete at the Olympiad, just hit a once-in-a-lifetime volley from about 35 yards! Absolutely an incredible hit. God is on their side! 3-2 to the Duntho Sporting Club, as they move ahead of both the Timberwolves and the Phoenix in the table, and back to 17th place.

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5:57 PM: Well, Kiggwe Basamula, the aging attacking midfielder, has quite possibly saved The Timberwolves from relegation! Still plenty of time left, however, but he took us back 5 years by bending in an absolutely wicked free kick against Rülândéá Kôstä to make the score of that game level at 1 goal a piece. His goal means that the Phoenix are now in last place, by themselves, in the league, as scores stand.

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5:59 PM: Duntho Sporting Club has scored again! What in the name of heaven is going on? Kitara AA is preparing for the Champions League final, and getting pasted by Duntho SC. Chidea Jelan doubled his team's lead with a picture perfect header on a counter-attack. Heading it both down and back to where it came from. 4-2. Duntho Sporting Club has to win to have a chance- they've got 21 minutes plus stoppage to hold on to this lead. Can they do so? Their score is going to cause the Phoenix to throw all sorts of players forward.

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6:05 PM: Dí Maozöxê may have a chance to save themselves! Keaten Durbridge was brought down in the box, and a penalty given. And only Xíxì Êns would take this penalty, right? Can he deliver in this huge moment to bring his boyhood club their improbable second league title in three years, at this age? Xíxì Êns looked Principal goalkeeper Lemuel Bereket straight in the eyes- former rivals on the international stage, and definitely rivals now. Bereket dove to his right. Xíxì Êns put his boot through it and... SKIED IT! HE SKIED IT! Absolutely stunning.

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6:06 PM: What scenes here in Farfadillis. Dí Maozöxê fans are shell shocked, both at watch parties and visiting fans in the stadium. Xíxì Êns can barely react. If even Xíxì Êns can miss a penalty, how can Dí Maozöxê fans be confident they'll do what is required to win the league on this day? At bars in Ruland, Mâ Âlâmëomë fans were making fun of their Dí Maozöxê counterparts. Was this really happening? A chance to win the league right in front of them, and Dí Maozöxê was going to blow it?

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6:09 PM: While all eyes are on Farfadillis, we've got eyes elsewhere for you as well. Kitara AA has made the score 4-3. It's none other than the Busogan/Equestrian dual-national Ozkaya Tarhan, who has struck home and left everything to play for in Duntho. Unless the Phoenix can break down Jinja City(unlikely), the hopes for Herzegovina City's second team to stay up lie in the fate of the Kitara Athletic Association. Can they do it?

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6:11 PM: 81st minute in Mynda. Hard to give updates here- but another insane half. Edrissa Coulibaly has scored the go-ahead goal, to give Electra a 4-3 at home. If they can hold onto that lead, of course, that means Challenger's Cup football. And they must hold onto that lead, as Avenida Principal is truly giving them a run for their money.

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6:13 PM: IT'S LATONA BASILISK! Mâ Âlâmëomë has finally scored again against Herzegovina City, who must now throw everybody forward in a desperate effort to get that point necessary to win the league title. Dí Maozöxê fans are probably celebrating that goal harder than fans of her own team, as we are sure they are incredibly internally conflicted. An 83rd minute strike.

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6:15 PM: IT'S BASILISK AGAIN! Just two minutes later, and she seems to have sealed the deal, heading home the third goal of her hat trick to seemingly put Herzegovina City away. They were heavily exposed at the back after throwing everyone forward, and she was the beneficiary of the counter-attacking play. The 85th minute header has Dí Maozöxê fans believing that the title is going to be indeed theirs once again. We doubt they're going to write songs about her, though.

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6:16 PM: Mâ Âlâmëomë fans, of course, are going to remind Dí Maozöxê fans who exactly has won them the title. Mâ Âlâmëomë's fans are already singing it. "Basilisk brought the title to Lìbêrêtê." In fairness, of course, they thought she would be bringing titles to Lìbêrêtê when they signed her from Nephara- and she has, in a sense, done so.

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6:19 PM: It's all over now in the 89th minute. Herzegovina City throwing all sorts of men forward, caught exposed in the counter-attack again. This time, however, it would be Mytanijan midfielder Tahir Fejzuli who would be the beneficiary, scoring the fourth and final goal to put Herzegovina City's title hopes to the sword, and ensuring that Mâ Âlâmëomë would win the league title for their archrivals.

---

6:21 PM: Oh, what a goal in Duntho! And who else! Betanni Jetvanna, coming off the bench, scores the equalizing goal in the first minute of stoppage time to bring this raucous crowd in Hangaza to near complete silence. A ball centered in on the ground, she buried it for what is likely the final brace of her career for Kitara AA. As she runs over to the small group of cheering visiting fans, she simply waves at the Duntho Sporting Club fans- waving them goodbye as her goal pushes them down to 19th place, and out of the league altogether.

---

6:24 PM: Final whistles everywhere! We're sure Lìbêrêtê will be the place to avoid tonight as our reporter is dipping out of the bar he was at. He said that fists are already flying there between Mâ Âlâmëomë and Dí Maozöxê fans. But no matter the outcome of those fights, the truth of the matter is this- Dí Maozöxê are champions. They could not jump the last hurdle, but Latona Basilisk and Mâ Âlâmëomë carried them to the finish line. The most unlikely of finishes to the most unlikely of stories- but they won't care when they're parading through the streets.

Below, of course, are the final scores.

MATCHDAY 38
Mâ Âlâmëomë 4-1 Herzegovina City FC
La Querida 0-8 Istria City FC
Duntho Sporting Club 4-4 Kitara AA
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-1 Jinja City FC
Flying Jellyfish 3-4 La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves 1-1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Prinicipal 1-0 Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra 4-3 René Skaé
Busukuma AC 2-1 Avenida Leal
Hoima Warriors 0-4 Ausharmuj Marusi

And the final table.

S-FPL                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dí Maozöxê             38   24   5   9   128   48  +80    77 - League champion, Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League and the AOCL
 2 Herzegovina City FC    38   24   5   9   111   48  +63    77 - Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League and the AOCL
 3 Kitara AA              38   23   6   9    97   44  +53    75 - Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League
 4 La Nueva Avenida       38   22   8   8   129   50  +79    74 - Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League
 5 Jinja City FC          38   23   5  10    95   49  +46    74 - Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League
 6 Rülândéá Kôstä         38   22   7   9   121   53  +68    73 - Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League
 7 Istria City FC         38   21   6  11   137   65  +72    69 - Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League
 8 René Skaé              38   19  10   9   111   56  +55    67 - Qualifies for the IFCF Champions League
 9 Hoima Warriors         38   20   5  13    63   59   +4    65 - Qualifies for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
10 Mâ Âlâmëomë            38   18   9  11    93   61  +32    63 - Qualifies for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
11 Avenida Leal           38   18   6  14    74   55  +19    60 - Qualifies for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
12 Ausharmuj Marusi       38   15  10  13    93   82  +11    55 - Qualifies for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
13 Busukuma AC            38   15   7  16    80   69  +11    52 - Qualifies for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
14 Mynda Electra          38   13   3  22    78  129  −51    42 - Qualifies for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
15 Avenida Prinicipal     38   11   8  19    60  105  −45    41
16 Flying Jellyfish       38    9  10  19    62  132  −70    37 - Relegated
17 Busembe Timberwolves   38    7   4  27    61  113  −52    25
18 Herzegovina Phoenix    38    6   6  26    41  107  −66    24
19 Duntho Sporting Club   38    7   2  29    39  148 −109    23 - Relegated
20 La Querida             38    1   2  35    27  227 −200     5

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

Kitara Athletic Association- The Treble

One and a half years ago, Banijan radio pundits debating S-FPL season at the halfway mark

Host: "Well, KItara AA leads the league by three points at the halfway point. Is this really it? Can Aleksandr Ivanovich, of all people, lead Kitara AA to their first major trophy since the nationalization of football in this country? This is a club that's always the bridesmaid and never the bride- they can't do it, can they?"

Pundit #1: "Absolutely not. They just don't have it in them. This is Kitara AA we're talking about- the least clutch club of all time. They don't have it in their genes. Look at the size of some of these clubs, and look at them. They think that just because they built this larger, brand new sparkling stadium, and some of those Equestrian dollars, that they are all that. But Jinja City and Istria City right behind them? Mâ Âlâmëómë lying in wait? Not a chance."

Pundit #2: "It's been an incredible coaching job by Ivanovich in year 1 so far. Kitara has been desperate to be considered a big club for a number of years, and they have finally started acting like it. I mean, look at the brand new stadium that they built, with the Euran banking sponsorship. What timing, by the way, for that bank, right? But they will never be a big club. With the S-FPL, it's harder than ever to be considered a big club. Even in Banija, we're used to five, but with this increased competition, we honestly have three- Jinja City, Istria City, Herzegovina City. Hoima is a step behind them, and Busukuma is another step behind. KItara may be competitive on the field, but their trophy case is going to remain empty."

One year prior, celebrating S-FPL Title at a rally in Downtown Sisonke

"Little Brother no more- we're the god damn champs!" Aleksandr Ivanovich screamed into the microphone as the crowd continued to cheer. Kitara Athletic Association had been considered the Little Brother in their rivalry with the Busembe Timberwolves. But after the last few seasons, particularly leading up to this season, they could not be considered 'little brother' any longer- the first Banijan champion of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League was not any of the three City Clubs(Istria/Herzegovina/Jinja), nor the capitol club or even Hoima. Nope- Kitara Athletic Association.

It felt good. Imagine trying to call them little brother now? It seemed as if everyone at the club was taking names- a miracle title, but the club said it was no miracle. Ivanovich had said in the MD38 post game press conference that the league title was not luck, it was the culmination of a process- a process that ended in a trophy. And he had told reporters that Kitara was not going to fade. They were going to take their place among the big boys of the league, where they belonged. Could they really argue with him as he held the trophy?"

Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 6

Going into the last game of the Champions League group stage, the table looked like this. Mâ Âlâmëómë was in first in the group, with 10 points. Kitara AA had 7. AFC Treason had 6. And Colonial Sile had 4. Mâ Âlâmëómë had already clinched a top two berth and with it, a spot in the knockout stages. All they needed was a draw at home, against the VIlitan side, to ensure they won the group. What did Kitara have to do? Only go against AFC Treason, one of the best teams in Nephara, whose strike force was led by the #9 for the Banijan national team, Idai Uster. And the game was in Nephara.

All they'd need was a draw. But naturally, AFC Treason was heavily favored. Ivanovich simply welcomed the challenge. "It's the Champions League." He told reporters. "This is the greatest football competition in the multiverse. There's no such thing as an easy situation up here. That's what matters." When the game kicked off against Treason, it would be none other than Idai Uster who would do the honors of opening the game up, by heading in a perfect cross at the half hour mark to make it 1-0 to the Nephara side. This was a lead they took into halftime. If they held on for the three points, of course, Kitara AA would fall to the Challenger's Cup.

Who do you call upon at that point? The man who was the all-time Banijan record signing- Ronald Mickel. These were the moments that they paid $17 million NSDs for (over two windows), right? And he would step up. Kitara came out swinging in the second half. Took the game to AFC Treason, forced the Nephara squad on their heels. He and new signing Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov combined for quite a wonderstrike. An overhead through ball found a sprinting Kuznetsov, who volleyed it first time from about the 18. Kuznetsov found the upper corner in the 50th minute and all goalkeeper Fasolt Senninger could do was watch while the Chromatik sprinted to the visiting fan section, which was in raptures.

The momentum from that strike continued to give Ronald Mickel the confidence to play dangerous balls in behind. His passes were on point- consistently creating, consistently putting the opponents on their heels. A draw was good enough- but a second goal would really put the S-FPL champions in a good position. Mickel notched another assist for himself when he dribbled past a defender on the edge and centered the ball on the ground, and Gereh Kama was on the other end to make it 2-1. In the 75th minute, Mickel would bend in a free kick himself for an exclamation point on the game, and to make it 3-1 to Kitara AA. Mikkel Jonsson scored for AFC Treason in the 87th, but it was too little, too late for the Rushmori club. Against the odds, Kitara AA did what was required of them and put themselves in the Round of 16.

Unfortunately for them, the opponent would be Soldarian FC. Nice group stage campaign, finally about to be put down by one of the big boys, right?

Champions League, Round of 16 Second Leg away to Soldarian FC, Sarafina Iyasu

It was the 60th minute of a tight tie between Soldarian FC and the Kitara Athletic Association. The first leg was almost as tight as it could be- a 2-1 home win for Kitara AA, meaning that there was absolutely everything to play for in the second leg. Whoever scored the first goal in the second leg would have the strong advantage, and most likely win. But an hour in, nobody had made any substitutions, and Soldarian FC were getting closer and closer to cracking Kitara AA, although they could not quite do it.

But everything changed at the one hour mark. Iyasu came into the game for Nightingale, and almost immediately, a terrifying moment for Kitara AA. Mickel makes a sliding challenge on Sonya Latimore- but he arrived late, with his studs up. It was a borderline decision, but in this huge tie, the referee was quick and decisive- a straight red for the group stage hero, captain, and the heart & soul of Kitara AA. Kitara forced to play the last half hour on the road, without their offensive architect, and down to 10 men. Kitara attempted to defend heroically. Lots of looping balls in, so much desperate defending.

A goal line clearance by Vanorian native son Ralph Winter. Morgana Kolaj making a game saving tackle after she had almost been beaten as the last defender in the 75th. Brian Merson made a number of excellent saves. But after a Soldarian corner kick was cleared in the 87th minute, Iyasu raced up the field with the ball, essentially one on one with the defender, and then the goalkeeper to beat. Iyasu was able to beat Foster Benjamin on the dribble, and then go one on one with the goalie. Although the moment was huge, Iyasu stayed composed- simply lifting the ball over the goalkeeper in a beautiful chip for an excellent finish.

"YES!" She yelled as she ran to the corner to be mobbed by her teammates. Were eyes to be believed? Was that a 10 man Kitara putting away Soldarian FC, of all teams? Was that Sarafina Iyasu, of all players, having the killer instinct to finish off a club from AO's biggest league? If they could beat Soldarian FC in both legs, how far could they really go?

Champions League Semifinals, First Leg away to Raynor City United

Kitara AA had breathed a sigh of relief to reach this stage. Their opponent was Ponyville United of Equestria, who were in the running to play a Champions League Final on home soil. Kitara AA absolutely decimated them in the first leg, winning thoroughly by a score of 4-0 at home, that made everyone think the tie was over. But the second leg was almost disastrous. They fell down 2-0 at halftime in Equestria, and a 65th minute own goal by Célestine Belrose made it 3-0 on the day to Ponyville United, and 4-3 on aggregate. One more goal for them, and this would be one of, if not the, greatest comebacks in Champions League knockout history. And wouldn't be peak Kitara? Grasping defeat from the jaws of victory.

But Kitara would hold on, smothering Ponyville United for the last 25 minutes of that second leg to ensure their first ever trip to the Champions League semifinals. And Célestine Belrose said it herself- "we want to come back to this country in a few weeks time. That's always been the goal." But they'd have to get through one more opponent. That opponent? None other than Raynor City United. After the Anaia split, RCU was undisputedly the biggest club in Atlantian Oceania. Hell, last season, two Banijans had won the Champions League with Raynor City- Madu Okparra and Kuma Bultum.

And not to mention, a front line led by Farf #9 Edmün Çídh, who led the strike force for Herzegovina City FC for two seasons. While Raynor City United were obviously favored to win back to back titles, Ivanovich said that these were the matchups they lived for. "I didn't move to Sisonke because I wanted a small or medium club. This club is a big club, and we want to show it on and off the field. You've seen the sparkling palace we play in. You saw us win the league last season. This club lives and breathes for big moments, and playing the holders in the semifinals? It doesn't get any better than this."

And what followed was probably one of the greatest displays in Kitara AA history. Right before halftime, a Nightingale header made the score 1-0. But in the second half, Kitara AA counter-attacked with ferocity. Kuznetsov and Gereh Kama especially were slicing through the Raynor City United defender. RCU simply did not have any answers, as we repeatedly put the ball in the back of the net. A first leg scoreline that stunned the multiverse. Raynor City United lose 4-0 at home? When was the last time they had a home loss that brutal? In the Champions League semifinals as well- truly stunning. Unlike the quarterfinal, Kitara kept up the pressure in the second leg, winning 2-0 at home for a stunning 6-0 aggregate upset of Raynor City United to reach their first ever Champions League Final.

Champions League Final- Penalty Shootout

The Stadium of the Two Sisters was packed to the absolute brim. One of the biggest clubs in world football, AC Izotz Zubia, against a club shoving everybody to the side and very rudely taking its place among the big boys- Kitara AA. They stunned the world by winning the Shango-Fogoa Premier League last season, and continue to stun the world by making this Champions League run. Defeating two sides from the Vanorian Premiership. Knocking AFC Treason out of the Champions League. And now, the first ever Banijan club to make the IFCF Champions League Final.

A final with so many storylines. Old v. New. Anaia v. Oceania. All sorts of storylines, but all that mattered was the game on the pitch. Canterlot was filled with Audioslavians and Banijans, everyone rooting so hard for what some call the hardest trophy to win in all of sports- the IFCF Champions League. An AC Izotz Zubia first half header was cancelled out by a second half long distance strike from Immaculate Kaba. With nobody able to break through in extra time, the deadlock meant one thing and one thing only- that both teams were going to go to a penalty kick shootout.

Kitara AA shot first. Nightingale buried her penalty, while AC Izotz Zubia buried their own. The second penalty, the youngster Gereh Kama stepped up. The next great Banijan central midfielder? REmember, he's just 20 years old. He stepped up to take it and put his foot through the ball- and skied it. The moment was too much for the youngster, who's already done so much at just 20- won the S-FPL, played in a Champions League Final, played in a World Cup Semifinal. Next up? AC Izotz Zubia. But the Tikariot international, Brian Merson, knew that he had to step up. He guessed right, decisively going to his own right and making a great save on a penalty to keep the scores level at one.

Kuznetsov buried Kitara AA's third penalty, hitting the upper right hand corner. while the pressure started to get to Zubia. Their third taker stepped up and struck the ball with power. However, while he got Merson to dive the wrong way, he could not put it on frame. He hit the crossbar, and the ball flew back to him as the Kitara fans roared. 2-1 to Kitara after three penalties. Both teams buried their fourth penalties, with Immaculate Kaba and her AC Izotz Zubia counterpart both going low to the same corner.

Noah Urbansson, the Graentfjall international who comes off the bench for Kitara AA, had subbed in the game for Dieye after Dieye got hurt in the 110th minute. Urbansson had the chance to hit the game winning penalty in a shootout. However, the 33 year old could not step up to the moment. Urbansson tried to go to the keeper's left. However, he did not get enough pace on it, and a diving Zubia goalkeeper kept his squad alive with a diving save. The pressure still remained on the Audioslavian club- and they called on Eskuin Nekol to take the penalty shootout into sudden death.

Eskuin Nekol grabbed the ball, and walked up to the spot. He looked Brian Merson in the eye. His idea was to go for the Panenka. But Merson read his eyes. As the penalty taker slowed down, he chipped the ball straight to Brian Merson. A Panenka is gorgeous when it works- but when it doesn't, it's an ugly sight. Unless you're a Kitara AA fan, that is. Brian Merson caught the ball, and the referee blew the whistle- champions. He turned around, punted the ball into the crowd, and he was mobbed by his teammates.

What a season. What a managerial introduction for Ivanvoich- first ever top flight league title for Kitara AA in year 1, and the freaking Champions League in Year 2. And in the three postseason matches they had after that, they played with the confidence of champions. Downing Hawabark and FC Yassaca to win the IFCF Super Cup, and then an 121st minute match winning header by Qusmo national Alfan-Harta Waz(of all people!) off of a set piece to win the Tropicorop SuperCup.

It was undisputed. With those three international trophies in haul, including the almighty Champions League, it was clear- this trophy was no fluke. Kitara AA, at least for one season, with those three trophies in hand, were sitting atop the world of club football. It doesn't ever get better than this.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

-Season 4-

Summer Round-up

FERDULLAELE, FARFADILLIS- What are the highlights for this summer? Well, of course, with the IFCF up and running, it was the preliminaries of international club competition! While there were no summer preliminary rounds for the Atlantian Oceania Champions League, and there were no S-FPL teams in the Vilitan Cove International or the Cygnus Cup Winners Cup, it was still an active summer for the Shango-Fogoa Premier League.

We had a record(and maximum) 14 teams qualify for IFCF competition last season! 8 of them qualified directly to the group stage of their respective IFCF competitions, 4 to the Challenger's Cup and 4 more to the Champions League. That left six teams playing in the qualifying rounds throughout the Summer. And without further ado... Your summer roundup!

IFCF Teams without Summer Competition

IFCF Champions League Group Stage Automatic Qualifiers
Dí Maozöxê- S-FPL Champions, Pot 1
Kitara AA- Champions League holders & Second Highest finishing Banijan team, Pot 1
Herzegovina City FC- Highest finishing Banijan team, Pot 1
La Nueva Avenida- Second highest finishing Farf team, Pot 3
IFCF Challenger's Cup Group Stage Automatic Qualifiers
Hoima Warriors- Fifth Highest finishing Banijan team
Mâ Âlâmëomë- Fifth Highest finishing Farf team
Avenida Leal- Sixth Highest finishing Farf team
Busukuma AC- Sixth Highest finishing Banijan team
No summer competition for the AOCL

1. Rülândeá Kôstä

IFCF Champions League Preliminary Rounds
Rülândéá Kôstä earned a bye from the first and second preliminary rounds of this competition.
Third Preliminary Round- Non-Champions Path
Opponent- Coquitlam United of Kelssek. First Leg: Rülândéá Kôstä 3-2 Coquitlam United. Second Leg: Coquitlam United 3-1 Rülândéá Kôstä.
Colquitlam United advance 5-4 on aggregate to the Playoff Round of the IFCF Champions League. Rülândéá Kôstä fall to the Playoff Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.
IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Playoff Round
Opponent- Empilot United FC of Boring Paradise. First Leg: Rülândéá Kôstä 3-1 Empilot United. Second Leg: Empilot United 0-1 Rülândéá Kôstä.
Rülândéá Kôstä wins 4-1 on aggregate, and advances to the Qualifying Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.
Qualifying Round
Opponent- FK Vselitamak of Pyazhnaya, First Leg: FK Vselitamak 1-1 Rülândéá Kôstä. Second Leg: Rülândéá Kôstä 2-0 FK Vselitamak.
Rülândéá Kôstä wins 3-1 on aggregate, and successfully qualifies for the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.

Tâ Kôstä is back into the Champions League, and finds themselves in the Third Preliminary Round. The task is straightforward, if difficult- win a pair of two-legged ties, reach the group stages of the Champions League. But nothing is easy. Their opponent would be Coquitlam United, of Kelssek, which is another big league. It was honestly one of the ties to watch of this preliminary round. And for Banijan fans, remember Obey Chidiebere? Former NT right back? He's at Coquitlam United! He's their assistant manager. So a Banijan sitting on the other bench. The first leg of this Champions League tie took place in Lìbêrêtê. It was a great, back and forth contest. Farf national Wilsrë Quelausé scored from the left back position not for the Farf team, but for Coquitlam United, as he made a blitzing run past the right back for the home side to get the opening goal of the game.

It was a first leg that was brilliant. While Quelausé scored that opener, it would be Tâ Kôstä who would score the next three. Astograth national Aire Epherra would equalize on the stroke of halftime, and then Röémün Çídh would build on that, scoring in the 52nd, and again in the 71st, to give his team a 3-1 lead. A two goal lead going to Kelssek would be fantastic, wouldn't it? Many thought that Rülândéá Kôstä would be able to do that. Unfortunately, they could not, as a last minute goal by Mariano Lucio, the Tequilo international, would cut that lead in half and make the away leg much more nerve wracking. Rülândéá Kôstä held just a slim one goal lead, and having conceded two away goals, things were not looking great.

Unfortunately, things did not go well at Maillardville Park. It was 2-0 at halftime in favor of the hosts, as they were on the front foot and dominant in front of 20,000. While Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá scored to get his side back into the game, needing just one more to take the lead on aggregate, they would not score again, as a counter-attacking goal by Dusty Clement basically killed off any momentum Rülândéá Kôstä had, and killed off the tie. Fortunately for Rülândéá Kôstä, the Challenger's Cup preliminary rounds were much kinder to them. They beat Empilot United FC of Boring Paradise in both legs of the Playoff Round. And in the Qualifying Round, a scoring away draw against FK Vselitamak was followed up by a 2-0 home win, which put Rülândéá Kôstä into the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.

2. Jinja City FC

IFCF Champions League Preliminary Rounds
Jinja City FC earned a bye from the first and second preliminary rounds of this competition.
Third Preliminary Round- Non-Champions Path
Opponent- DD Porto Nowi of Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom. First Leg: DD Porto Nowi 0-3 Jinja City FC. Second Leg: Jinja City 1-2 DD Porto Nowi.
Jinja City FC advance 4-2 on aggregate to the Playoff Round of the IFCF Champions League.
Playoff Round
Opponent- Coquitlam United of Kelssek. First Leg: Coquitlam United 0-5 Jinja City. Second Leg: Jinja City 0-0 Coquitlam United.
Jinja City wins 5-0 on aggregate, and successfully qualifies for the group stages of the IFCF Champions League.

Jinja City! They had the return of the prodigal son last season, in Alexander Bumba. Former longtime manager who left for greener pastures in Cobrio. And after six seasons gone, he managed the Busoga Islands national team for a lone World Cup cycle, almost taking them to the World Cup, but falling in the playoffs. And then last season- his triumphant return to Jinja City. He was successful as a manager at JInja City in his first stint, but this sport was in a totally different place back then. The BSL still existed. That league was ranked in the 20s. There was about a fifth of the revenue that the league has now.

Last season, he showed he could adjust by getting Jinja City into a Champions League place- or at least, their qualifying rounds. But could he get them into the competition proper? Their first challenge would be DD Porto Nowi, of Zeta Reka & Hügeltaldom. Remember, he just invested $14 million NSDs into Radeka Lind, a 21 year old left back from Nephara. This is a team that's title hunting. Their second year in this system, the Black Mambas seem to be clicking on all cylinders. They went on the road in the Champions League and dominated DD Porto Nowi by a score of 3-0. The soldout Energija Rekedom Stadion was reduced to silence, as Madison McClain, Heike Schoß, and Junior Ngoba all enjoyed a dynamic first leg. 3 away goals to 0 is almost always too much to overcome, and it was for DD Porto Nowi. While they were energetic in the second leg, they could not make up all three goals, and Ülì Èsàsè had a brilliant finish on the counter-attack to make it a 4-2 win for Jinja City FC on aggregate.

Speaking of Ülì Èsàsè- his story is a fun one. A prospect discovered as a teenager, he is a Farf refugee who was raised in Busukuma. After hopping around in Banija for a few years, he may have finally found his club. He's clearly getting tutelage from Xilit-Zaxac Yol, as he's imitating the former Qusmo superstar every day. Istria City would take on Coquitlam United one round after the Kelssek side eliminated Rülândeá Kôstä from this very competition. But the prize this time- a spot in the Champions League. And Jinja City were dominant in every single way. The first leg would take place at Maillardville Park, and everything went right. The stunning 5-0 victory saw Ülì Èsàsè record a brace, while Ngoba and Musa Gaye also scored. Xilit-Zaxac Yol had the fifth and final goal, hitting an 88th minute penalty coming off the bench.

A stunning win that shocked observers, who mostly expected a tight tie between the two sides. There was simply a lack of energy from the visitors at BCEL Park in the second leg, as the Black Mambas simply were intent on defending and forced out the 0-0 draw to put Jinja City into the Champions League group stages. What a start to the season for Jinja City- can they take this form into league play?

3. Istria City FC

IFCF Champions League Preliminary Rounds
Istria City FC earned a bye from the first preliminary round of this competition.
Second Preliminary Round- Non-Champions Path
Opponent- Gunzlach of Græntfjall. First Leg: Istria City 0-1 Gunzlach. Second Leg: Gunzlach 2-1 Istria City.
Gunzlach advance 3-1 on aggregate to the Third Preliminary Round of the IFCF Champions League. Istria City fall to the Third Preliminary Round of the Challenger's Cup.
IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Third Preliminary Round
Opponent- Samurai Cop AC of Starcom Racing. First Leg: Istria City 3-1 Samurai Cop AC. Second Leg: Samurai Cop AC 1-1 Istria City FC.
Istria City wins 4-2 on aggregate, and advances to the Playoff Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.
Playoff Round
Opponent- Sportiva Montelcampo of San Ortelio. First Leg: Istria City 3-0 Sportiva Montelcampo. Second Leg: Sportiva Montelcampo 0-2 Istria City.
Istria City wins 5-0 on aggregate, and advances to the Qualifying Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.
Qualifying Round
Opponent- Mancodas Athletic FC of Poafmersia. First Leg: Mancodas Athletic FC 4-7 Istria City. Second Leg: Istria City 1-2 Mancodas Athletic FC.
Istria City wins 8-6 on aggregate, and successfully qualifies for the group stage of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.

'

The Champions League. The side from Banija's biggest city start their Champions League campaign at home against Gunzlach, from Græntfjall. The Lions started their campaign at home against one of the biggest sides in North Rushmore, but yet- they could not break down their opponents. Istria City FC dominated possesion at home, but could not create any real chances, and Gunzlach took theirs, counter-attacking to perfection in the 59th minute to get that crucial away goal. They won the day, 1-0 in Istria. While the return leg started well, with Kate Huitema-Omeasoo opening the scoring for Istria City to level the tie, Gunzlach relied on its home crowd to power them through. They scored twice in the second half, both from headers off of set pieces(59th minute free kick, 72nd minute corner), and Gunzlach sent Istria City back down to the Challenger's Cup.

But three rounds to go in the Challenger's Cup- a daunting task for Istria City. Impossible? Surely not. The art of the big first leg in a two-legged tie to advance you through to the next stage is a good one. Playing Samuari Cop AC in the Third Preliminary Round at home, they relied on their home field advantage to get them a 3-1 win over Samurai Cop. While their opponents had an away goal, Istria City were up two heading into the return leg. Samurai Cop opened the scoring in Starcom Racing, but an early second half away goal by Voska Avetisyan snuffed out any opportunity for a comeback. And then in the playoff round, even more dominance against the Montelcampo side from San Ortelio. They simply did not have the resources to keep up with the biggest club from Banija's biggest city, as the Olympians won 3-0 at home in the first leg, and then 2-0 away from home in the second.

The Qualifying Round- they would travel to Poafmersia for the first leg. And even though this first leg was away from home, follow the strategy of big first leg. Can't go wrong, eh? One of the most insane first legs that we have ever seen. 4-7 was the final score- and Istria City FC were the victorious winners. A grand total of 11 goals, a mixture of great finishing and not so great defending, Istria City feasted on the Poafmersian team's back line. You get 7 away goals, that tie has to be buried, right? KHO and Balboa both had a brace, while Waters, Luhukay, and Servet Ornet(off the bench!) all scored in that first leg. Although Istria City lost the second leg, they were never really threatened, as the Mancodas Athletic side needed a minimum of four away goals simply to have a chance at advancing, something that was never happening.

To the group stages they go!

4. René Skaé

IFCF Champions League Preliminary Rounds
René Skaé earned a bye from the first preliminary round of this competition.
Second Preliminary Round- Non-Champions Path
Opponent- Ephesian FC of Zwangzug. First Leg: René Skaé 2-2 Ephesian FC. Second Leg: Ephesian FC 4-1 René Skaé.
Ephesian FC advance 6-3 on aggregate to the Third Preliminary Round of the IFCF Champions League. René Skaé fall to the Third Preliminary Round of the Challenger's Cup.
IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Third Preliminary Round
Opponent- SC Psychic of 95X. First Leg: SC Psychic 0-1 René Skaé. Second Leg: René Skaé 2-1 SC Psychic.
René Skaé advances 3-1 on aggregate to the Playoff Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.
Playoff Round
Opponent- Einherjar of Prinz-Eugens-Land. First Leg: Einherjar 1-0 René Skaé. Second Leg: René Skaé 1-0 Einherjar(2-1 AET)
Einherjar advance 2-2(1-0) on away goals to the Qualifying Round of the Challenger's Cup. René Skaé are eliminated from IFCF competition.

Champions League qualifiers! The 8th and final S-FPL team in the Champions League, René Skaé was out here to show that they belonged among the big boys. There's no bigger club competition than the Champions League, and Louis-Étienne Hevesi was tasked with getting his side ready for it. In the second preliminary round, they took on Ephesian FC of Zwangzug. The first leg was thrilling. Back and forth, hard running up and down the pitch. Twice, Ephesian FC was able to take a one goal lead. And both times, René Skaé responded in front of their home fans. Jacques Nelson-Boque's opening goal for the visitors in the first leg was cancelled out by Pickering Sionne, and then Geomraff yCinrhadd's goal in the 75th minute was cancelled out by Tulaki Rauogba in the 88th.

The 2-2 draw was nice, but that also meant the away goals rule. You never want to have to go and chase a game away from home, but that's exactly what René Skaé had to do. And unfortunately, they could not do it. The creativity was there- they went forward in numbers, and created chances. But the finishing move was not there, as the finishing was off, or the last pass was always off. Unfortunately for them, that meant gaping holes behind them as Ephesian FC took advantage of the space they vacated. And Ephesian FC did so emphatically, scoring four times in the return leg for an emphatic 4-1 victory on the day, 6-3 on aggregate, and sending René Skaé down to the Challenger's Cup.

In the Challenger's Cup, they certainly had excitement. They won both legs of a tie against SC Psychic of 95X to advance to the Playoff Round. And at that point, they met Einherjar. The first leg, away from home, Einherjar was probably outplayed by René Skaé, but their goalkeeper stood on his head. They scored their lone goal via the counter-attack, and defended with all they had. René Skaé had an opportunity to equalize at the death from the spot, as Anwar Dawit was brought down in the box in stoppage time. However, Eötrenois Rigozsoldos skied the penalty kick. And they would rue the moment. In the home leg, Eötrenois Rigozsoldos would again get a chance from the spot, and this time he nailed it in the 40th minute, enough to eventually force extra time. Lajos Éwanjé-Épée would score in the 101st minute to give The Colonels a 2-0 lead on the day, and a 2-1 lead on aggregate. But they could not hold out defending. Their opponents looped in cross after cross, and in the 118th minute, Ljuba Buczvarov slipped, ever so slightly, as a cross came in. That was enough for his man to leap uncontested, and Einherjar's striker buried the cross with his head into the bottom corner. One shot on target over 120 minutes, one goal. But that goal was enough to send René Skaé out of IFCF competition.

Ultimately, a disappointing summer for René Skaé, who had Champions League ambitions, but should have been favored to make at least the Challenger's Cup. At least it gives them good insight into their team for the upcoming season- they know what they need to work on. But still, a bitter pill to swallow, as IFCF slots are never easy to come by.
5. Ausharmuj Marusi

IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Ausharmuj Marusi earned a bye from the first two preliminary rounds of this competition.
Third Preliminary Round
Opponent- Hofvinger of Græntfjall. First Leg: Hofvinger 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi. Second Leg: Ausharmuj Marusi 1-0 Hofvinger.
Ausharmuj Marusi win 2-1 on aggregate, and advance to the Playoff Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.
Playoff Round
Opponent- Pesetih Titih of Pemecutan. First Leg: Ausharmuj Marusi 2-4 Pesetih Titih. Second Leg: Pesetih Titih 1-0 Ausharmuj Marusi.
Pesetih Titih win 5-2 on aggregate, and advance to the Qualifying Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup. Ausharmuj Marusi are eliminated from IFCF competition.

One of the most hated clubs in Farfadillis(although that could apply to most Farf S-FPL squads?) finished in 13th last season, and therefore, earns a spot in the Challenger's Cup. Three qualifying rounds needing to be played out. Can the capitol club reach the group stages of an IFCF competition? Their first opponent would be Hofvinger, from quick rising Græntfjall. The first leg would be in the White Winter Queendom. It would be a fierce, open, and competitive contest between two sides truly trying to establish themselves on the international scene. The 1-1 draw was a deserving scoreline- but that meant despair for Hofvinger, as the away goal meant that they needed to chase the away leg in one of the toughest places to play in the multiverse, in Farfadillis.

The Syndicate took advantage of this. Some people think Farf strikers age. And then- you look at guys like Oskar Holsteiner and Xíxì Êns, who are still producing at their ages. Holsteiner is 39 years old. He didn't play in the first leg, but he played in the second, bagging The lone goal of the second leg in the 35th minute. And while The Syndicate didn't exactly sit back- that's not how any Farf team is built- they closed ranks to defend and advance to the next stage. Unfortunately, they hit a wall in the Playoff Round, where Pesetih Titih absolutely manhandled them. Up 4-0 in an hour in the Farf capitol, this tie was over basically as it begun. Ausharmuj Marusi scored two goals late in that leg, seemingly for kicks, while the Permecutan side asserted their dominance. They smothered The Syndicate in the second leg, as they won 1-0 at home as well, to take both legs and sweep Ausharmuj Marusi out of IFCF competition.

All in all, not bad. They won their tie. This isn't a huge club- so that's progress, eh?

6. Mynda Electra

IFCF Challenger's Cup Preliminary Rounds
Mynda Electra earned a bye from the first two preliminary rounds of this competition.
Third Preliminary Round
Opponent- VfR Steinigestrasse of Gergary. First Leg: Mynda Electra 2-1 VfR Steinigestrasse. Second Leg: VfR Steinigestrasse 1-2 Mynda Electra.
Mynda Electra win 4-2 on aggregate, and advance to the Playoff Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup.
Playoff Round
Opponent- Lakewood City of Tumbra. First Leg: Lakewood City 3-1 Mynda Electra. Second Leg: Mynda Electra 0-1 Lakewood City.
Lakewood City win 4-1 on aggregate, and advance to the Qualifying Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup. Mynda Electra are eliminated from IFCF competition.

The Foresters are in the IFCF Challenger's Cup for the first time ever, and are absolutely loving it. It was an absolute packed house at Electra Stadium in Aksum for their first ever IFCF match, as every single one of Electra Stadium's 41,000 seats was sold out for their IFCF debut. Hosting VfR Steinigestrasse of Gergary, it would be a great opportunity for manager Ifeatu Jaja to show that he can get the team back to the Challenger's Cup- or at least do something while he was here. It would actually be VfR who would score the opening goal, as a poor pass by Ismaela Diouf(making his debut on a transfer from Jinja City) was intercepted by an attacking midfielder for the visitors, who would hit a through ball to their #9, who buried a shot into the corner.

1-0 for the visitors at halftime. But Mynda Electra would go on to be dominant. They exerted their will on the match in the second half, and were able to come out with a victory on the day. Edrissa Coulibaly opened his account for the season in the 52nd minute, while Suliven Roagart came off the bench to give Mynda the lead in the 72nd minute. And then in the return leg- Mynda Electra did more of the same. Just one goal could be the difference for VfR on the day, because of their away goal. But that would not happen. Mynda Electra counter-attacked with ferocity away from home, not being afraid of this foreign environment. Lars Putnam and Xavier Melchoir both scored in the first half at home to flip the away goal advantage, and the Aksum side celebrated their first ever IFCF tie victory.

The celebrations would be short-lived, as they would have to go to Tumbra to face Lakewood City. A packed Lakewood City Arena. A big club in their own right in Tumbra, they've got far more IFCF experience than Mynda Electra- and it showed. They were dominant in their home leg, a own goal by Ian Ashburn the only blemish on an otherwise perfect night for the Lakewood City side. They controlled possesion, they were moving the ball, and if it wasn't for a number of big saves by Tore Delgado, it could have easily been 5 or 6 to 1. In the return leg, Lakewood City packed it in, after getting a counter-attacking goal in the 17th minute to cancel out Mynda's away goal.

Deserved result. And while not a great run, Mynda's the type of squad that are simply happy to be here.

---

And that means, of course, a record 11 S-FPL clubs into the IFCF's two main competitions this season! 5 into the Champions League(three Banijan, two Farf) and six into the Challenger's Cup(three Banijan, three Farf). Gonna be quite a year to be a fan of a S-FPL side, is it not?

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

-Season 4-

Preview

Ausharmuj Marusi
Nickname: la Sindica (the Syndicate)
Derogatory nickname(s): les Mugrientés (the Grimy ones)
Manager: Ey Farrháteré
Ground: Multisportivé Joan Roaré (17,000), located in Bolanos, Ferdullaele
Major rivals: Ferdullaele (local and political)
Major honours: 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 1 Ferdullaelan state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: IFCF football's nice and they could grow used to that
Pundits' prediction: 11th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Giolehe Inflax aLBa Valdo Kímé aCBa Ecésar der Efer aRBa Agundí Tibanagogó aCMa Liberté Salogadó aCMa Eslejes Aljojí aLWa Joaquim Martell aOMa Mageuely Fayuds aRWa Lojes de Sájajo aSTa Joe Green aSTa Oskar Holsteiner

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Bench: aGKa Anviungar Lagondanasó aGKa Danoé Loteí aLBa Stisé Guhega aCBa Horacéi Xúrkaroá aRBa Lôdgé G’Ôxz aCMa Madusmé Ukén aCMa Cicek Aga aLWa Samahuhe Axjos aOMa Féipé Cronologó aRWa Antu Ouattara aSTa Lougoró Aroyo aSTa Kamara Mboge

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Background: The only left-wing team in Ferdullaele, the wealthy capital state that had control over Farfadillis until only about a decade ago. Why are they the only left-wing team? Because the team is still heavily associated with the syndicate that founded it, and thus have by far the largest working-class fanbase outside Ruland. Left-wing as they may be, though, they're very much Ferdullaelan nationalists like all other teams in the capital (don't ask them why their roster features so many non-Ferdullaelans, it's a touchy subject). So, basically, they're hated outside Ferdullaele for being xenophobes and hated inside Ferdullaele for being filthy commies. They relish this.

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Notes: This is not a team with grand aspirations, and that's fine. They've got a solid squad that can achieve the objectives they're aiming for: IFCF qualification. With so many spots up for grabs, it's not a terribly difficult thing to do. With players like de Sájajo and Holsteiner leading the line (despite both being around forty...) alongside Green, they've got a fearsome-ish attack. In defense, they'll manage. Joaquim Martell is dangerous on the wing, and they've got an experienced tactician in Farrháteré. Their vertiginous style of attack is perhaps not perfectly suited for a frontline featuring two old geezers, but they didn't do that badly last season despite that.

Avenida Leal
Nickname: los Leales (the Loyal ones)
Derogatory nickname(s): la Plata (the money)
Manager: Eberardo Orvananos
Ground: Lealtad y Fuerza (30,000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: La Nueva Avenida (local), Avenida Principal (local), Avenida Victoria (local)
Major honours: 3 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 3 Faroleran state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Good God, stop underperforming already
Pundits' prediction: 12th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Rogerio Defigueroa aLBa Shoji Suzukaze aCBa Ermenegildo Maestrey aRBa Krysia Bailey aDMa Simón Franco aCMa Mark Anderson aCMa Travis Grimaldi aCMa Tercero Yturri aLWa José Córdova aRWa Marcus Young aSTa Nevaeh Cathar

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Bench: aGKa Marcio Bribiesca aGKa Émîróînó Ônzántolöìra aLBa Fausto Alcazar aCBa Trinidad Arochi aRBa Aristide Agostino aDMa Tobías Santacruz aCMa Næmor Paala aCMa Vinicio Arizabal aCMa Poncio Agredano aLWa Abel Terrazas aRWa Svetislav Cirkovic aSTa Suaham Ararina

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Background: Though Avenida Leal arrived comparatively late to the whole successful Avenida thing, they're nowadays arguably the second-best one historically. They're a club of working-class roots, much like La Nueva Avenida. In their case, they're heavily tied to the wood industry. This rather bizarrely puts them at odds with the rest of the Avenidas which, while more right-leaning, are much more environmental, going so far as to have their shared stadium in the forest. Silly chants about deforestation ensue. While the relationship between the Avenidas is bizarre, Avenida Leal can boast the title of "not very hated outside their home state", thanks to their many charitative efforts during the times of crisis. Notably, to date, none of their fans have died in clashes against Rulandese fans, with only a few exceptions.

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Notes: It's becoming increasingly clear that Avenida Leal fans will have to content themselves with regular mid-table showings in the S-FPL era. Going into the new format, they were expected to be one of the top Farf teams, mostly because the squad they had was, on paper, superb. However, it's now been three seasons and they just haven't lived up to their potential. The clock's been ticking, the players have been aging. They're still good! But they're not noticeably better than, say, Ausharmuj Marusi. Bailey, Grimaldi, Young and Cathar remain the players to look out for if they are to have a good season. Defigueroa's their bright young prospect, and Tercero Yturri their potential break-out star this season, with his boundless energy and superb playmaking abilities proving impressive in pre-season.

Avenida Principal
Nickname: los Caballeros (the Knights)
Derogatory nickname(s): la Tercera Avenida (the Third Avenue)
Manager: Gregorio Fredeluces
Ground: La Gran Avenida (60,000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: Avenida Leal (local and political), La Nueva Avenida (local), Avenida Victoria (local and political)
Major honours: 3 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Globe Cup title, 1 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League title, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: CL qualification; they secretly would be ecstatic with ChC qualification
Pundits' prediction: 15th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Fermín Delcorro aLBa Abram Aguayo aCBa David Xeniadis aCBa Ezequiel Zayas aRBa Emilio Frondarina aCMa Lucián Saldivar aCMa Óliver Tijerina aTKa Alson Figueroa aLWa Alonzo de Anda aRWa Leandro Martelli aSTa Celio Pompa

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Bench: aGKa Godofredo Armendez aGKa Alejandro Montes aLBa Ildefonso Mendozo aCBa Fons Iturmendi aCBa Gervasi Cabezadebaca aRBa Matías Buendía aCMa Anbessa Cejudo aCMa Adrián Fajardo aTKa Jorge Varela aLWa Casimiro Carrizosa aRWa Joel Cotto aSTa Conrado Saballos

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Background: Avenida Principal is, you guessed it, one of the Avenidas. They are following in Avenida Victoria's footsteps: they've been in a clear downturn for about ten seasons now. Bizarrely, they're generally agreed to be one of the richest teams in the country. In the past, they used to have the most foreigners in the league. Nowadays, well... they've had to change plans, and it hasn't helped them one bit. Politically, as the most affluent team in the nation, and having some of the most affluent fans outside Ferdullaele, you can guess where their loyalties lie...

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Notes: If La Querida keep escaping relegation via sheer luck, Avenida Principal have a lot to worry about. They're a tier below Ausharmuj Marusi and Avenida Leal, which essentially means they'll be competing directly with Prostran I Forzuda to avoid relegation. The Kruviši club is a bit of an unknown quantity, what with there being no records of how they got promoted, so fans must surely be nervous. Nowadays, this squad is pretty much Xeniadis plus Martelli, with little else keeping them afloat. What's more, there don't exactly seem to be any future superstars coming through their youth system... Safe to say this team has seen better days.

Dí Maozöxê
Nickname: lôs Rébélés (the Rebels)
Derogatory nickname(s): Too many to count
Manager: Blâás Âgínsôgnó
Ground: Rülândéá Çölíséá (35,000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: Mâ Âlâmëómë (local)
Major honours: 2 S-FPL titles, 2 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League title, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 1 Farf Torde Ligá title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Fans' expectations: Defend the title, give Xíxì Êns a great send-off
Pundits' prediction: 3rd place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Vinísìus Éleús aLBa Éskïr Bêrndèvôî aCBa Demba Kinteh aCBa Ali Faruq aRBa Têrçêr Ànáxímane aCMa Lésgöékëngüí Fwâás aCMa Henrik Martin aLWa Lana Mensdóttir aOMa Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó aRWa Keaton Durbridge aSTa Xíxì Êns

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Bench: aGKa Wils t'Ôàs aGKa Jôs Wí Tírâ aLBa Lís Rüg aCBa Mohammed Saleem aCBa Risko Fâizxý aRBa Edmün Üjíkân aCMa Drì Çôçô aCMa Lôrénsé Lâegí aTKa Çè Löjámangó aLWa Dês Ârâgón aRWa Brááhám Çíraógôs aSTa Alois Chiliarch

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Background: The second-biggest club in Ruland in terms of success, and the one with the biggest fanbase, though Mâ Âlâmëómë fans would never admit it. Dí Maozöxê is a club founded by uranium miners, which means they have a massive following in all of Ruland, especially in the capital. That may sound like a non-sequitur but it really isn't. Their fans are some of the most passionate and violent in the country. Though they lean heavily left, as does most of Ruland nowadays, they lean more towards chaos than anything else. Their clashes with Mâ Âlâmëómë almost always take a few people with them. They also have a huge enmity with, well, the rest of Farfadillis as a whole, much like their rivals. Being Rulandese and successful will tend to do that.

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Notes: This is Xíxì Êns' last season, and that's a narrative that will overtake all others. Best Farf player ever, la Vherderoja main star for a decade, guided the ex-country to their only World Cup, returned to his boyhood club after a decade as one of the then-Premiership's best player, guided them to two titles... and it's all about to be over! Surely, he will get a fantastic send-off season. This is a team to be feared, if the fact that they won two of the last three league titles did not make that obvious enough. They've got international-caliber players in every line (except goalkeeper, now that club legend Íüé Tgô has retired), and a couple of very interesting young prospects in Fwâás and Âgínsôgnó. The future looks bright for Dí Maozöxê. They'll want to savor their success while their bitter rivals eye them enviously, embroiled in crisis after handing them the title last season.

La Nueva Avenida
Nickname: los Novanos (the Novans; no, it doesn't really mean anything)
Derogatory nickname(s): Fachitos (little fascists)
Manager: Thjorgias Pickton
Ground: La Gran Avenida (60,000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: Avenida Victoria (local), Avenida Principal (local), Avenida Leal (local), Mâ Âlâmëómë (sporting)
Major honours: 7 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 2 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League title, 1 Faroleran state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Win the league, the talent's there. Challenging for the title would be ok, though.
Pundits' prediction: 5th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Paige Daunten aLBa Agapeto Chayra aCBa Vyacheslav Khavarin aRBa Ezo Gicquel aDMa Kaia Larriet-Cortes aCMa Óceane Chastain aCMa Rashica Horvath aLWa Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng aOMa Thalassa Fletcher aRWa Soter Duraniona aSTa Horacio Bastanchury

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Bench: aGKa Ramón Olabarria aGKa Benjamín Gaona aLBa Ambrosio Archunde aCBa Furia de Jesús aRBa Fabián Malave aDMa Fernand Way aCMa Ÿya Tuuvyr aCMa Reece Graham aLWa Ernesto Cegarra aOMa Iago Balbina aRWa Gurielefre Aixenxó aSTa Salomón De Zúñiga

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Background: The most successful of the Avenida clubs, and the second-most successful club in the nation. While their supporters have a bit of a xenophobic right-wing (ecological) streak at times, the truth is people of every type support them in their home state, purely because of how successful they've historically been. After a short stint of mediocrity, they finally managed to win the league again not too long ago, and have been building on that to retake the crown that Mâ Âlâmëómë stole from them a few decades ago... to limited success. But things look promising! The club is nowadays the darling of Alex Terán, president-for-life of Farolera, so they've been getting some extra funds, panem et circenses style. Also, they've recently been acquired by Grupo Taxhvan, a shady Tequiloan organization which definitely doesn't launder money.

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Notes: A solid team with a clear vision for the future (win things), lots of money and a talented squad. Their midfield is particularly talented: Larriet-Cortes is one of the most talented young players in the league, Chastain has grown into her own after a shaky first season which she ended on a high note and Horvath is arguably the best defense-oriented player in the league (and, also, one of the best players in the league, full stop). On the wings, they've got one of the best wingers in the league (though his nation appears to have gone under, which might affect his performances) and a promising Astograthian, a storied tradition for this team. Did we mention their offensive midfielder's a Nephara international? And that they've got a Farf NTer for a striker? Yup, this team can go all the way.

La Querida
Nickname: los Encorvados (the Hunchbacks)
Derogatory nickname(s): club de plástico (plastic club), la pija (the very bad one, literally: the dick)
Manager: Porfirio Seijas
Ground: Estadio Manolo Lapaz (8,000), located in Pacifista, Farolera
Major rivals: La Armonía (local), La Pacifista (local)
Major honours: 4 Pacifistan state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★
Fans' expectations: No
Pundits' prediction: 20th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Marc Cotoneaster aLBa Régulo Elizarraras aCBa Horazio Buriain aCBa Raul Hoyo aRBa Daniel Zihark aCMa Pan Xilei aCMa Josephine Leonhardsdóttir aLWa Yonatoño de la Garza aOMa Sugoi Mendia aRWa Mo Moss aSTa Anartz Salayeta

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Bench: aGKa Plinio Uria aGKa Emilio Naranjo aLBa Armando Marín aCBa Ab Hoes aRBa Bârrtoló Küáándökrás aDMa Ynuricaço aCMa Alexandra Price aCMa Mario Girón aLWa Drî Êréçênsér aRWa Ügüs Âllámböjí aOMa Mito aSTa Mauricio Segura

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Background: A very young club from what used to be the state of Pacifista, historically one of the worst states when it came to quality of football. The La Querida project was very simple on the outset: found a club that the whole city of Pacifista can support, and pour money into it until it works. It worked far better than anyone expected: the whole city has rallied behind them, elated at the prospect of long-term relevance (ahem) in the Farf football scene. Unsurprisingly, they lack an identity beyond being from Pacifista and having been named after a grocery store. Older, more set-in-their-ways Pacifistans tend to look down on supporters of the team as plastics. Also, they have a bit of a cult following from international fans.

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Notes: You know the drill here. They absolutely should not be here. They don't have a single player worthy of playing in this league, with the notable exceptions of Anartz "tree trunk" Salayeta and Pan "Oh my God what do you mean you accidentally extended my loan for another season?" Xilei. Their fans swear this de la Garza kid's a big deal, but we're very skeptical. At any rate: goals will fly into their goal by the dozen (sometimes literally), Salayeta will score about ten goals, Xilei will have a miserable time and the rest of the team will continue to earn a salary well above their ability purely because of the kind of money the S-FPL pulls in and, by the end of the season, somehow, they'll avoid relegation because of some bizarre event. Last season's was particularly crazy, we'll have to see if they can top that.

Mâ Âlâmëómë
Nickname: lôs Vhêrdês (the Green ones)
Derogatory nickname(s): Too many to count
Manager: John Spartan
Ground: Rülândéá Çölíséá (35,000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: Dí Maozöxê (local), La Nueva Avenida (sporting)
Major honours: 14 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 3 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League titles, 3 Rulandese state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Fans' expectations: Win. The. Title. Or. Else.
Pundits' prediction: 6th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Corann Ghillis aLBa Fekati Abdi aCBa Alarabi Labeaga aRBa Travis Coffey aDMa Esther Axelrod-Conway aCMa Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí aCMa Tahir Fejzuli aLWa Asztrik Biró aOMa Dimitri Keldoulis aRWa Lavanya Naqvi aSTa Latona Basilisk

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Bench: aGKa Drö Âloré aGKa Bâjâ Töxól aLBa Lôpë Âlelé aCBa Lihonhegeí Puumalainen aRBa Viktör Ósîn aCMa Cheney Deal aCMa Liam Sæthre aCMa Vínseslâdís t'Îswér aLWa Sâlömão Sümándã aOMa Zsolgar Zsase aRWa Ezalta Arambauzá aSTa Ôskâr Fôga

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Background: The one Farf club that any football fan worth their salt should be able to recognize. Mâ Âlâmëómë have had some of the best squads in the history of club football. Among the players that have worn green and black are: Mêndêlöíndçêl, Einarsson, Kâí, Etezadi, Aurora, Wínrôuge, Rainsford, Gosforth, Campbell, Zubiri, Shrike, Tzâín, Röènôùjýâ, Na'Kale, Söh, Wçêíl, Killanen, Soria Luna... you get the idea. As a Rulandese club, they are utterly despised outside of Ruland. As the best Rulandese club, they are utterly despised inside of Ruland as well. Their fans, numerous and very violent, wouldn't give this up for the world. They were orignially founded as a loosely cultish collection of followers of one of the many Farf pagan faiths, one which venerated “Mother Earth”, better known as Mâ Âlâmëómë in the local language. True to their roots, they don't like the prevalence of uranium mining in Ruland. Unsurprisingly, they have many ties with past and present Rulandese revolutionary movements. However, to you and me, dear international reader, they're just that Farf behemoth nobody can spell or pronounce.

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Notes: What's wrong with Mâ Âlâmëómë? They've got, on paper, one of the best squads in the league. Two seasons ago, they showed it by being arguably the best team in the league, though they did eventually miss out on the title. Last season, however, they reverted back to mediocrity (though their underlying metrics were all actually reasonably impressive) and even gifted their bitter rivals the title on the final matchday. Fans were not happy and heads literally rolled. John Spartan has been afforded another opportunity purely because he is John fucking Spartan, but he'll be on very, very thin ice. Over half this starting eleven would start for almost every team in this league, and those who wouldn't are still very solid, dependable players. Whether they bounce back or not, though, do expect one thing: lots of goals.

René Skaé
Nickname: les Ezrenels (the Colonels)
Derogatory nickname(s): Barabara (intended to imitate uneducated mumbling)
Manager: Louis-Étienne Hevesi
Ground: Grand René Skaé (25,000), located in René Skaé, Szoirsia
Major rivals: Torrhe del Viento (local)
Major honours: 2 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 1 Farf Norde Ligá title, 1 Farf Amateur Ligá title, 3 Szoirsian state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Fans' expectations: Mount a title challenge; CL qualification is a must
Pundits' prediction: 9th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Aurél Asztalos aLBa Camille Auguste aCBa Ljuba Buczvarov aCBa Nadezhda Odling aRBa Darijen Vesele aCMa Pickering Sionne aCMa Lőrensz Ziczi aRWa Anwar Dawit aLWa Lajos Éwanjé-Épée aOMa Tulaki Rauogba aSTa Eötrenois Rigozsoldos

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Bench: aGKa Géza Gaudin aGKa Alfred Molka aLBa Miki Zinádi aCBa Pierre-Édouard Dufriche-Desgenettes aCBa Mihály Lemaître aRBa Botond Zsabados aLMa Denis Erdéli aCMa András Zsabados aTKa Archard Ezaa Robé aTKa Lőrinc Subercaseaux aSTa Lajos Latheleanódi aSTa Moise Ceglédi

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Background: Ever since René Skaé got promoted to the FFL, Szoirsian football has been slowly and very steadily rising through the ranks. First they produced NT-caliber players like Zsolgar Zsase, Kósa Bajnok and, most famously, Lázár Eleonóra. Then, René Skaé started following suit, winning back-to-back FFL titles, mostly thanks to a certain Faragó rue Cazade. Off-the-pitch, René Skaé is almost a religion in Szoirsia, with most anyone in the desert-that-some-people-believe-to-be-a-nation supporting the club. They're the second most left-leaning (now ex-)state, so their fans naturally lean that way as well. Their fans are remarkably mild, perhaps owing to the temperatures of their state, which is 90% a huge fucking desert (as we have made clear) where things you didn't know could melt do melt. Ferdullaelans and Farolerans resent, fear and envy them, because Szoirsians are not supposed to be better at football than them.

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Notes: Last season was not great for the Szoirsians. It's a competitive league, and they did manage to barely knick a CL spot (they have Ausharmuj Marusi to thank for that), but fans will definitely want to see improvements. The squad suffers from a frustrating problem: lots of young, promising players, who look set to become... solid upper-mid-table players. Of the starters, only Odling, Rauogba and, of course, Vesele are the kind of players that can help you win the title. Rigozsoldos is an extremely exciting prospect, yes, but he's still way too young. They're a great team, and the players have got great chemistry, but it's hard to see them realistically challenging for anything beyond a third or fourth CL spot.

Rülândéá Kôstä
Nickname: tâ Kôstä (those from the Coast)
Derogatory nickname(s): Mey Kôsâng (Little Brother, in reference to the two bigger Rulandese clubs), Pêskätörès (Fishermen)
Manager: Fêrm Égéré
Ground: Âréné Délékôstä (10,000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: None
Major honours: 1 Farf Freitball Ligá. 3 Farf Torde Ligá titles, 1 Rulandese state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: CL football would be cool, but their fans just take it as they go: they're used to being historically mediocre
Pundits' prediction: 8th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Pär Tjova aLBa Náán S'Êbârá aCBa Gëngüdó Pìgülôçô aRBa Lînó Çíwâ aCMa Erin Kang aCMa Baraxil Muhaburu aTKa Tè Xüwân aLWa Sam Roshanak aRWa Çè Sêwansé aSTa Aire Epherra aSTa Röémün Çídh

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Bench: aGKa Horâcio Mâ Mórsna aGKa Jê Êrgön aLBa Pâb Bílísô aCBa Pâb Ýuó aRBa Berrëngüé Êrsáreng aCMa Ârón Êréçênsér aCMa Pönçí Góélý aTKa Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá aLWa Horâcio Çíséré aRWa Valën Rónellsön aSTa Wilsêkïl Lâlâw aSTa Çînlârfêno Lîço

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Background: Rülândéá Kôstä are massive in the Rulandese coast. When we say massive, we mean truly massive. Most everyone in the city's coast supports the team named after the city's coast which, to be fair, is not exactly shocking. Their supporters have very strong ties to the revolutionary movements of the last two decades, and are violent even by Rulandese standards. Their stadium, partially destroyed by bombings, will probably pack twice its capacity every game. Surprisingly, tâ Kôstä have a very friendly relationship with all other Rulandese clubs, seeing them more as family than rivals. Teams from outside Ruland, though? Well, that's a very different, much bloodier story...

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Notes: Despite being, by far, the team that prioritizes IFCF football over the league the most, Rülândéá Kôstä continue to fare quite well. Despite the busy schedules associated with deep runs in the ChC, they've been consistently one of the best Farf teams, at least when they turn up for league games. They've got a great, if completely unhinged manager in Fêrm Égéré, and some of the most underrated players in the league: Kang and Muhaburu are the best midfield pair in the league when the latter cares enough to perform, Xüwân is good enough to have benched club legend Dü Ârusânìrá despite his age, and the front two are both starters for their national teams. There's also Roshanak on the left! If they crash out out IFCF football early on, more than one casual follower of the league might be in for a surprise.

Prostran I Forzuda
Nickname: Paklene Zabe (Hell Frogs)
Derogatory nickname(s): Not relevant enough to warrant a nickname from the other teams' fans
Manager: Dragomir Stojiljkovic
Ground: Bojno Polje (40,000), located in Prostran, Kruviš
Major rivals: Vetar Trg (local)
Major honours: 3 Kruviši state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★
Fans' expectations: Avoid relegation, even if La Querida luck out again; make Kruviš proud
Pundits' prediction: 17th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Milos Lucic aLBa Euklides Hemingway aCBa Zdravko Bjelanovic aRBa Jugoslav Radonjic aDMa Ugljesa Aligrudic aCMa Gernika Eccleston aCMa Kalinik Musovic aLWa Bogdan Vlaisavljević aOMa Zvezdan Krstic aRWa Vladislav Skoro aSTa Todor Cvjeticanin

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Bench: aGKa Dabiziv Tomasevic aGKa Tomo Buvac aLBa Filotije Milinkovic aCBa Damir Jestrović aRBa Velimir Kresovic aDMa Dragan Opsenica aCMa Milko Belacevic aCMa Todor Jaksic aLWa Djordje Colovic aCMa Todor Jaksic aRWa Vuk Pavkovic aSTa Tomo Mrkonjic

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Background: Fiercely nationalistic fans, fiercely nationalistic nation, fiercely nationalistic ethnicity... they are bound to entertain, both on and off the pitch. They're the biggest club in Kruviš and have a massive fanbase. Their squad will always feature pretty much the best Kruviš has to offer... which is, it turns out, not that much. Beyond their passion, their fans have ties with the military (what remains of it), religious institutions (the set-things-on-fire type, since this is Farfadillis), and fascist movements. Even the Ferdullaelans think they should tone it down a little.

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Notes: This is a squad with many mediocre players, a couple of young, promising players and... two Mertagnians? That's a weird one: they appear to have foregone their nationalism in an attempt to field some young talent that could help them avoid relegation. Can't blame them: Hemingway and Eccleston both look fairly promising, and it's anyone's guess why the hell they decided one of the most ethnically-agitated Farf nations was a good place to land. Hope they have fun. Either way: this team could maybe avoid relegation, even if and when La Querida avoid it too, but don't count on it. Their players aren't that fast (Vlaisavljević aside; he's a freak) and they're imprecise on the attack, so don't expect much from them in a league like this, even if their tactics are every bit as... enthusiastic as any other Farf team's.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

Busembe Timberwolves
Nickname: Timberwolves
Derogatory nickname(s): Beta Wolves
Manager: Bøb Übermanager
Ground: Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf’s Den (44,000), located in Busembe, Kitara
Major rivals: Kitara AA (local)
Major honours: 2 RBSA Cups
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: Win the league (they say, but ChC qualification would be more than enough to satisfy them)
Pundits' prediction: 16th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Edgar Farsal-Smith aLBa Charly Renard aCBa Chuks Uchie aCBa Eze Mbanefo aRBa Darin Nicolas aCMa Juurou Okumura aCMa Jombo Sillah aOMa Orji Uzoma aOMa Ernie Mabree aOMa Kekoto Sey aSTa Jeff Finte

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Bench: aGKa Mamadi Thiaw aGKa Okorie aLBa Orji Ikem aCBa Jamang Kinte aCBa Diamond Shard aRBa Boy Manneh aCMa Bright Idea aCMa Sirif Mansaray aOMa Jaja Obasey aOMa Basile Langlois-Zuluka aOMa Boto Colley aSTa Abel Wesoloski-Okafor

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Background: Busembe are property of the Taeshani pizza conglomerate, Fadron Pizza, who have owned the side for a few seasons now. Fully committed to South Kitara, the Timberwolves are a team without much history, but who are a success story. One of the few Banijan professional teams to have started after the beginning of the BSL, they have worked their way up from basement dwellers to consistent mid-table status, with a pair of trophies in there. A powerful story with the potentially problematic message that money can do anything. They could not be denied one of Banija’s 10 spots in the S-FPL. They are a club that loves attacking, and their fanbase is in love with their popular manager, Bøb Übermanager. An almost excessively confident manager who throws all sorts of players forward, their fans embody his attitude, with their ultras group “The Wolfpack” declaring themselves favorites to win the fourth edition of the S-FPL. Also, their fans are possibly the most violent in Banija.

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Notes: Last season was rough for the Timberwolves, even ignoring the fact that Kitara won the Champions' League... They sold their star striker and not replacing him predictably backfired horribly. The squad... doesn't look much better now? They're not the worst Banijan team—the Phoenix and the Boulders have them beat there—but safety from relegation is not guaranteed, unlikely as it may be, if they don't get their shit together. Jeff Finte'd better start firing them in at a better rate than his predecessor, or else they're gonna have a really bad time.

Busukuma AC
Nickname: The Promised Club (in reference to Busukuma's nickname, "The Promised City")
Derogatory nickname(s): Sugar Daddies
Manager: Mark Grayson
Ground: Lukwago Field (37,000), located in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Major rivals: Busukuma Force (local), Capitol City FC (local), Hoima Warriors (competitive)
Major honours: 1 Banijan Soccer League title, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: ChC spot + a friendly atmosphere
Pundits' prediction: 13th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Althea Taliadoros aLBa Melodic Ward aCBa Balduin Friedel aCBa Obadiah Parrott aRBa Coriolan aCMa Kalle Bjørnsson aCMa Declan Mason aLWa Clayton Wilson aOMa Omar Kah aRWa Sarjo Danso aSTa Cyper Baldeh

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Bench: aGKa Junkung Conateh aGKa Ebrima Jallow aLBa Bouba Ouattara aCBa Edrissa Ngom aRBa Kawsu Marenah aRBa Hassan Kinteh aDMa Lama Keita aLMa Juma Bah aCMa Lafi Thiaw aRMa Kekoto Jagne aOMa Hildegard von Krone aSTa Auhasard

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Background: This one's known as the club of big business. Lukwago Field is known for having plenty of suites for businessmen to visit, and it is traditionally a right-wing club in a very left-wing city. Generally attracts support from members of the Royal Family... you get the idea. Royalist dipshits, is what the Farves would call them. The Kabaka himself was a big fan before ascending to the throne. He's now "neutral". Yeah, sure. They are one of four clubs in Banija that are owned by foreigners, as Quebecois investor Jean-Francois Joffre bought the team just before the end of the final BSL season. They are generally ripped for having a more “corporate-friendly crowd”—fewer ultras, a ban on smoke and flares, you get the idea. The team’s fans are generally known for their relative quietness in comparison to the league’s other, more passionate fanbases.

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Notes: Mediocrity's par for the course for Busukuma these days. They don't have a lot of great players and they don't have a lot of depth, either. There's Mason, there's Wilson, there's the aging Baldeh... but that's about it. Prospects aren't bright, and it's hard to see them doing anything besides languishing in lower-mid table mediocrity. They also play pretty dull football. If there's any team you shouldn't watch out for, it's this one.

Hawabark Boulders
Nickname: Boulders
Derogatory nickname(s): Pebbles
Manager: Kiggwe Kabelo
Ground: Hawabark Olympic Stadium (17,800), located in Hawabark, Buganda
Major rivals: Bunyoro RSC
Major honours: 1 post-unification BSL title, 1 IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy
Infrastructure: Ground ★★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Fight valiantly against an ultimately inevitable relegation
Pundits' prediction: 19th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Giovanni Falco aLBa Sheriff Diene aCBa Paoboy Kama aCBa Jereh Keita aRBa Abdullah Guennoun aLMa Ensa Ceesay aCMa Kendra Yisake aCMa Adriel Aoro aRMa Chike Chinese aSTa Orak Ermis aSTa Akachi Orjee

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Bench: aGKa Jonkong Gassama aGKa Sidibeh Sonko aLBa Nfansu Njie aCBa Yahar Condé aCBa Kinti Ogunsola aRBa Seda Gul aLMa Antoine De Vries aCMa Salathiel Okinyo aCMa Duta Kayode aRMa Masane Kuyateh aSTa Musa Kakay aSTa Alex Parsons

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Background: Another team that is simply happy to be here. Never one for much success even before the BSL days, they established themselves as a higher tier lower-level club, more than anything. But this is a team that has never had that much going for them. They've never really gotten this much attention before in Banija, and their wild success last season was a surprise. Last season, of course, they won an incredible and stunning double—winning the Liga B Champions Trophy and becoming champions of Banija's second tier in the same season. However, this is a team whose stadium is much more famous for hosting track and field meets than actual football. And whose stadium is named after an event the city has never hosted. This is the first time they've been in the national spotlight, and international spotlight, probably ever. Can they handle it? No.

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Notes: This team is out of its depths. Not quite La Querida-out-of-its-depths, but don't expect them to not be pitiful. The good news for them is that last season Duntho got thrashed by the very same La Querida, so the bar is set very low. That said, this team really doesn't have anything going for them. Not a single player that seems likely to get snapped up by the vultures if they get relegated. Their only saving grace is that their manager was an assistant manager at Herzegovina City, and might actually be kinda good? He's got his work cut out for him, though... Anyway, expect them to sink back down, though it's not strictly guaranteed.

Herzegovina City FC
Nickname: Trumpeteers
Derogatory nickname(s): Choir Boys
Manager: Omar Sanyang
Ground: Star Field (62,600), located in Herzegovina City, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina Phoenix (local), Istria City FC (competitive)
Major honours: 5 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 S-FPL Cup, 1 RBSA Cup, 3 Kabaka's Cups
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Make up for the frustrations of last season and win the league already
Pundits' prediction: Champions

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Francois Tantoh aLBa Jamang Sanneh aCBa Lukas Kayserling aCBa Reniira Clevinger aRBa Kabiru Sowe aCMa Tessa Matfield aCMa Eamon Mullins aOMa Babaja Mboob aOMa Meghan Walcott aOMa Habib Fadika aSTa Jason Þórhallursson

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Bench: aGKa Duwa Kinteh aGKa Jibril Ceesay aLBa Felix Millar aCBa Momodou Kairaba aCBa Paoboy Diawara aRBa Malick Jatteh aCMa Tijan Sowe aCMa Burama Kaba aLWa Birom Sanneh aOMa Zippy Doo aRWa Madu Okparra aSTa Saikou Ndour

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Background: This is arguably Banija's biggest club, as they had the most success out of any in the BSL era. Winners of five league titles! They are a club located in Herzegovina City, one of Banija's biggest cities and at the heart of Banija's dominant religion, Puritan Mormonism. Due to their location, they are a club and a fanbase that is generally considered both right-wing and fairly religious, as shown by their crest. Their fans are known for their general arrogance, which has truly blossomed with their recent success. Of course, people from the Moravica region are generally known for their superiority complex, so this is a general feature of the Moravican sides in this league. Kobe Azizi, the present center-right Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Banija, is a widely known supporter of the club. Fans usually resort to accusations of heresy in order to thrash other team's stadiums.

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Notes: Missing out on the title in the way they did has to have hurt. There's plenty of reasons to be optimistic, though: Sanyang has proven himself a very capable tactician, and also fantastic at managing egos. They've got a fearsome frontline—it features, may I remind you, both Meghan Walcott and Jason Þórhallursson—but it doesn't stop at that. Eamon Mullins is and, to a lesser degree, Tessa Matfield are great at controlling midfield. Their centerback pair is also very talented, arguably the best in the league. Clevinger's one of the marquee signings of this window, the kind of signing nobody would ever forget to write about. The title's not guaranteed, sure, but they're arguably the favorites. Specially since they'll be out for blood.

Herzegovina Phoenix
Nickname: Phoenix
Derogatory nickname(s): Pretenders (reference to them being located in the Herzegovina Suburbs, rather than the city itself)
Manager: Reinhard Drake
Ground: Phoenix Stadium (25,000), located in Vdizi, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina City (local)
Major honours: 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup, 1 post-unification BSL title
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: Avoid relegation
Pundits' prediction: 18th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Mustafa Taal aLBa Avigdor Levitansky aCBa Dennis Lampshire aCBa Mamadi Sillah aRBa Ifeatur Ofako aLMa Adama Coote aCMa Gibril Kargbo aCMa Jalang Jobateh aRMa Vidyo Avramov aSTa Daniel Kasaboski-Wilcox aSTa Daba Kuta

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Bench: aGKa Longcan Gaye aGKa Bango Jagne aLBa Junkung Kambi aCBa Vanilla Sweets aCBa Habib Daramy aRBa Marie Suso aLMa Ardent Blaze aCMa Lucia Silkemark aCMa Badara Ndiaye aRMa Thomas Allen aSTa Azat Akgun aSTa Ferne Horn

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Background: Phoenix are one of Banija's youngest clubs, without a ton of history. They're Banija's biggest club to have formed in the BSL era. They are in Herzegovina City's southern suburbs, and constantly live in the shadow of their local rivals. Many thought that they would be chosen to be part of the original Banijan 10 to be in the S-FPL, but were passed over by better moneyed interests like Busembe and Mynda. The club is generally supported by upper-middle-class suburbanites, so they have that sort of 'posh' atmosphere at their club, except for derbies, which can turn violent.

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Notes: More fodder. It's inevitable. They stayed afloat last season thanks to a last minute Betanni Jetvanna goal. Put another way: they had trouble finishing ahead of a club that shipped in 148 goals over 38 games, with a GD of -109, who got thrashed by La Querida 7-1 in the process. So, yeah, not exactly title material, this team. It's hard to point at any player in this squad and go "Yeah, S-FPL material." One of the young substitutes might have it in them? Anyway, they're actually not as bad as the Boulders, but they're also not that much better, either.

Hoima Warriors
Nickname: Warriors, East Side Dubs
Derogatory nickname(s): Commies
Manager: Faraba Sarr
Ground: Mavuto Field (75,000), located in Hoima, Ankole
Major rivals: Busukuma AC (competitive)
Major honours: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: They're in denial, so they'll demand CL qualification
Pundits' prediction: 10th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Nelson Okello aLBa Babou Kargbo aCBa Chewbacca aCBa Suma Dibba aRBa Jabril Sesay aCMa Robert Craig aCMa Ilona Duerden aLWa Anja Ruthenbeck aOMa Indigo Zap aRWa Josef Lawerenz aSTa Lukas Boldfont

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Bench: aGKa Ebou Jagne aGKa Sibideh Corr aLBa Kabiru Secka aCBa Jibril Jaiteh aCBa Idi Dabo aRBa Kutobo Kamara aCMa Dembo Sonko aCMa Isamu Maki aLWa Mariam Ogoo aOMa Bobby Keene aRWa Isa Kujabi aSTa Snow Pearl

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Background: Previously known as Banija's most "chaotic" club—which, if true, would've made them the eleventh most chaotic club in the league—Hoima has now forged a reputation based on shrewd management and unexpected success... which has failed to materialize since unification. Their fanbase is the most avowedly left wing in Banija, appropriately reflecting the city's views. Their working class fanbase can get very passionate and very rowdy, filling the biggest stadiums on a regular basis. Well-known in Banija for being quite the rude visitors, and also well-known in Farfadillis for not being massive sissies.

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Background: Hoima had a bit of an unorthodox season last time around: they were, by all accounts, pretty bad overall, but did seem to, for whatever reason, get a lot of points. This proved unsustainable in a particularly painful fashion: needing a win to knick an unexpected CL spot, they got thrashed by Ausharmuj Marusi. They are not expected to do much better this season. The team is essentially the same, sans a few tweaks, and it's not like they were a better side towards the end of last season than at the beginning. Considering they were quite lucky, a slight regression to the mean is not out of the question.

Istria City FC
Nickname: The Lions
Derogatory nickname(s): The Rich Kids
Manager: Alvin Burnsides
Ground: Kabonero III Field (48,000), located in Istria, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina City FC (competitive), Rukunbi FC (local)
Major honours: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, 1 RBSA Cup, 2 Kabaka's Cups
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Challenge for the title
Pundits' prediction: 7th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Carlton Sandt aLBa Aries Kohler aCBa Xe Xuang aCBa Demba Kouyaté aRBa Fafa Ngom aLMa Ariel Balboa aCMa Murray Hunnisett aCMa Farina Luhukay aRMa Linoan Waters aSTa Voska Avetisyan aSTa Kate Huitema-Omeasoo

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Bench: aGKa Cherry Blossom aGKa Akabueze Okparo aLBa Bruce Ramirez aCBa Madue Akuchi aCBa Clint Renner aRBa Jajah Uchie aLMa Bunama Ngum aCMa Banja Singateh aCMa Ijeawele Halim aRMa Piretta Daramy aSTa Karafa Baldeh aSTa Server Ornet

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Background: This is the biggest club in Banija’s biggest city. It is a club that values attacking, which has made them fit right in after unification. Even last season—their worst yet—saw them outscore everyone else (by quite a bit!). They used to also be Banija’s only international club champion, as they've won the Atlantian Oceania Champions' League... but Kitara has sort of stolen their thunder, big time. Istria City is certainly the bigger club in Istria, and it is supported by a primarily middle-class fanbase. The likelihood of seeing violence or anything crazy like that around this club is small, but they are a club that gets very angry at any sort of hint that Herzegovina City is a bigger club than they are. Doesn't make it any less true, though.

---

Notes: Yes, they are an incredibly well-oiled machine when on the attack. But they falter, again and again, and drop stupid points when they really, really shouldn't. What's more, Hunnisett, in the past arguably their best player, is on visible decline, and nobody is stepping up to replace him. They do have it in them to mount a title challenge, but it just doesn't feel like they're particularly close to actually doing that. They should maybe hire a psychologist. Seriously. 137 goals and 7th place? Something's going on there.

Jinja City FC
Nickname: Black Mambas
Derogatory nickname(s): River Rats (after the Jinja River, which is the city's namesake)
Manager: Alexander Bumba
Ground: BCEL Stadium (52,400), located in Jinja City, Hangaza
Major rivals: Aissa United FC (local)
Major honours: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: CL qualification
Pundits' prediction: 4th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Iiro Pakanen aLBa Radeka Lind aCBa Dominik Antosch aCBa Riccardo Rastelli aRBa Ishmael Rosesnstein aLMa Casimir Ronayne aCMa Musa Gaye aRMa Junior Ngoba aOMa Heike Schoß aSTa Ülì Èsàsè aSTa Madison McClain

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Bench: aGKa Antouman Saidykhan aGKa Jumu Kaba aLBa Lama Nyang aCBa Buramo Sonko aCBa Sarjo Jallow aRBa Faraba Singateh aLMa Angel Wings aCMa Juma Faye aRMa Alanso Kah aOMa Kebba Kargbo aSTa Xilit-Zaxac Yol aSTa Juka Jarju

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Background: This is one of Banija’s traditional big clubs, they consistently do well in the transfer market and were always out competing for titles, pre-unification. The only big league club in Banija’s second largest city, many say that they have a legitimate claim to being the most popular club in the country. Jinja City is located in North Central interior Banija, and is situated along the mighty Jinja River, which starts on Banija’s west coast just south of Herzegovina, and flows west to east across the entire country. As Banija’s biggest interior club and also with a pair of BSL titles, expectations are always generally high at the club... unfortunately for the fans, since the S-FPL hasn't been particularly kind to the club.

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Notes: Lots talent here, though mostly of the good-but-not-great variety... but, also, they've signed Radeka Lind, and they did actually fare surprisingly well last season. If they don't regress, with the added quality the Nepharan provides, and if Èsàsè finds his shooting boots... well, who knows what might happen? For now, though, we will be bearish and predict that they'll "just" be sort of in the title race but not really. Bumba does make them play some nice football, though, so do watch out for their games. Specially those against other high-octane teams.

Kitara AA
Nickname: Blue and Whites
Derogatory nickname(s): The Little Brother (in reference to their regional rivary with Busembe)
Manager: Aleksandr Ivanovich
Ground: Keystone Stadium (47,000) located in Sisonke, Kitara
Major rivals: Busembe Timberwolves (local)
Major honours: 1 Champions' League, 1 S-FPL title
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: Too ecstatic to care about things
Pundits' prediction: 2nd place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Brian Merson aLBa Ebrahima Jallow aCBa Ralph Winter aCBa Célestine Belrose aRBa Morgana Kolaj aCMa Oumil Guiss aCMa Immaculate Kaba aCMa Alaji Dieye aOMa Ronald Mickel aOMa Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov aSTa Nightingale

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Bench: aGKa Ebou Ndour aGKa Burama Kinteh aLBa Ediresa Darboe aCBa Keira Anbient aCBa Alfan-Harta Waz aRBa Fanding Jagne aCMa Pateh Fadika aCMa Noah Urbansson aCMa Ballista aOMa Buba Kuyateh aOMa Ozkaya Tarhan aSTa Sarafina Iyasu

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Background: Well... that happened. Say hello to the one and only S-FPL club to have won the Champions' League. Winning the S-FPL was enough of a shock, but they've now gone and done what no other club here has ever done. This gives them a big nouveau riche vibe, specially among their Banijan brethren. They used to be snorted at derisively when they claimed to be the "sixth member of the Power Five". Now, though? Well, nobody knows quite what to make of them. They haven't got as many fans as the others, or that much history... but they have an S-FPL title and a Champions' League trophy. No other Banijan club has either of those things.

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Notes: They've got great individual players here, yes, but the sum of the parts is much greater than the whole, and full credit for that should go to Chromatik mastermind Aleksandr Ivanovich. Few managers in the Multiverse can claim to have changed a club so completely on such short notice. They could definitely win the league, and some might even consider them favorites. But... surely complacency will kick in? Two years ago, nobody on this team imagined them lifting club football's most prestigious trophy, yet here they are now. There's no way but down, and most of these players will feel like they've achieved everything they had to achieve here.

Mynda Electra
Nickname: Foresters
Derogatory nickname(s): Villagers
Manager: Ifeatu Jaja
Ground: Electra Stadium (41,000), located in Mynda, Aksum
Major rivals: None
Major honours: 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★
Fans' expectations: They expect what they will get: another forgettable season languishing in lower-mid table purgatory
Pundits' prediction: 14th place

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Starting Lineup: aGKa Tore Delgado aLBa Ismaela Diouf aCBa Chononso Uchi aCBa Jibrin Ouattara aRBa Helek-Evela Mal aDMa Abbas Guiss aDMa Chinaza Madu aOMa Edrissa Coulibaly aOMa Lars Putnam aOMa Xavier Melchoir aSTa Cathal Turner

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Bench: aGKa Chydea Mazzi aGKa Kazak Karatay aLBa Efe Sahan aCBa Dust Devil aCBa Akuchi Chydee aRBa Chukwuemeka Obasy aDMa Banta Thiaw aDMa Wasa Kah aOMa Adaeze Obasee aOMa Arthur Trudell IV aOMa Somayina Izuchukwu aSTa Suliven Roagart

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Background: Mynda Electra have an interesting culture. They are Banija’s first club to have been bought by a foreign owner, with Electra Corporation of Damukuni (a public utility) having owned the team for quite a long time. Mynda is a surprisingly large city of 800,000, located at the heart of Banija’s smallest region, Aksum. Residents of Mynda claim they fail to get respect from national media, despite their large size, and you can see it in how their fans operate. Claiming Herzegovina City as their chief rival when they don’t acknowledge them as a rival back—is there no higher form of disrespect in the sport?—and, although Askatasuna FC is also in Aksum, they’ve never seriously considered each other rivals. A fanbase conditioned to disrespect, their culture loves “Mynda men” and is generally distrusting of outsiders, although they have embraced the foreign ownership group.

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Notes: Every league has a team that fails to stand out in any way, good or bad. Mynda is that team for the S-FPL. Decent defense, decent midfield, decent attack. Somewhat consistent. Utninspiring football, but not so boring it will make you fall asleep. A lot of okay players, mixed in with some above-average and some below-average players. A boring crest. The only interesting thing about them is their xenophobia, and we've already got Farf ethnic tensions to supply us with that anyway. Half their starting eleven's made up of foreigners, too, so they're not exactly the massive xenophobes we'd want them to be. Overall, expect to forget they even exist, unless they accidentally find themselves in somebody else's interesting match.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 1
Mâ Âlâmëómë 6-0 La Querida
Jinja City FC 3-1 Hawabark Boulders
Herzegovina City FC 4-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Istria City FC 1-0 Busembe Timberwolves
La Nueva Avenida 3-2 Prostran I Forzuda
Rülândéá Kôstä 7-1 Avenida Principal
Kitara AA 1-2 Mynda Electra
Dí Maozöxê 1-1 Busukuma AC
René Skaé 3-0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Hoima Warriors 3-1 Avenida Leal

And the season kicks off once again! Mâ Âlâmëómë gets to host the beginning of season festivities this time, as all eyes rest on Lìbêrêtê. But it is a mismatch between the biggest team in the league, and La Querida. lôs Vhêrdês have been the dictionary definition of a mixed bag in the first three seasons of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. A 10th and 11th place finish sandwiching a second place finish in Season 2, where they lost the league title on the Final day. Does a season ending get more painful than that? Maybe, depending on your perspective. Their win on the final day of the season last year sent the league title to their despised crosstown derby partners, Dí Maozöxê. A finish well below expectations while sending the league title to their archrivals? Does it get any worse than that?

Latona Basilisk was brought on to bring league titles to Lìbêrêtê, and she did so, in a way, last year. This year, she took it to La Querida, scoring a hat trick as her side won 6-0. An impressive victory, but who doesn't impress against La Querida? Also, what a bit of scheduling by the league, by the way. Basically all the big clubs started at home, from both countries. Contributes with the home side being the winner in 8 of 10 matches this weekend. Those 8 home winners ranged all over the place. From Herzegovina City running rampant in the Herzegovina derby, to La Nueva Avenida down 2-0 at halftime to a Prostran I Forzuda squad making their S-FPL debut. Of course, La Nueva Avenida had a furious comeback, with Horacio Bastanchury scoring a late equalizer(87') and an even later winner (90+1').

The two home teams that didn't win their openers this week, of course, were the two trophy winners- Dí Maozöxê and Kitara AA. Dí Maozöxê, the defending league champions, started the Xíxì Êns farewell tour at home against Busukuma AC, as well as celebrating their league title. And it did not go well. Sarzonian international Clayton Wilson assisting Omar Kah for the opening goal for the Banijan capitol side, with the hosts having to rescue a point from a late Keaton Durbridge equalizer. And then, of course, Kitara AA, celebrating their Champions League trophy, hosted the oft-forgotten Mynda Electra. Edrissa Coulibaly scoring twice against his former club, who happened to let him go right before they won their first ever league title, immediately followed up by winning the freaking Champions League? Poetic justice.

MATCHDAY 2
Hawabark Boulders 0-6 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-1 La Querida
Busembe Timberwolves 2-5 Jinja City FC
Prostran I Forzuda 1-7 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Principal 4-4 Istria City FC
Mynda Electra 1-3 La Nueva Avenida
Busukuma AC 2-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-2 Kitara AA
Avenida Leal 0-0 Dí Maozöxê
Hoima Warriors 1-1 René Skaé

Of course, you can only play the team that is in front of you. And before you go on praising Mâ Âlâmëómë, just remember- last week they got La Querida at home, this week they get the Hawabark Boulders, who are playing their first home game ever in the S-FPL. Not exactly a pair of intimidating opponents. But Mâ Âlâmëómë did what good teams are supposed to do to overmatched opponents- and smashed them. Yet another 6-0 victory for lôs Vhêrdês, who got five different players onto the scoresheet this week, with only Lavanya Naqvi bagging a brace. And speaking of La Querida- they've got a point already?? It may be a long season for the Herzegovina Phoenix. They got torn to bits by their crosstown rivals, and they're dropping points to La Querida? It's a rule- anyone who drops points to La Querida, especially at home, is on relegation watch. It speaks to how bad the Phoenix were, and how bad La Querida are. La Querida missed two penalties in this match, with Mo Moss skying one and Sugoi Mendia having a penalty saved by Mustafa Taal. But a perfect 90th minute near post header by Anartz Salayeta, on a cross from Pan Xilei, picked up the stunning point for one of the worst top-flight teams in the entirety of the IFCF.

It was honestly just a bad weekend to be playing your first ever home game in the S-FPL. Prostran I Forzuda received a rude welcome from Herzegovina City, who were up 4-0 within 30 minutes and won by a score of 7-1. Eamon Mullins scoring a hat trick out of the central midfield, to absolutely terrorize Paklene Zabe out of their own park. This, of course, was not the only blowout of the weekend. The good ol' Black Mambas provided us with another one, as they flew to Busembe and blew the Timberwolves out of their own den. The 5-2 scoreline was probably closer than it was on the pitch, which is saying something. The Timberwolves on the back line had absolutely zero answers for anybody on this Jinja City attack, and goalkeeper Edgar Farsal-Smith was up against it for the entirety of the 90 minutes.

What happened elsewhere? Rülândéá Kôstä had a dominant first half in Busukuma, going up 3-0, before holding off what was a furious comeback by Busukuma AC. Up 3-0 an hour in, Busukuma scored their first in the 62nd, courtesy of Cyper Baldeh, and then they scored another in the 84th, thanks to a header from Kalle Bjørnsson, on a cross from Coriolan. Unfortunately for the capitol squad, they did not have enough time to find an equalizer. Istria City and Avenida Prinicipal battled it out to a fascinating 4-4 draw in Victoria, as the Lions could not get all three points away from home. Avenida Prinicipal, down 4-2 with 15 minutes left, launched the furious comeback. Celio Pompa made it 4-3, and Leandro Martelli made it 4-4 with just a few minutes left. Still- KHO had a chance to win it in stoppage time, but she could not do so, as under pressure with an opportunity at the six, she skied a shot over the crossbar. So the spoils had to be split.

MATCHDAY 3
Mâ Âlâmëómë 4-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Hawabark Boulders 0-3 Busembe Timberwolves
La Querida 0-6 Prostran I Forzuda
Jinja City FC 1-0 Avenida Principal
Herzegovina City FC 9-1 Mynda Electra
Istria City FC 1-0 Busukuma AC
La Nueva Avenida 5-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-3 Avenida Leal
Kitara AA 3-1 Hoima Warriors
Dí Maozöxê 1-4 René Skaé

Mâ Âlâmëómë doesn't make its own schedule, do they? But another game, another blow out win. This time, their victims were the Herzegovina Phoenix(A team who dropped points to La Querida?!?!), as they won 4-1. Now, of course, Mâ Âlâmëómë have looked mighty impressive 3 weeks in, with decisive victory after decisive victory. It's only 3 games, you may say. "They ain't played nobody", which is true- they'd be expected to rag on La Querida, the Herzegovina Phoenix, and the Hawabark Boulders even in their worst of seasons. But still- 3 wins from three games, with an overall goal differential of +15, with 16 goals for and one conceded? Even with all those qualifiers, it's an impressive start whatever way you look at it.

Prostran I Forzuda earned their first ever S-FPL win, as they crushed La Querida at La Querida's home field by a score of 6-0. It was an impressive display by the Farf S-FPL newcomers, as they did what every S-FPL team is expected to do, which is put La Querida to the sword. Avenida Prinicipal, for the second straight week, decided to cause a Banijan club big problems. They were dangerous on the counter in Jinja City, as even though they gave up the lion's share of possession, they had a number of goal scoring opportunities themselves via the counter. But it'd be Radeka Lind make an impact. The $14 million NSD signing, she would break down two players on the dribble as she flew up the field, and delivered the perfect cross to Juka Jarju, sitting in the box. The substitute had to take the opportunity, as Jarju nailed his free header from the penalty spot for the late winner for Alexander Bumba's boys.

Herzegovina City lit up the scoreboard in Aksum, as Mynda Electra's "rivals" whupped them by a score of 9-1. It is, of course, a one-sided "rivalry"- while Mynda will swear Herzegovina City are their biggest rivals, you've never heard a Herzegovina City fan, player, or coach refer to Mynda Electra as a rival. And you saw why on the pitch today at Star Field- games between the two are simply uncompetitive. And just because they are both from the Northwest, doesn't mean they are automatically rivals. Dí Maozöxê continued their rough start to the season, as they fell by a score of 4-1 in primetime to René Skaé. As Tulaki Rauogba was the star of the show, one must wonder if Xíxì Êns should've retired last season? He's looked a step slower(he is 40), and it's been an utterly shambolic and disastrous title defense so far for lôs Rébélés.

MATCHDAY 4
Busembe Timberwolves 5-4 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Prostran I Forzuda 1-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Avenida Principal 3-2 Hawabark Boulders
Mynda Electra 6-1 La Querida
Busukuma AC 3-1 Jinja City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 2-1 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Leal 3-3 Istria City FC
Hoima Warriors 3-4 La Nueva Avenida
René Skaé 0-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Dí Maozöxê 6-4 Kitara AA

Another week, another "lightweight" opponent for Mâ Âlâmëómë. They couldn't have set this schedule up any better themselves- give themselves some time to get up to speed in the new season by starting the season with teams who aren't expected to do shit. But while they may have expected to cruise at Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den, the Timberwolves had a whole host of other ideas. With Wesoloski-Okafor getting the start over Jeff Finte, this team looked absolutely emphatic. Both teams simply got after it on the pitch. 2-2 after a half hour, 4-3 at halftime in favor of the visitors. But the Timberwolves were not going to let Mâ Âlâmëómë pull this one out. Gotta win those close games if you want to be in the title chase, eh? But the Timberwolves would howl on this day. Langlois-Zuluka coming off the bench to equalize in the 77th, and then Juurou Okumura scoring a late winner in the 88th minute, was pure beauty. As Tiones Lumber Field turned rapturous, it was a stark remainder to Mâ Âlâmëómë- they were not waltzing to anything this season.

Prostran I Forzuda won their second straight game of the season, downing the Herzegovina Phoenix by a score of 1-0. Things are looking pretty worrying for the Phoenix. Dropping points to La Querida? Disastrous. Another wise tough schedule however, with losses to Herzegovina City and Mâ Âlâmëómë, dampened the pain. But their visit to Bojno Polje to take on Prostan I Forzuda was thought to be a much better situation for this squad, a chance at some points. Failure to get them will raise alarm bells on the south side of Herzegovina. We also saw a major upset this weekend for the main Herzegovina club, as the Trumpeteers fell 2-1 in a visit to Ausharmuj Marusi. La Sindica were dominant early, as Holsteiner and Joe Green both scored in the first half. Herzegovina City could never really get back into the game, as the home team clamped down. Herzegovina City scored a late goal in the 89th minute to give the Trumpeteers a prayer, but they would not have any opportunity to equalize as they fell to an excellent gameplan from manager Ey Farrháteré.

The weekend of upsets, eh? Busukuma AC hosted Jinja City, and rocked the Black Mambas by a score of 3-1. With "River Rats" chances echoing throughout the stadium, Banija's capitol club somehow ran rampant. Clayton Wilson had a goal and an assist, and was awarded man of the match honors for his constant attacking threats. Dí Maozöxê would finally win their first game of the season, as they downed the Champions League holders, the Kitara Athletic Association, by a score of 6-4. Xíxì Êns finally found his shooting boots, scoring twice in the 10 goal affair that was the defending Champions League winners against the league title holders. Score one for the league title holders, with four goals not being enough for Kitara AA to earn the three points- or any points, for that matter. Another match with Champions League implications ended up splitting the spoils, as Avenida Leal and Istria City FC had a 3-3 draw. With players like Nevaeh Cathar, Travis Grimaldi, and Marcus Young playing for the Victoria side, while KHO, Voska Avetisyan, and Murray Hunnisett were playing for the visitors? It promised lots of goals, and delivered, with six goals between the sides. But the spoils were split evenly as well.

MATCHDAY 5
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1-0 Prostran I Forzuda
Busembe Timberwolves 0-0 Avenida Principal
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-1 Mynda Electra
Hawabark Boulders 1-2 Busukuma AC
La Querida 3-2 Ausharmuj Marusi
Jinja City FC 4-1 Avenida Leal
Herzegovina City FC 5-1 Hoima Warriors
Istria City FC 1-3 René Skaé
La Nueva Avenida 4-5 Dí Maozöxê
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-1 Kitara AA

Mâ Âlâmëómë got back to their winning ways with a 1-0 win over Prostan I Forzuda. They enjoyed a series of high-scoring blowout victories to start their season, and then were brought back down to Earth in a high-scoring, tight loss at The Wolf's Den. Another tight game- but this one far less open than their previous encounters. John Spartan's players were in a phsyical battle, as the S-FPL party crashers wanted to ensure that the most hated club in Farfadillis wouldn't earn three points. Bogdan Vlaisavljević's pace was a problem. But expect the unexpected. Basilisk getting a knock and subbed out in the 65th minute, her replacement, Ôskâr Fôga, scoring just three minutes later for the winner. The tightest of 1-0 wins to start the season.

Herzegovina City lost last week, in an upset loss in Farfadillis. This week, they'd welcome a Hoima Warriors squad to town who were feeling ambitious. While they were smarting over a loss at home to La Nueva Avenida last week, they had some confidence against the Trumpeteers, and wanted to display an attacking brand of football. And that, my friends- was a mistake. Herzegovina City absolutely ran through them, with Eamon Mullins and Tessa Matfield dominating the midfield as Herzegovina City launched attack after attack. The 5-1 home drubbing was just what Herzegovina City needed. Nothing like watching Madison McClain do a somersault towards the supporters section after getting a brace, right?

La Nueva Avenida hosted Dí Maozöxê in another match that would look to have Champions League implications. And these two Farf teams battled fiercely. Soter Duraniona and Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng creating chances on the wings for the hosts, while the Rulandese side were creating chance after chance as well. It was 3-2 to the hosts at halftime, and then Dí Maozöxê exploded to start the second half. In just 20 minutes, the game was turned on its head. Xíxì Êns heading in a cross from Henrik Martin on a set piece, to make the score 3-3 in the 48th. Then, Lana Mensdóttir hitting a wonderful half volley off of a corner kick to take the lead in the 59th. And then, in the 65th, a cheeky chip by Alois Chiliarch off the bench made it 5-3. But La Nueva Avenida do not roll over for anyone- especially at home. Bastanchury emphatically scored in the 78th to make it 5-4. And then, Thalassa Fletcher had a chance at an equalizer. She seemed to be through on goal, but Demba Kinteh made a game-saving slide tackle, desperately and with absolutely perfect timing, to force a corner and kill the opportunity. Game of the season so far, eh? And the two-time S-FPL taking all three points back to Lìbêrêtê.

And less we forget- is that a La Querida win we see right there?? That's exactly what you see! That might be a fireable offense for Ausharmuj Marusi manager Ey Farrháteré. The visitors took a 1-0 lead into halftime, probably thinking- it's La freaking Querida. Even a one goal lead is safe against them, right? But the answer was an emphatic no. Not sure why Josephine Leonhardsdóttir left the scenic winters of the White Winter Queendom for this side of all sides, but good thing she did, scoring the equalizer to put the pressure on their opponents. Mo Moss made it 2-1, and Anartz Salayeta doubled their lead in the 75th minute. While Kamara Mboge came off the bench to make it 3-2, Joe Green would have a chance to hit an equalizer from the spot. But Marc Cotoneaster, who some dub "the most miserable Nephara national in football", as he has to play goalkeeper for a squad that regularly concedes 200 goals a season, made the penalty stop to secure all three points for La Querida. Their fans stormed the pitch in Pacifista, as celebrations of their stunning win went on late into the morning.

MATCHDAY 6
Avenida Principal 1-7 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Mynda Electra 1-3 Prostran I Forzuda
Busukuma AC 0-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Avenida Leal 5-1 Hawabark Boulders
Hoima Warriors 3-0 La Querida
René Skaé 1-2 Jinja City FC
Dí Maozöxê 2-1 Herzegovina City FC
Kitara AA 1-1 Istria City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 3-1 La Nueva Avenida

The last four games played on Sunday, of course, were all the big games. Big games between big name opponents. First, let's start with Jinja City's trip to René Skaé. The Black Mambas coming off another strong win against a Champions League level opponent, with a 4-1 win over Avenida Leal at a rocking BCEL Stadium. But it seemed as if les Ezrenels would get the better of their opponents on the day. These Banijan teams notoriously get off to rough starts in the Szoirsia desert, and Jinja City were lucky to only be down 1-0 at the break. Eötrenois Rigozsoldos hit the bar or post a stunning three times in the same half- just some unlucky finishing for their #9. And they would pay for that in the second half. Xilit-Zaxac Yol came on for the first time all season, the 38 year old entering for an exhausted Madison McClain in the 75th minute. Was that inspirational? The answer, is maybe. Ülì Èsàsè scored with his weak foot just one minute after Xilit-Zaxac came onto the pitch. And just three minutes later, Valanora international Heike Schoß was brought down inside the box. Penalty. The moment came for the 38 year old in the sands of Szoirsia. He struck home beautifully, burying the penalty that would turn into the 2-1 winner.

Dí Maozöxê would play host to Herzegovina City FC on this Matchday as well. And instead of the chaotic, high scoring affairs of their last two matches(11 goals scored and 8 conceded over the last two matchdays), they'd play a more physical, down to Earth match against the Trumpeteers. The defending champions against the leading challengers- Herzegovina City wants it to finally be its year. But these away days in Farfadillis are about the toughest you'll find in the multiverse, and it was not easy at Rülândéá Çölíséá. You simply can't afford to make mistakes at this level. Herzegovina City was probably the better team, slightly, if you watched the game. But in a 1-1 game late, a mishit by Kabiru Sowe gave Xíxì Êns a sitter, and even at 40 years old he would never miss that opportunity, 10 yards in front of goal. A disastrous loss in a game where they were otherwise more likely to earn three points than one.

Kitara Athletic Association earned a 1-1 draw with Istria City FC. It's tough to replace Gereh Kama. He followed the money, of course, as the Blue and Whites accepted a record $25 million NSD bid for him to go to Lhor. But they are doing their best. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov is quite the attacking threat, however, and he scored a goal for the Blue and Whites to make it 1-0. KHO, however, would equalize, as the two teams split the spoils at Keystone Stadium. Elsewhere, Rülândéá Kôstä beat La Nueva Avenida by a score of 3-1. Röémün Çídh scored twice, he continued to showcase his talent on the league's biggest stages.

MATCHDAY 7
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1-0 Mynda Electra
Avenida Principal 0-6 Busukuma AC
Prostran I Forzuda 3-5 Ausharmuj Marusi
Busembe Timberwolves 6-2 Avenida Leal
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-3 Hoima Warriors
Hawabark Boulders 1-1 René Skaé
La Querida 0-10 Dí Maozöxê
Jinja City FC 1-3 Kitara AA
Herzegovina City FC 4-1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Istria City FC 2-6 La Nueva Avenida

After a slow start to the season, Dí Maozöxê has seemed to find themselves a rhythm. They won their fourth game in a row, destroying La Querida by a score of 10-0. They seem to be in good form. They beat La Querida this week of course, but some quality wins as well- Kitara AA, La Nueva Avenida, and Herzegovina City? Could they really get the perfect sendoff for Xíxì Êns, which would be a third league title win in four seasons, at the age of 40? It's far too early to diagnose what the final table will look like, but they are certainly contenders to do so. Of course, their archrivals, Mâ Âlâmëómë, have won 6 of 7 games played so far, although Mâ Âlâmëómë of course haven't played anybody good. 6 from 7 is good, although qualified with the fact that all 7 opponents are expected to finish in the bottom half of the league this year.

What about other title contenders? Kitara Athletic Association showed some of the grit that they had when winning the Champions League, by scoring a 3-1 victory over the Black Mambas this season. Kuznetsov is not a star in the making- he's a bonafide superstar. A goal and an assist as he created all sorts of chances in Hangaza, as he scored himself and serviced the club captain, Ronald Mickel, for another goal in route to a 3-1 victory for the Blue and Whites. There's no greater feeling in the world than being a Kitara AA fan right now, is there? They've just gotta be enjoying the hell out of life right now.

Then, some surprising results in two more matches that will have Champions League ramifications. The first? Star Field, with Herzegovina City hosting Rülândéá Kôstä. The Trumpeteers blew the doors off of Rülândéá Kôstä, going up 3-0 within 30 minutes and winning by a final score of 4-1. Jason Þórhallursson had a brace in that period of time, with Meghan Walcott also scoring, and then Madu Okparra scoring one off the bench towards the end of the game. It was an impressive display by an Herzegovina City side that is frustrated that, after so much BSL success, they haven't found a way to win this league yet. And then, at Kabonero III Field, Istria City hosting La Nueva Avenida. This may have been the most shocking result of the season. La Nueva Avenida putting up 6 goals, on the road, against Istria City? A 6-2 blowout. It was so bad, Istria City's players got booed off of their own field.

Table after 7 Matchdays

S-FPL Standings           Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë             7    6   0   1    29    7  +22    18
 2 Herzegovina City FC     7    5   0   2    31    9  +22    15
 3 La Nueva Avenida        7    5   0   2    26   17   +9    15
 4 Jinja City FC           7    5   0   2    17   11   +6    15
 5 Dí Maozöxê              7    4   2   1    25   14  +11    14
 6 René Skaé               7    3   3   1    13    6   +7    12
 7 Busukuma AC             7    3   2   2    14    7   +7    11
 8 Busembe Timberwolves    7    3   2   2    16   12   +4    11
 9 Rülândéá Kôstä          7    3   2   2    15   12   +3    11
10 Kitara AA               7    3   2   2    15   13   +2    11
11 Hoima Warriors          7    3   1   3    15   15    0    10
12 Prostran I Forzuda      7    3   0   4    16   17   −1     9
13 Istria City FC          7    2   3   2    13   17   −4     9
14 Avenida Leal            7    2   2   3    15   17   −2     8
15 Ausharmuj Marusi        7    2   1   4    11   17   −6     7
16 Mynda Electra           7    2   1   4    12   19   −7     7
17 Avenida Principal       7    1   2   4     9   27  −18     5
18 La Querida              7    1   1   5     5   34  −29     4
19 Herzegovina Phoenix     7    0   3   4     5   14   −9     3
20 Hawabark Boulders       7    0   1   6     6   23  −17     1

Legitimate Reaction or Overreaction?

As is always true at the beginning of a sports season, there are some strange results that bulge out. Especially in early season tables. What is for real? What is an overreaction, and will course correct as the season goes on? As we do at the beginning of every season, it's Reaction and Overreaction Time!

#1: La Querida has picked up points twice now? Are they not the worst team in the league anymore? Status: Overreaction

It is truly one of the most insane developments that we have ever seen. La Querida with four points, already? Think about how they did the first three seasons of the S-FPL. Season 1- they didn't earn their first point until Matchday 30, when they beat relegation bound Umbazi Metropolitan SC 3-1 at home. Notice, Umbazi hasn't gotten close to coming back since. Season 2, they didn't win a single game, earning their only point with a Matchday 23 draw away to, all teams, the Hoima Warriors. Season 3, the only Matchdays that were kind to them were MDs 30-32. Matchday 30, they earned their first points of the season with a 7-1 smashing victory over Duntho Sporting Club, who were also relegation bound.

Yet this season- it only took a few weeks! They drew away to the Herzegovina Phoenix, who sit behind them in the table. And then, they won! The first time they beat a Farf team in league play in the S-FPL era, beating Ausharmuj Marusi by a score of 3-2. A bad omen for la Sindica, as they now have to try and be the first team to stay up while losing to La Querida. But of couse, even though they aren't in last place, they are still the worst team in the league. You know why? Look at that goal differential- it is minus 29. Nobody else in the league has a goal differential worse than -19. And so even though they've won a game and drawn another, across 7 total matches they have a goal differential of -29. Add up their 5 losses, and they have lost those by an average of a stunning 6 goals per game- a number that shows just how big the gap between La Querida and the rest of the league is. They're still the worst team in the league, but La Querida fans should take a photo of this table- it's rare they see themselves above the cellar in this league. It may be a long time before it happens again.

#2: Is that the Busembe and Busukuma we see, both challenging for Champions League berths? Status: Overreaction

Your eyes do not deceive you. If the season ended today(and thank the good Lord that it doesn't), both Busembe and Busukuma AC would be sitting in the Champions Leauge. You say- what the heck? Is that Mark Grayson, who has spent a lifetime in domestic football in Banija, potentially bringing Banija's capitol club to the greatest competition in club football? And is that the Timberwolves, who have beaten the league leaders, doing the same?

Don't get it twisted. While both have had good starts, and even the Timberwolves have a signature win, neither team we can realistically see making a Champions League spot. Let's start with Busukuma AC. Now, of course, where is their strength? The back line. They say defense wins championships, and that's surely true when they say defense makes Champions League appearances, as well. They've only conceded 7 goals throughout the campaign so far, an excellent record for this league. But here's the thing. The old adages about defense aren't true in this league. Of course, defense still matters. In the last two seasons, of the 16 squads to finish in the top 8, only two have scored less than 95 goals across the year- one scored 85, and another 91. Last season, 6 of the 8 Champions League qualifiers had goals for totals in excess of 111. The other two "only" scored 95 and 97 goals a piece. Busukuma AC's current pace? 76. If they need to score 90 goals to have a chance at the CL, does their current strike force give them that opportunity? We think not. Clayton Wilson was a good find, Omar Kah was a good young piece- but Cyper Baldeh seems to be beyond the days of leading a front line that could possibly be that prolific .

As for the Busembe Timberwolves. They score at a high enough rate. But they are not that great in midfield, and they have lacked the consistency to qualify for the Champions League so far. But can Jeff Finte really put it on his shoulders? Ernie Mabree's signing has given them some help, but it'd be unfair to expect the Sarzonian to lift them all the way to the Champions League by himself. Honestly, even the Challenger's Cup may be too heavy a lift. Again, they have pieces. Orji Uzoma has gotten national team looks. Mabree has talent. But Finte, who has been in Banija from his youth days, probably can't lead them. And the defense in front of Edgar Farsal-Smith is just straight up bad. Once Kitara AA and Istria City round into form, expect these two clubs in Southwest Banija to be in the thick of the races for Challenger's Cup places, not Champions League places.

#3: Can La Nueva Avenida really challenge for a league title without any sort of defense to speak of? Status: Legitimate reaction- Hell Yeah they can!

Now, notice what we said above- old adages about defense simply do not matter in this league. This does not mean defense doesn't matter- even with the high number of goals scored in S-FPL play, how you play on the back lines still matters. But not for La Nueva Avenida this season. They've somehow managed to concede 17 goals in just 7 games, and still be in a tie for second place. And the best part is? They absolutely deserve it. Despite conceding that many times, they've scored 26 goals themselves, a rate of almost four per game.

They were most emphatic in their trip to Kabonero III Field. Probably the most impressive league win by any team in the S-FPL this season. Istria City fans are known to bring it, especially when they host the Sunday nightcaps. So to go into the Lion's Den and smack around the Lions the way they did, well, was utterly and absolutely impressive. It was one of the most complete performances you'll see by a good team against another good team all season long. los Novanos, as we mentioned earlier, has not played great defense. But it hasn't mattered. Who needs defenders when you are overloaded with talent going forward?

Having Duranioma, Thalassa Fletcher , Bastanchury, and Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng is simply unfair for opposing back lines, as not a single one has been able to keep up so far. While Horvath sometimes seems to be playing defense by herself, their ability to get forward will utterly punish most teams they play. Can they have a bottom half defense while winning the league? You couldn't have a better embodiment of the S-FPL than that, right?

#4: Do Herzegovina City, in a league full of elite attacking sides, have the best attack in the league? Status: Legitimate Reaction

The Trumpeteers are the first team to cross the 30 goal mark this season, having scored 31 across just 7 games. 4.5 goals scored per game, of course, is an excellent output to start the season, and a pace that Herzegovina City hope to maintain. It's early, of course- whoever is at the top of the goals for list will change almost every matchday. But that doesn't have to stop the question- which team has the best attack in the league?

We think, at this early juncture, it is Herzegovina City. Let's start with the man who leads their strike force, Jason Þórhallursson. The superstar striker hails from Græntfjall, and despite his four game suspension at the beginning of Season 3 for failing a drug test, is honestly better than ever. The affair was controversial both at home and here, earning the league suspension, as well as ridicule in his homeland. But he has put all the distractions behind him, and is out to prove that he is the best striker in the league- full stop. While that title still belongs with Latona Basilisk, he is totally making a run for her money.

And think of who is around him- Herzegovina City is loaded with talent, especially going forward. Meghan Walcott is a bonafide superstar as well. Mboob is a starter for the Banijan national team, and Habib Fadika is also making a name for herself in her first year as a starter. But think of how well they are supported. Part of the reason they can get forward so well, and focus their energies on scoring, is because they know everything behind them is taken care of. When you've got Eamon Mullins patrolling the center of the pitch, he can unleash any attack. He is always in a position to stop counters. His motor is endless. He gets the ball quickly from the back line to the front four, and supports them however he can. He, alongside Tessa Matfield, are the perfect central midfield pairing to sit behind Omar Sanyang's high-octane attack.

Because of all that, we believe that they do indeed have the best offense in the league. And of course- the stats will show us that at the end of the season.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 8
Busukuma AC 1-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-1 Mynda Electra
Avenida Leal 3-1 Avenida Principal
Hoima Warriors 2-0 Prostran I Forzuda
René Skaé 2-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Dí Maozöxê 2-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Kitara AA 4-0 Hawabark Boulders
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-0 La Querida
La Nueva Avenida 2-0 Jinja City FC
Istria City FC 0-5 Herzegovina City FC

All in all, not a particularly eventful weekend, save perhaps for the last two matches. So, here go the more interesting highlights: Fekati Abdi has become an internet sensation after scoring an last-minute, point-dropping own goal with his ass. The Banijan fullback has seen better days. A frustrating experience for lôs Vhêrdês, sure to blow the wind out of their sails a little. At the other end of the zero-hero scale, Eötrenois Rigozsoldos must have really enjoyed his late brace to give his team the two points against the Timberwolves. The first was a brilliant run, getting past the Timberwolves' two poorly-positioned center backs with some slick dribbling, before scoring the second on a deadly counter. He really made the most out of Übermanager's complete lack of defensive organization. Also, Xíxì Êns continues to have a mediocre send-off season: this time, he got sent off for two stupid, inconsequential fouls, adding up two yellow cards and getting a red one for his effort. Not like that made the Phoenix any more capable of handling the reigning champions: young prospect Âgínsôgnó and somewhat-young-prospect-who-is-already-one-of-the-best-players-in-the-team Henrik Martin completely dominated the show, getting one goal each. Âgínsôgnó's was a beautiful free kick.

But really, what we cared about were the two games on Sunday night. La Nueva Avenida taking on Jinja City. Both tied for second place (modulo tiebreakers), both playing some good football, with La Nueva Avenida coming off a sensational thrashing of Istria City. The game was... unappealing. Too many fouls, and the Banijans were not willing to go blow for blow with the Farolerans, opting instead to try to snuff out their attacks. It may have made for a frustrating game for the Farolerans, but it didn't yield any results: a fifty-fifth-minute Khavarin header off of a corner undid their entire gameplan. When they tried to get an equalizer, they lacked the momentum and eventually got punished on the counter, with a great through pass from Thalassa Fletcher being calmly slotted in by a clinical Horacio Bastanchury.

The other game we cared about was much more interesting! Also... what is going on with Istria City? That's the second matchday in a row that they concede 5+, and the second matchday in a row that they get thrashed hard. At home! Both times! This one was particularly egregious: we suspect the fans wouldn't have complained much more if this had wound up an 8-0 thrashing. Þórhallursson and Walcott are looking scary: they scored a hat-trick each. But really, the whole team just dominated from start to finish. Is it too early to ask what might be of Alvin Burnsides in a few matchdays?

MATCHDAY 9
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3-0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Busukuma AC 4-4 Avenida Leal
Mynda Electra 0-2 Hoima Warriors
Avenida Principal 3-8 René Skaé
Prostran I Forzuda 0-4 Dí Maozöxê
Busembe Timberwolves 3-4 Kitara AA
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-5 Rülândéá Kôstä
Hawabark Boulders 1-8 La Nueva Avenida
La Querida 0-9 Istria City FC
Jinja City FC 2-1 Herzegovina City FC

"Lele Manguele, here I am" - Eötrenois Rigozsoldos, probably. Four goals from the Szoirsian youngster. Avenida Principal's defenders will be having nightmares. Those nightmares will probably involve Tulaki Rauogba too, as the Turorian scored three himself and assisted two of the youngster's goals. The game was actually much more competitive than the scoreline may suggest: Martelli and Pompa managed to keep los Caballeros in the game for the better part of an hour, but eventually their defense cracked a little too much and the Szoirsians ran up the score in what seemed like an instant: they scored in the 60th, 62nd, 65th and 68th minutes.

Kitara beat the Timberwolves in a highly-entertaining goal fest, which was definitely the highlight of the matchday. Both teams got plenty of chances, and their defenses chose not to turn up. After a slightly disappointing start to the season, Ivanovich's men (and women, etc.) must've been relieved to turn it around with two goals in the last fifteen minutes. Morgana Kolaj was the heroine of the night, scoring the winning goal in the dying minutes of the match. We're gonna be frank and say it: we're pretty sure you were trying to cross the ball there, Morgana. Nonetheless, the win was deserved for the Blue and Whites, who were the better team on the day, all things considered.

Istria City managed to make up the last two matchday's worth of negative goal difference by, you guessed it, facing La Querida. Pan Xilei looked particularly frustrated after conceding that seventh goal. The pressure must be getting to her... which is weird? What kind of pressure would someone playing for La Querida even feel? We enter every season knowing exactly what will be of La Querida by the end of it. Though, I would like to point out... they're still not even bottom two? Yeah, the Pebbles and the Pretenders really, really suck this season. Though, if goal difference is any indication, La Querida will regress to the mean in no time.

MATCHDAY 10
Avenida Leal 1-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Hoima Warriors 2-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
René Skaé 5-0 Busukuma AC
Dí Maozöxê 3-2 Mynda Electra
Kitara AA 2-0 Avenida Principal
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-0 Prostran I Forzuda
La Nueva Avenida 6-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Istria City FC 2-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Herzegovina City FC 3-2 Hawabark Boulders
Jinja City FC 5-0 La Querida

After an unfortunate incident with an inflammable fire extinguisher, the match between Avenida Leal and Mâ Âlâmëómë had to be momentarily suspended, with Mâ Âlâmëómë having just scored off of a great individual play from Basilisk, just when the Rulandese were racking up the pressure, and about to make the Farolerans crack completely. The match was continued two days later, and the Farolerans came back firing on all cylinders, reversing the momentum and snatching a well-earned point with seven minutes to go, courtesy of a nice lob from Marcus Young. Mâ Âlâmëómë fans insist this means Avenida Leal fans set their own stadium on fire on purpose. Not as preposterous as it sounds, but still relatively unlikely.

Busukuma's run of respectable, above-average play came to an abrupt end as the Szoirsians tore them apart within thirty minutes, going four-nil up. Yes, Rigozsoldos scored a brace. Yes, Raugoba's been unstoppable too. Might the Szoirsians be picking up the pace? Probably not. It's unlikely they'll play like this against better opposition. Meanwhile, Xíxì Êns scored a goal in Dí Maozöxê's just-so win against the ever-forgettable Mynda Electra. Good news for Farfadillis' greatest ever player, who's had a forgettable send-off season so far.

The Timberwolves continue to entertain, once again at their own expense: this time around, they actually played pretty well, and came out of the game with six fewer GD for their efforts. It's hard to stress just how clinical La Nueva Avenida were: eight shots, four of which came from counterattacks. Hoàng, Fletcher, Duraniona (twice) and Bastanchury (twice) looked like marksmen. None of the goals they scored looked like particularly easy shots! What's more, the Timberwolves missed their fair share. Sometimes football can be like that.

MATCHDAY 11
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3-3 Hoima Warriors
Avenida Leal 2-4 René Skaé
Ausharmuj Marusi 3-0 Dí Maozöxê
Busukuma AC 1-2 Kitara AA
Mynda Electra 4-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Principal 0-3 La Nueva Avenida
Prostran I Forzuda 2-8 Istria City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 3-1 Herzegovina City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-4 Jinja City FC
Hawabark Boulders 2-1 La Querida

Fighting back valiantly after going down three-nil at half time is good and all, but Mâ Âlâmëómë fans will not be happy having dropped stupid points again, especially with their rivals La Nueva Avenida widening the gap at the top. Nonetheless, it was a scary second half from the Rulandese team, with Çí Xôrí completely dominating midfield, feeding through balls to Naqvi, Biró and Basilisk constantly. Each scored one each, and a win was not out of the question. The Warriors have Okello to thank for the point they got: the Quebecois goalkeeper has bene quite subpar lately, so it's good to see him back to his old self. Will it last?

Dí Maozöxê continue to prove quite irregular. Thrashed by a thus-far absolutely mediocre Ausharmuj Marusi? Not impressive. What was impressive, though, was getting a few flashes of what prime Oskar Holsteiner was like. The 39-year-old has much in common with Dí Maozöxê's Xíxì Êns: they were both vital for Farfadillis' World Cup 84 win, they were both fantastic strikers in their prime and they are both old as fuck. Holsteiner scored a hat-trick, looking every bit as strong (though not nearly as fast) as in his heyday. That last goal was just dirty. Also, Mynda Electra have managed to not be so forgettable! They put four past Rülândéá Kôstä... in what was quite possibly the most forgettable 4-0 game you will ever see. Few chances for both teams, with the Banijans getting a few lucky rebounds here and there, then scoring a header and then scoring after a pretty standard counterattack. Lars Putnam was the man of the match.

Istria City continue to stat-pad against minnows, but doubts remain over their ability to face the big guns. Prostran I Forzuda ought to do better, though. Haha, get it. Ought to. Eight-two. Anyway: the Timberwolves finally have Margaret smiling upon them, netting an honestly impressive win against the Trumpeteers. An early Þórhallursson goal—just three minutes in—was not enough to dishearten them. Übermanager's players went on to be the slightly better, but far more clinical team. Finte's never scoring from there again, by the way. Finally, the match everyone was waiting for: the Boulders managed to soundly beat La Querida, though a late goal by Anartz Salayeta gave them a bit of a scare. With this, they jump ahead of the Farolerans in goal difference. The Phoenix, however, still lie at the very bottom of the table.

MATCHDAY 12
René Skaé 2-2 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Dí Maozöxê 1-1 Hoima Warriors
Kitara AA 1-0 Avenida Leal
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-3 Ausharmuj Marusi
La Nueva Avenida 4-3 Busukuma AC
Istria City FC 8-0 Mynda Electra
Herzegovina City FC 3-1 Avenida Principal
Jinja City FC 3-1 Prostran I Forzuda
La Querida 0-1 Busembe Timberwolves
Hawabark Boulders 1-3 Herzegovina Phoenix

Four draws in the last five games must be frustrating for lôs Vhêrdês, but just this once they're probably happy to have come out of the match with a point. René Skaé were the better team from start to finish, with Ziczi and Sionne pulling the strings against an uncharacteristically underperforming midfield duo of Çí Xôrí and Fejzuli. Rigozoldos, by now on everyone's radar, put the Szoirsians ahead with a calm and collected header early on, and Rauogba doubled the lead shortly after with a nice volley. It was only Basilisk's brilliance that saved the game for the Rulandese, with the Nepharan striker scoring twice against the run of play. For the first goal, she made the most of a mistake by Auguste, while for the second she did get some very good service from Fejzuli, who decided to start displaying his quality late on in the match, though at least early enough to salvage a point.

Kitara scoring in the second minute then shutting up shop against Avenida Leal was... kind of weird? And so, so, so frustrating for the Faroleran team's fans that they started literal riots. Not a good look. Seven dead. And speaking of seven, there were seven goals in the game between La Nueva Avenida and Busukuma! The Farolerans came away with the win thanks to a late brace by Soter Duraniona, who's been going from strength to strength, though the woman of the match was Thalassa Fletcher for setting him up for both goals, as well as setting up Bastanchury once and scoring a free kick herself. Meanwhile, Istria City continue to be flat-track bullies. A rough loss for Mynda Electra, who we continue to not care about in the slightest.

The Timberwolves, with their Farf-like, highly-suicidal, vertiginous style of play... barely managed to scrap a 1-0 win against La Querida? 6.34 expected goals, 1 scored? This would've been so much funnier if they'd failed to score at all... Also, the Phoenix got what could wind up being a vital win in the relegation battle, unfortunately leaving La Querida at the bottom of the table in the process. Kasaboski-Wilcox was the star of the match, netting himself three assists.

MATCHDAY 13
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1-1 Dí Maozöxê
René Skaé 1-1 Kitara AA
Hoima Warriors 3-1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Leal 1-3 La Nueva Avenida
Ausharmuj Marusi 4-4 Istria City FC
Busukuma AC 2-1 Herzegovina City FC
Mynda Electra 4-4 Jinja City FC
Avenida Principal 10-3 La Querida
Prostran I Forzuda 2-2 Hawabark Boulders
Busembe Timberwolves 2-0 Herzegovina Phoenix

Another draw for Mâ Âlâmëómë. This one leaves them seven points below La Nueva Avenida! And what a frustrating way for it to happen: one-nil up thanks to a great individual goal by Lavanya Naqvi, dominating the game... then Basilisk gets herself sent off by punching a fan. Then Abdi fouls Mensdóttir inside the box and gets a second yellow card. Êns misses the penalty, but nonetheless scores an equalizer ten minutes later. Once again, an eminently winnable game which they, well, didn't win. This could very well cost them the title even if they get their shit together. Simultaneously, René Skaé and Kitara were playing out another pretty interesting one-all draw: Kitara once again tried to shut up shop after an early goal, like they'd done against Avenida Leal... perhaps looking for another riot and a resulting sanction against René Skaé? It's anyone's guess. Their plan was foiled by a timely long-range shot from Darijen Vesele, however, with the Siovanijan and/or Teus crowning a spectacular performance with the goal of the matchday.

Avenida Leal vs La Nueva Avenida was a standard match between two Farf clubs as those go, but for one small thing: a violent altercation between fans of the two teams left eight dead. Speaking of eight, No fewer than two games totaled exactly eight goals this weekend! Both of them were draws: in the first game, Holsteiner and de Sájajo scored a brace each, proving that age really is just a number sometimes. However, it was Kate Huitema-Omeasoo that stole the game, scoring no fewer than four goals. Mynda Electra was one of the teams in the other game so we won't expand upon it. Also, these two were not the highest-scoring games of the matchday, but do we realy care if La Querida conceded ten goals? We don't. Pan Xilei does, though. Tears of frustration could be seen running down her face after the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth goals. And to think she even managed two assists this time!

Also... when did Jinja City sneak in there? They're second! They haven't even been playing that well. I mean, sure, Èsàsè finally finding his shooting boots has helped, but they really haven't been impressive. Expect them to regress. Probably.

S-FPL Table after 13 Matchdays

S-FPL Standings           Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 La Nueva Avenida       13   11   0   2    52   22  +30    33
 2 Jinja City FC          13    9   1   3    35   20  +15    28
 3 Kitara AA              13    8   3   2    29   18  +11    27
 4 Mâ Âlâmëómë            13    7   5   1    40   15  +25    26
 5 René Skaé              13    7   5   1    35   14  +21    26
 6 Dí Maozöxê             13    7   4   2    36   21  +15    25
 7 Herzegovina City FC    13    8   0   5    45   19  +26    24
 8 Hoima Warriors         13    7   3   3    28   21   +7    24
 9 Istria City FC         13    6   4   3    44   28  +16    22
10 Rülândéá Kôstä         13    6   2   5    30   22   +8    20
11 Busembe Timberwolves   13    6   2   5    25   25    0    20
12 Busukuma AC            13    4   4   5    25   24   +1    16
13 Ausharmuj Marusi       13    4   2   7    22   28   −6    14
14 Mynda Electra          13    4   2   7    23   36  −13    14
15 Avenida Leal           13    3   4   6    26   31   −5    13
16 Prostran I Forzuda     13    3   1   9    21   40  −19    10
17 Avenida Principal      13    2   2   9    24   49  −25     8
18 Herzegovina Phoenix    13    1   3   9     9   30  −21     6
19 Hawabark Boulders      13    1   2  10    14   44  −30     5
20 La Querida             13    1   1  11     9   65  −56     4

Handicapping the Title Race, One third of the way through the season

13 games have been played! Still early, and yet, we are truly in the mid-season now. Too many games have gone by, we have seen what teams are made of. Of course, there's plenty of space and time to move up and down the table, but we know who are not title contenders. We know who's good. We know who isn't. And now, let's talk about our title contenders?

#1 The League Leaders- La Nueva Avenida

Let's look at exactly how well this team is playing. We're only through one third of the season, of course. But the way that this team is playing right now is absolutely mindblowing. They have won seven games in a row now in the league, and simply look to be in complete control everytime they take the pitch. Of course, they've got the talent, and Thjorgias Pickton seems to be putting it all together for some grand old times at La Gran Avenida. It's great for the Tequiloan organization, Grupo Taxhvan, that just dropped big bucks to acquire the club. And great, of course, for Alex Terán, the biggest ever suit Farfadillis has ever seen.

But they are playing some dominating football. We had the numbers, 26 goals for and 5 against over their last six, picking up all 18 possible points in emphatic fashion. This seven game winning streak has included wins in both of their local derbies, against the other two Avenida Clubs in Victoria Lago. They smashed Istria City FC on the road, and beat Jinja City, who are currently in second half, in a comfortable 2-0 win at home. Suddenly, the defense that was a liability has turned into a strength, without sacrificing anything going forward. And they are just scoring buckets of goals, even for this league. 52 goals after just 13 games is seven better than Herzegovina City, who have 45. That's an insane average of four goals per game.

There's no way they can sustain a pace of 4 goals per game over the course of a season. But it seems like everybody's getting in on the fun. Thalassa Fletcher is turning heads. Bastanchury is showing us why he's on the national team, trying to make the case for playing time ahead of the Çídh twins. Duraniona and Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng are both turned heads in Rushmore, while Rashica Horvath is making a case for being the best defensive midfielder, full stop, in the whole damn league- and possibly beyond. It seems as if they are doing everything well. While this pace cannot be sustained, we have not seen a team play this good, for this long, for a long time. Can this team keep it up and go all the way?

#2 The Banijan Challengers- Jinja City FC, Kitara AA, Herzegovina City FC

It makes sense that these are the three teams that we see as realistic title challengers this season. All three have their plusses and minuses. The first two, of course, are in second and third in the table, meaning that of course they are title contenders. The Black Mambas are enjoying themselves in their second season under Alexander Bumba. The underlying numbers are good, of course, even if they are not spectacular. Tied for the 5th best offense so far with 35 goals, tied for the 5th best defense with 20 goals conceded. They've got the sixth best goal differential at +16. And yet- second in the table. Ultimately, they've won 9 games, despite that. They've got an impressive home win over Herzegovina City. They've quietly shown themselves as one of the best teams in the league at efficiently getting points. Will that be enough to get it done? Or will he be looking for a splash signing this offseason?

Second, of course, we've got the reigning Champions League winners, the Kitara Athletic Association. Despite selling Gereh Kama for a Banijan record $25 million NSDs, they've still got one of the most formidable squads in the league. Is simply "knowing how to win" an actual thing? We don't know. But despite losing Kama, they've still got themselves a talented squad, obviously full of Champions League winners. Ralph Winter starts for the Valanora NT. Immaculate Kaba is a fixture for the Banijan NT. Ronald Mickel has shown out for the team ever since they put him at the center of their renaissance. And that is before we mention Kuznetsov- who is a bonafide superstar. He is one of the best attackers in this league, and under the watchful eye of Chromatika compatriot Aleksandr Ivanovich, he has continued his ascent. There are rumors, of course, as there always are when a club like Kitara AA punches above its weight, that the vultures will circle. But if they clinch a Champions League berth for a third time, or even win a major trophy for the third straight year by winning the league, then you can no longer deny that they are a bigger club than both the Hoima Warriors, and especially Busukuma AC at this point, right?

Lastly, Herzegovina City FC. The favorites going into the season, they somehow find themselves in seventh place. It's like the opposite of Jinja City. Second most goals scored, fourth least conceded, yet sit in seventh place. They've got 8 wins. Why aren't they higher? They've got five losses. They are one of two teams in the league with no draws, the first being the league leaders. This is a team that you expect to continue to make the climb up the league table. Everything there is underlying- but they sometimes find it hard to get the necessary result. Maybe it's early season randomness, but a key mark of every league champion in this sport, is to be able to grind out a result even when you aren't playing at your best. Away losses to Busembe and Busukuma AC in recent days show that. Those are teams that Herzegovina City are a level above- but, at least this year, they lack that something to earn that result on the road.

#3 The Farf Challengers- Mâ Âlâmëómë, René Skaé, and Dí Maozöxê

Let's start with Mâ Âlâmëómë, shall we? A team that went barreling off to a hot start, winning 6 of their first 7 games, their only loss being at Tiones Lumber Field to Busembe. But since then? Not so hot. They've earned 1 win and 5 draws across their last six games, frustrating their fans and supporters as they continue to find a way to get three points. This is the biggest club in the league, full stop, regardless of country- they've got the history and pedigree that backs it up. And yet, they haven't exactly done what they are capable of. Two double digit finishes. Last season, of course, they famously won the league for their despised local rivals, Dí Maozöxê. But we saw already that they are capable of doing better than they are right now. It's far too early to count them out, right?

And second, we'll go with René Skaé. This place is known as not only the toughest away day in the S-FPL, but the toughest away day in all of Atlantian Oceania, located in the heart of the Szoirsian desert. With that kind of home field advantage, they've always got a chance. But they are performing above expectations right now, aren't they? Clubs from Szoirsia aren't even supposed to be that good at this sport. They are good enough to make the Champions League, as they showed last season. And they are showing this season as well, of course. But are they good enough to win the whole damn league? TO win a league this deep, you need to be rolling in high-quality players. Players like Anwar Dawit, Lajos Éwanjé-Épée, and Eötrenois Rigozsoldos- good, but not great/ Darijen Vesele and Nadezhda Odling are top-tier talents, but let me state what we all know to be true- no Farf team has ever won a title by building from the back. That said, having only allowed 14 goals so far, they do have the top defense in the league. The question is, do they have enough firepower in front of that back line to score enough goals to win this whole damn league?

And lastly, we'll talk about the defending champs- Dí Maozöxê. It's the farewell tour season for Xíxì Êns, and it's not going so great for him. Still, he won the whole damn league last year, which obviously isn't bad. A team that has won two of the last three last league titles, and has kept its core, is always in contention for yet another title, right? Well.... Yes and no. Honestly, they have been solid despite this being a slow start for Xíxì Êns- maybe that's expected at 40. But they are built around Xíxì Êns. They rise and fall with their talismann. Can players like Mensdóttir and Durbridge pick up the slack as their 40 year old #9 slows down ahead of him calling it quits? We'd think that Xíxì Êns is too old to lead his team to yet another league title, but we've seen crazier things happen- right?

#4 Dark Horses- Istria City FC and Rülândéá Kôstä

We'll start with Rülândéá Kôstä. The last winners of the FFL before unification, this is a team that presently finds themselves out of the running. Sitting in 10th place after a third of the season does not exactly scream title contender. But this is one of those two teams that are currently out of range, that we believe has the ability to make a run and get themselves right back into the title picture. They've got to put it together, although they haven't yet. And chances are, they won't. But who doesn't like what ifs?

On the Banijan side, we'll go with Istria City FC. A bizarre squad this year. They lost by 4 to La Nueva Avenida at home, and then lost away to their archrivals, Herzegovina City FC, the very next week. And yet, their strikepair is still scoring all sorts of goals, as the team are third in the league with 44 goals. They scored 137 goals over the course of last season, yet didn't ever factor into the title race. They scored loads of goals... And that's it? Any team this early in a season, that can create and take opportunities like they can, cannot be completely counted out. But it's looking bleak for them.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 14
Kitara AA 1-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Rülândéá Kôstä 3-0 Dí Maozöxê
La Nueva Avenida 1-7 René Skaé
Istria City FC 1-0 Hoima Warriors
Herzegovina City FC 3-4 Avenida Leal
Jinja City FC 6-0 Ausharmuj Marusi
La Querida 0-2 Busukuma AC
Hawabark Boulders 1-2 Mynda Electra
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-0 Avenida Principal
Busembe Timberwolves 2-2 Prostran I Forzuda
Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, Round of 16, first leg
Dí Maozöxê 2-2 Cednia Beach AFC (TUR)
Oslograd Academy (EOT) 2-2 Herzegovina City FC

Yet another draw for Mâ Âlâmëómë. That's six in the last seven! Under different circumstances, they might've been fine with the result: an away draw against the reigning champions of the Multiverse while missing their star striker. Still, six in seven is still immensely frustrating. The game itself was a tight one, and could've gone either way. So it didn't. Kuznetsov masterfully put the Banijans ahead with a brilliant long-range shot that left Ghillis standing still, completely stunned. Wonderkid Astrik Biró, so far one of the few highlights of the season for the Rulandese club, promptly equalized with a top bins shot after a great through ball by Tahir Fejzuli. Meanwhile, in Ruland, Rülândéá Kôstä finally decided to turn up, mercilessly smashing their compatriots. Crucially, Baraxil Muhaburu finally got back into the starting eleven, after missing the last three matchdays because of 'intoxication'. Go back and check how they fared without him. Anyway: the Astograthian was flawless, setting up Röémün Çídh twice and scoring a long-range effort himself.

The highlight of the matchday, however, was the match between La Nueva Avenida, the most in-form team in the league by a mile, and René Skaé. Playing at La Gran Avenida, you would've been forgiven for betting a cheeky tenner on them. If you'd done that, you would've even felt a little smug when Fletcher put them ahead five minutes in with a well-placed shot from outside the box. However, things really fell apart after that. The Szoirsians just ran riot for the rest of the game. Every single La Nueva Avenida fan will have nightmares in which Darijen Vesele is just endlessly running down the right flank, with no LNA player able to stop him. Three goals came off his crosses! And he even dared cut in on one occasion and score a goal himself. Up top, Rigozsoldos and Rauogba continue to look very sharp, scoring a brace each. Still, no player beyond Vesele should really be highlighted: every single René Skaé player played better than any given La Nueva Avenida player. That's how total their domination was. Just four points off the top, the Szoirsians must surely be considered title challengers now.

Avenida Leal managed a heroic comeback against the Trumpeteers, winning 4-3 after being 3-1 down at half time, possibly saving many Banijan lives, as there were quite a lot of away fans. Tercero Yturri is turning into a true wonderkid: he looked tireless in midfield, helping his team dominate every facet of the game in the second half, grabbing two assists in the process. Jinja City continue to mount a title challenge, this time decisively beating Ausharmuj Marusi. Heike Schoß was the best player on the pitch, racking up two goals and two assists. The other games were all... pretty uneventful, save perhaps for Busukuma sort of struggling, but not really that much, to beat La Querida.

On the international front, Dí Maozöxê and Herzegovina City both tied two-all. The Rulandese will face a tougher challenge on the return leg, however, as their draw was at home. Herzegovina City might be the more disappointed of the two teams, though, as they really should be beaten a team like Oslograd Academy quite easily (although they did rest their fair share of players).

MATCHDAY 15
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3-2 Rülândéá Kôstä
Kitara AA 0-3 La Nueva Avenida
Dí Maozöxê 2-1 Istria City FC
René Skaé 6-3 Herzegovina City FC
Hoima Warriors 0-2 Jinja City FC
Avenida Leal 12-1 La Querida
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-2 Hawabark Boulders
Busukuma AC 4-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Mynda Electra 0-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Avenida Principal 2-1 Prostran I Forzuda

Sweet relief for Mâ Âlâmëómë, who finally get back to winning ways. However, fans will not be entirely happy with the win: they were playing at home, and they did not look like the better team. In the end, the individual brilliance of Çí Xôrí, Fejzuli and Basilisk was enough for them to just about get the three points, but they should be thankful Röémün Çídh forgot his shooting boots and Baraxil Muhaburu forgot to turn up for the game altogether. Elsewhere, the reigning Champions' League winners did not look so hot at home, facing a wounded La Nueva Avenida side looking to put to sleep the doubts they raised last weekend after getting utterly destroyed by René Skaé. Duraniona, Fletcher and Bastanchury are unstoppable when all three are on a good day, and this was one of those days. On top of that, the defense was unusually solid: Horvath, in particular, made it very, very hard for Kitara to create any danger through the center.

Xíxì Êns showed flashes of what he's capable of once again, this time scoring a brace to give his team the win against an uninspiring Istria City side. The first goal was a penalty kick, after a silly foul by Xe Xuang, but the second goal was a beautiful curler. This match might mark a before and an after, though: Xíxì Êns was brought on in the seventieth minute, and he looked much better for it. Elsewhere, René Skaé continue their hot run of form, now in the hot desert of Szoirsia that they call home. The Trumpeteers did not look up for it, perhaps partially because of the unusually hot afternoon in which the game was played. Another masterclass from Vesele, this time. One has to wonder how he can run so much with weather like that.

Avenida Leal fans continue their killing spree, this time around with a car bomb two blocks away from their own stadium, leaving, thankfully, only twelve dead. Twelve, incidentally, is exactly the number of goals they put past the helpless La Querida, who continue to not be good, in case you hadn't noticed. The only other notable game of the matchday was Ausharmuj Marusi losing at home to the Boulders, who are now a comfortable four points above La Querida in the table, and only one below relegation rivals Herzegovina Phoenix. Akachi Orjee was the hero of the night, scoring two headers.

MATCHDAY 16
La Nueva Avenida 0-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Istria City FC 5-2 Rülândéá Kôstä
Herzegovina City FC 1-0 Kitara AA
Jinja City FC 3-2 Dí Maozöxê
La Querida 1-8 René Skaé
Hawabark Boulders 1-2 Hoima Warriors
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-5 Avenida Leal
Busembe Timberwolves 0-2 Ausharmuj Marusi
Prostran I Forzuda 0-0 Busukuma AC
Avenida Principal 4-2 Mynda Electra

Ok, now Mâ Âlâmëómë fans can be happy, for once. It may not have been pretty, but that was a vital win in their bid for the title. Against one of their rivals, who were at the top of the table, on the road. If they'd lost, that would've been a nine-point difference. The game itself was an entertaining affair, with both sides laying more cautiously than usual, but still putting up a good show. Unfortunately, neither team's attack looked sharp on the day, with Bastanchury and Basilisk in particular missing a couple very good chances. In the end, it would be defensive midfielder Esther Axelrod-Conway that would make the difference, with a speculative long-range shot in the seventy-eighth minute slipping past her fellow countrywoman Paige Daunten.

Might Kitara be reverting to the mean? Have they become complacent? After this loss against Herzegovina City, they sit in seventh place and, if their goal difference is anything to go by, they might even be lucky to be doing this well. What's more, they easily could've been thrashed today if Þórhallursson hadn't been somewhat wasteful. Not like anyone will care, since he did score the winning goal. Elsewhere, Jinja City have gone top of the table after La Nueva Avenida faltered, winning in style against Dí Maozöxê: they scored three goals early on, courtesy of a particularly in-form Radeka Lind that absolutely destroyed Dí Maozöxê's right flank, providing three assists in the process, then went on to not turn up at all for the second half, and Henrik Martni and wonderkid Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó almost turned it around towards the end, with a long-range effort and a beautiful individual play, respectively.

Precisely zero interesting matches were played on Sunday. Seriously, what the hell?

MATCHDAY 17
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0-0 Istria City FC
La Nueva Avenida 4-0 Herzegovina City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 2-0 Jinja City FC
Kitara AA 7-1 La Querida
Dí Maozöxê 4-0 Hawabark Boulders
René Skaé 9-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Hoima Warriors 6-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Avenida Leal 1-0 Prostran I Forzuda
Ausharmuj Marusi 7-2 Avenida Principal
Busukuma AC 4-1 Mynda Electra

Another draw for Mâ Âlâmëómë, this time a dreadfully boring nil-nil. Yes, of course there were riots. What's more, La Nueva Avenida have immediately bounced back, with a decisive four-nil win over the Trumpeteers. Océane Chastain was the woman of the match, assisting Fletcher for both goals in the first half, scoring one goal herself after a lucky rebound at the start of the second half, then getting sent off for a silly foul in the eighty-third minute. Jinja City, meanwhile, lost on the road against Rülândéá Kôstä, as Erin Kang put on a brilliant performance, setting up tap-ins for Röémün Çídh thrice in the last ten minute of the match. The Rulandese striker scored two of those, and that was good enough for the win.

No, Xíxì, we're not impressed with your four goals. Three were penalties, and it's the Boulders. You could be doing better. We are impressed with the Warriors, though: the Timberwolves are a box of chocolates, sure, but a six-bil thrashing is still, well, a six-nil thrashing. A brilliant night for Lukas Boldfont, netting what might've been his first hat-trick in this league; we can't be bothered to check. Another interesting match was the one between Avenida Leal and Prostran I Forzuda: the Kruviši have thus far gone mostly unnoticed, on account of the fact that they tend to lose in unremarkable ways. Not so today! A controversial handball goal from Tercero Yturri led to an all-out fight between the two teams, which led to an all-out fight between both sets of fans, which lead to a border dispute between Farolera and Kruviš, which led to nine dead and an afternoon of work for a few cartographers. Speaking of nine, that's how many René Skaé put past the Phoenix. It may have been the Phoenix, but at this point you've got to consider them the favorites. Just one point off La Nueva Avenida, and they're looking unstoppable (they also 7-1'd La Nueva Avenida a few weeks ago...).

MATCHDAY 18
Herzegovina City FC 1-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Jinja City FC 1-1 Istria City FC
La Querida 0-10 La Nueva Avenida
Hawabark Boulders 0-4 Rülândéá Kôstä
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-5 Kitara AA
Busembe Timberwolves 1-0 Dí Maozöxê
Prostran I Forzuda 5-1 René Skaé
Avenida Principal 1-5 Hoima Warriors
Mynda Electra 1-2 Avenida Leal
Busukuma AC 0-2 Ausharmuj Marusi
Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, Round of 16, second leg
Cednia Beach AFC (TUR) 0-1 Dí Maozöxê (Dí Maozöxê advance, 3-2 on aggregate to the quarterfinals of the AOCL)
Herzegovina City FC 3-1 Oslograd Academy (EOT) (Herzegovina City advance, 5-3 on aggregate to the quarterfinals of the AOCL)

Nine wins. One loss. Eight draws. They've been playing quite well, but there's no way they're winning the title any time soon if they continue to drop points like this. On this occasion, Jason Þórhallursson's late equalizer left Mâ Âlâmëómë fans numb, not furious, which is why there were far fewer dead than one would've expected after the match. Still, John Spartan is now coming under fire for his apparent inability to get his team to close out games. Elsewhere, Jinja City and Istria City faced each other in a hotly-contested, but ultimately somewhat boring affair. Yellow cards abounded, with each team getting six apiece, though, bizarrely, no player was sent off. Radeka Lind opened the score in the fifteenth minute for Jinja after a great combination with fellow Nepharan Casimir Ronayne, and Istria City equalized one hour in, after a lucky rebound wound up at Huitema-Omeasoo's feet. The Quebecois does not miss those.

La Nueva Avenida took full advantage of their pursuer's setbacks, but beating La Querida senseless is hardly remarkable. What is remarkable, is how, exactly, one of their pursuers suffered their setback. We were singing too high praises, apparently, because René Skaé... lost five-one to Prostran I Forzuda? Away from home, sure, but still! It wasn't even an unfair scoreline: the Kruviši dominated from start to finish, with Gernika Eccleston, in particular, turning heads with his performance. A few of the bigger clubs might be keeping tabs on him now.

Also, good news for S-FPL teams on the international side of things! Dí Maozöxê managed to do the job in Turori, which seemed rather unlikely, especially since their form has been on the patchy side as of late. The somewhat late winner came from none other than Xíxì Êns, yes, but it was seventeen-year-old Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó who stole the show, in part because of his brilliant assist. Herzegovina City did a good job getting past Oslograd Academy, but there really shouldn't even have been doubts they'd go through anyway.

MATCHDAY 19
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3-4 Jinja City FC
Herzegovina City FC 6-0 La Querida
Istria City FC 6-2 Hawabark Boulders
La Nueva Avenida 1-1 Herzegovina Phoenix
Rülândéá Kôstä 10-1 Busembe Timberwolves
Kitara AA 4-0 Prostran I Forzuda
Dí Maozöxê 4-1 Avenida Principal
René Skaé 4-1 Mynda Electra
Hoima Warriors 0-0 Busukuma AC
Avenida Leal 2-3 Ausharmuj Marusi

Well, that's not a draw, at least! Jinja City show they're title contenders in great style: turning the game around, on the road, against Mâ Âlâmëómë. Ülì Èsàsè has been somewhat subpar so far this season, but not today, with the Farf expat scoring two early goals after great passes by Heike Schoß. Mâ Âlâmëómë initially turned the game around, with Basilisk, Naqvi and Fejzuli grabbing goals throughout the match, but in the end a great shot from the edge of the box by Junior Ngoba and a well-placed header from Madison McClain was enough to give the win to the Banijan team.

While Mâ Âlâmëómë and Jinja City were duking it out, La Nueva Avenida were dropping the ball, tying with the Phoenix at home. Horacio Bastanchury, so far one of the team's best players, was comically wasteful on the day. A one-out-of-ten performance. You can't win them all. Phoenix fans can't be disappointed, even taking into account how they conceded a bizarre, late equalizer from fullback Agapeto Chayra, cause they probably went into the match expecting to get thrashed. Besides, with how they seem to be trying to one-up the Boulders in mediocrity, every point is golden.

Also... the Timberwolves are at it again. Muhaburu, Kang and Xüwân are scary when you let them run riot. With Roshanak, Çídh and Epherra getting good service against a team that reneges defending... yeah. That can happen. Five goals for Epherra, too: the Astograthian seems to be finding his rhythm, having scored in four consecutive games now.

Nothing too surprising happened on Sunday: the better teams won and the worse teams lost. Avenida Leal versus Ausharmuj Marusi left no dead, and the match was pretty interesting: Oskar Holsteiner showed flashes of his past brillliance once again, scoring a typical number nine's brace to give his team some breathing room, as they've been utterly uninspiring so far.

Table at halfway point of the season

S-FPL Standings           Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 La Nueva Avenida       19   14   1   4    71   31  +40    43
 2 René Skaé              19   12   5   2    70   25  +45    41
 3 Jinja City FC          19   13   2   4    51   28  +23    41
 4 Kitara AA              19   11   4   4    46   25  +21    37
 5 Mâ Âlâmëómë            19    9   8   2    49   23  +26    35
 6 Dí Maozöxê             19   10   4   5    48   30  +18    34
 7 Hoima Warriors         19   10   4   5    41   26  +15    34
 8 Istria City FC         19    9   6   4    58   35  +23    33
 9 Rülândéá Kôstä         19   10   2   7    53   31  +22    32
10 Herzegovina City FC    19   10   1   8    59   34  +25    31
11 Avenida Leal           19    8   4   7    52   40  +12    28
12 Busukuma AC            19    7   6   6    35   28   +7    27
13 Ausharmuj Marusi       19    8   2   9    37   40   −3    26
14 Busembe Timberwolves   19    7   4   8    29   45  −16    25
15 Mynda Electra          19    5   3  11    30   51  −21    18
16 Prostran I Forzuda     19    4   3  12    29   50  −21    15
17 Avenida Principal      19    4   2  13    34   69  −35    14
18 Herzegovina Phoenix    19    2   4  13    14   54  −40    10
19 Hawabark Boulders      19    2   2  15    20   63  −43     8
20 La Querida             19    1   1  17    12  110  −98     4

An Ode to the Old Men of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League

With the season reaching its halfway point, and the 40 year old Xíxì Êns in the midst of his farewell tour, it got us thinking- while this is in the conversation for very best league in not only Atlantian Oceania, but the entirety of the IFCF, this is a league where a number of older players are thriving. You can reach a second wind and achieve new heights here, while competing at a high level. What a balance- both the young and the old have achieved in this league, eh? But what old men have achieved the most in the 3.5 seasons of the S-FPL?

Let's set the floor here, shall we? Let's say 35 years old is the minimum age for old man as a player, and twice that(70) is the old man as a manager. Without further ado!

#1 The man, the myth, the legend himself- Xíxì Êns

One of the greatest to ever play the game. Mr. Galactico himself. Probably the greatest striker to ever grace the shores of the Shango-Fogoa Basin. He's played all four seasons in this league already well into his 30s(now at 40!), and the man, while clearly slowing down this year, has shown himself to be a hit. Year 1 in this league, at age 34. He only led Dí Maozöxê to winning the inaugural season of the S-FPL, as well as winning the Golden Ball award and scoring the second most goals of the season, at 29. Season 3? Leading Dí Maozöxê to yet another league title, this time at the ripe old age of freaking 38 years old.

Xíxì Êns' farewell tour, by the way, is... Interesting, to say the least. It is another showcase of the radical differences of sporting culture within Banija and Farfadillis, considering the win at all costs mentality in the latter. As one of the greatest to ever player, and definitely the greatest from this Basin, Banijan teams have taken to giving him gifts on away days. Of course, his first trip to Banija wasn't untill... Matchday 15, with his squad Jinja City FC. Some... Not so much. Jinja City FC gave him a two year membership at the city's most expensive country club, alongside a brand new set of golf clubs. Which makes sense- he's gonna retire. The Busembe Timberwolves, of course, owned by Fadron Pizza, gave him... Free Fadron Pizza for a year? What?

Yet to Farf clubs, the idea of giving a retirement gift to an opposition, even one who is a national hero- makes them want to throw up. Their fans have been all over social media, trashing Banijan fans for it. Many are thinking, of course- who the hell celebrates opposition players? As a fun thing, we'll keep a running ranking of what retirement gifts he gets from the 10 team Banijan contingent.

Xíxì Êns Retirement Gift ranking
1. Jinja City FC: Country Club Membership + Golf Clubs- who wouldn't want to live the high life?
2. Busembe Timberwolves: Free Pizza for a year. Who the hell wants that much pizza? Does Fadron Pizza even operate in Farfadillis?

#2 The other half of the World Cup winning strike pair- Oskar Holsteiner

Holsteiner is 39 years old. Also a starter on a dominant Farf team that won World Cup 84. Holsteiner is one of the best strikers to ever do it. He's got the pace, the balance, and the drive to just score boatloads of goals. And he did so abroad for years. But even now, he's making a major impact at home. Even at 39 years old, he is a tank. He's still regularly playing 90 minutes, and even having hat tricks at his age. No wonder Farfadillis won a World Cup. Holsteiner is still quality at age 39, and Xíxì Êns also is at age 40. But if that was the strikeforce you were going against in their primes? Only God could stop them.

His greatness, of course, comes in flashes. But when it comes- this man's ceiling is through the absolute roof. And there's absolutely nobody who can bring him down. Even at 39.

#3 The Champions League and World Cup winner- Super sub Madu Okparra

And now, we can't forget the 36 year old super sub, Madu Okparra- can we? I guess he isn't Oskar Holsteiner or Xíxì Êns, in that he held off aging forever. But playing out on the wing, aging can hit you harder because you do run more. And with Madu Okparra not the type of guy to move to the #9, that is well expected. He played for Kitara AA as a younsgster, before making a big money move out west to Raynor City United in Valanora- everyone ends up there at some point, right? A longtime starter in the Elven Premiership and for the Banijan national team, he won all the big ones- multiple Premiership league titles in Valanora, the IFCF champions League, and won the World Cup as a starter.

And then, of course- the return home. Not to Kitara AA, but to Herzegovina City. Part of the transfer deal that sent cash and Madu Okparra to Herzegovina City for 30 goal a year striker Edmün Çídh, He was a starter last season. But to play on the right wing at age 36? That's a lot to ask. No matter- dude is coming off the bench and having a consistent impact. He's creating, he's the influence in the locker room. Although asking him to go 90 minutes week in week out is a recipe for disaster, he's the classic old man- playing in spells, being the example, leading in the locker room. Who's more of a winner than this guy?

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

-Season 4-

IFCF Group Stages

FERDULLAELE, FARFADILLIS- The ultimate question- how did S-FPL teams do during the group stages of IFCF competitions? 11 of our teams, over half the league, were in group stage competitions in both the Champions League and the Challenger's Cup. We put 5(Dí Maozöxê, Kitara AA, Herzegovina City FC, La Nueva Avenida, and Jinja City FC) into the group stages of the Champions League. We also put 6(Hoima Warriors, Mâ Âlâmëomë, Avenida Leal, Busukuma AC, Rülândeá Kôstä, and Istria City FC) into the group stages of the Challenger's Cup.

IFCF Champions League
#1: Dí Maozöxê, grouped with Maethoru SC(KOR), Brinemouth(NPH), and Avidia United(KRY). Earned 10 points, 2nd place in group, reaches the Round of 16.

We gotta start off with the league champs, right? And as the Pot 1 side, they were given a tough group. Brinemouth- arguably the richest club team in all of sports. Avidia United from Krtyenia and Maethoru from Ko-oren, both from Anaia, rounded out the group. A group a strong and tough pedigree. And yet- Dí Maozöxê successfully navigated their way through the group. They didn't exactly need a ton. However, the most shocking result of the group stages are when they opened it with a 4-0 home loss to Maethoru SC. Dominated in every phase of the game, something that's very surprising to see from the S-FPL league champs.

However, they did not let one bad game get them down. Maethoru SC did complete the double on Matchday 3, winning 2-1 in Ko-oren. But Dí Maozöxê kept their composure. A 1-0 home win over Brinemouth, of course, with a goal from the 17 year old Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó, was impressive. But what was most impressive was Dí Maozöxê's road form in the group stages. Away wins against both Brinemouth and Avidia United, by scores of both 3-1 and 2-1 respectively, were why Dí Maozöxê was able to overcome a nightmarish start and put themselves through the group stages, and into the knockout stages of the Champions League. How far could they go?

#2: Kitara AA, grouped with Aleiusia Capital(ZRH), Eastal Lunar(VIL), and the Slateport Bulls(VLD). Earned 13 points, 1st place in group, reaches the Round of 16.

The Blue and Whites, of course, were the defending winners of this competition. Automatic qualification to the group stages achieved. And they entered these group stages with confidence. Mostly everybody thought that last season's Champions League run, the CL win, was a fluke. A joke. Form they couldn't possibly maintain. But hey- sitting solidly in fourth place at the halfway point of the season? That is solid league form. And it's form that would carry over to the Champions League. Now that they've won this competition, of course, this is a club that is obsessed with it- and we saw it from the energy that their fans gave.

KItara AA fans wanted to turn Keystone Stadium into a house of nightmares for opponents. But they won their group in fairly dominating fashion, earning 13 points from a possible 18. Things were well balanced for this team, as they took control and, by making the knockout stages again for this competition, put their own destiny into their hands. Once again, it would be the impeccable form away from home that would separate the team. Play enough road game in the heat of the Szoirsian desert, and no road venues intimidate you. 7 points of a possible 9 earned in away games, 4 wins and a draw from 6 games. Their only loss on the final day of group play, when they had already won the group, playing a heavily rotated squad in a 1-3 home loss to Aleiusia Capital. Could Ivanovich prove himself the master of this competition and engineer yet another run?

#3: Herzegovina City FC, Partisan Sjoedrhavn(SVJ), Arlington City(ZWZ), and Atletik(MYT). Earned 7 points, 3rd place in group, reaches the Round of 32 of the Challenger's Cup.

The Champions League is not a kind competition for everybody. It went well for the above teams, but it was a slog for the Trumpeteers. This was an extremely tight group, where all four teams were in it entering the final day. Only three points separated fourth place Atletik from first place Partisan Sjoedrhavn. On the final day, the Trumpeteers played the Savojarna club at home, at Star Field in Herzegovina City. A big potential night- a win, of course, would've clinched a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League for Herzegovina City. But that was not meant to be, as the $10 million dollar winger Traudl Mrdja proved all her 8 figures of their worth. Mrdja scored twice in the first half to lead Partisan Sjoedrhavn not only to a win on a Champions League night, but those two goals won their team the group and put them in the last 16.

#4: La Nueva Avenida, grouped with Bastion(EUR), Langlois Océanic(KSK), and Olympia FC(EFL). Earned 8 points, 3rd place in group, reaches the Round of 32 of the Challenger's Cup.

And now, for La Nueva Avenida. Yet another showcase of why Champions League football is just so difficult. Bastion was the dominant team in this group, which was expected. Bastion is one of the richest and biggest clubs in the multiverse, and they dominated the group, earning 15 points, including a double over La Nueva Avenida. But this is a competition that can be cruel to its competitors sometimes. Going into the final day, Bastion had taken 5 wins from 5 games. They, of course, rotated their squad for Matchday 6. They were playing Langlois Océanic, who were two points ahead of La Nueva Avenida. While los Novanos did their job, taking apart Olympia FC for a 3-1 home win, Langlois Océanic pulled off the road upset, winning 2 goals to 1 in Eura over Bastion to advance to the Ro16 themselves, and send La Nueva Avenida to the IFCF Challenger's Cup.

#5: Jinja City FC, grouped with Cazadores Cathair(AUD), Hondo FC(VAL), and Dury FC(PFA). Earned 10 points, 2nd place in group, reaches the Round of 16.

And now, for Jinja City FC! Alexander Bumba testing his mettle against some of the best that the IFCF has to offer. Hondo FC is familiar to Banijan clubs- all those years ago, we sold our first star player to Hondo FC, when the Vanorian club swiped Aaron Aiza. Cazadores Cathair and Dury FC rounded out the group. This was a group that Cazadores Cathair tore through. Like we've said- there's nothing like away form in the Champions League that will separate the contenders from the pretenders. You've got long, midweek flights, gotta adjust your body after you had a game three days ago, and you'll probably have another game 3 days in the future in your league.

And none of that proved a challenge for the Audioslavian club. They went 9 points from 9 in their three away games, scoring a combined five times and not conceding once. If you play three road games like that in this competition, you basically make it impossible for yourself to miss the knockout stages. And so, with Dury FC being way overmatched and losing all six games, it came down to Hondo FC and Jinja City. Both teams were similar. Both had the double over Dury FC. Both had home losses to Cazadores Cathair, and away scoring draws to the same team in Audioslavia. But how would they do against each other? The first game was at BCEL Stadium, where Jinja City FC won 3-1. The return group stage fixture was a 2-1 win for Hondo FC- but the head to head goal differential was enough to put the Black Mambas in the last 16. Could Bumba work his magic in club football's greatest competition?

IFCF Challenger's Cup
#1: Rülândeá Kôstä, grouped with KS Tapaklaboh(SDG), Tihon(CMT), and Aries Chariots(NPH). Earned 9 points, group winners, and reach the Round of 32.

Rülândeá Kôstä is a team that places an extremely high value on IFCF competition- more so than any team in Farfadillis. It's a risky play- getting drawn into a bad group could just permanently sink your chances at having a successful season, one where the bar is higher to clear domestically for success .And they drew a challenging group, with the Aries Chariots and Tihon running the show, alongside KS Tapaklobah entering the picture. But this turned into one of the tighest groups of death you've ever seen. Entering Matchday 6, all four teams still had a possibility of both winning the group, and finishing in last place.

The key for Rülândeá Kôstä was probably their visit to Tihon on Matchday 5, when they flew off to Chromatika and came home with 3-1 victory, and three points in the back pocket. Who else but Röémün Çídh stepping up for these special IFCF nights? Two goals in an absolutely hostile environment silenced the crowd in Chromatika, and after Tihon pulled one back, and Starblaydian veteran winger Sam Roshanak buried the decider. That meant Rülândeá Kôstä's 2-2 home draw with the Aries Chariots was enough to put the team on top of the group, and into the Challenger's Cup Round of 32.

#2 and #3: Avenida Leal and Istria City FC, grouped with Olympique de Rimouski(QUE) and Langtree United(MRC). Avenida Leal earn 9 points, finish in second, and reach the Round of 32. Istria City FC earn 8 points, finish in third, and are eliminated from IFCF competition.

11 teams in the group stages of these two competitions- and only one group had teams from both countries. And that group would be Group K of the IFCF Challenger's Cup. IT was an interesting run for Istria City FC. WE always said that road form is the general determinor of success in this competition, since those away games involve all that extra travel. You'd think earning 7 points from 9 possible in away games would lock you into the top two, right? And it would- only if you didn't bomb out at home. But that's exactly what Istria City FC did. While they were out there being road warriors, they couldn't lock down Kabonero III Field, only earning 1 point at home in this group stage, a 1-1 draw against Langtree United. May we remind you, the Mercedini club only earned one point the entire group stage- and it was that away draw in Istria.

Meanwhile, Avenida Leal did find their way out of this group. It was always the Quebecois club's group to win, as the Olympique de Rimouski earned a ridiculous 16 possible points out of 18. So there was no way Avenida Leal was going to take any points in Quebec. But their road form, combined with a home win over Langtree United, would be enough to get them through. 2-0 away win against Istria City, courtesy of goals by Nevaeh Cathar and Marcus Young. And, of course, a 3-2 road win against Langtree United, got Avenida Leal the 9 points they needed to advance to the knockout stages.

#4: Busukuma AC, grouped with Gunzlach(GRF), Sabrefell Athletic(NPH), and 1830 Cathair FC(AUD). Earned 9 points, finish in third, and are eliminated from IFCF competition.

Banija's capitol club in the IFCF Challenger's Cup, with what can only be described as a group of death. Sabrefell Athletic and 1830 Cathair? This could easily be mistaken for a Champions League group of death when you add Gunzlach to it- although maybe not with Busukuma AC in it. Anyways, it was one of the most stunning groups we've ever seen. Teams from three top 5 associations- and none of them finish atop. Gunzlach won the group emphatically, winning 4 games and drawing once from six opportunities. A legendary 4-1 win against Sabrefell Athletic at Lukwago Field wasn't enough, as Busukuma AC's 9 points were 1 behind Sabrefell Athletic's 10 points, which put the Nephara club in second place. And that put the Banijan capitol club out to pasture, eliminated from the Challenger's Cup.

#5: Mâ Âlâmëomë, grouped with Crystopolis City(CRY), Shearwater(KSK), and Royal Rumiatzi(ASG). Earned 6 points, last place in group, eliminated from IFCF competition.

At the halfway point, Mâ Âlâmëomë are having a mixed bag of the season. WHile they are tied for the fewest losses, with only two, they have a stunning 8 draws in league play. In league play, they are a draw machine. They weren't that in the Challenger's Cup... But they honestly wished they were. No draws to be found here- but replace those draws with losses. The team had a 1-0 home win against Royal Rumiatz, and a 1-0 road win against Shearwater. Otherwise, those close games turned into losses more often than not. 4 losses in six games is not going to cut it, especially in this unforgiving competition. Nothing like watching Crystopolis City tear you to shreds on your own field, while there's nothing you can do about it, eh? At least they've stopped getting draws.

#6: Hoima Warriors, grouped with Marinos Metropolis(VLD), Soldarian FC(VAL), and Catrallo Calcio(SOR). Earned 4 points, last place in group, eliminated from IFCF competition.

Hoima got here! And... That's pretty much what the Warriors can say for themselves. It is a good thing to get to this stage, and they earned automatic qualification to the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup with their league finish last year. And let's just say.. They should keep spending their energy on the league this year. A meaningless 3-0 win over Catrallo Calcio on the final matchday of the group stage didn't change the fact that this team got absolutely dominated. International proof that the Hoima Warriors are back to being a second class club, eh? It should be eye opening. They're going to have to make some significant squad investments if they want to do better next season.

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 20
La Querida 2-13 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Hawabark Boulders 3-2 Jinja City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-1 Herzegovina City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 3-6 Istria City FC
Prostran I Forzuda 0-7 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Principal 3-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Mynda Electra 1-1 Kitara AA
Busukuma AC 4-2 Dí Maozöxê
Ausharmuj Marusi 6-0 René Skaé
Avenida Leal 3-1 Hoima Warriors
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Round of 32, first Leg
Avenida Leal 0-1 FK Metropola Borograd (STL)
Burnaby SC (KSK) 1-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Eastal Lunar (VIL) 1-2 La Nueva Avenida
Herzegovina City FC 1-0 Gunzlach (GRF)

Jinja City are not gonna keep up their title challenge if they continue to play like that... that is the Boulders' second non-La-Querida win of the season. Orak Ermis, who scored a brace, was the hero of the night for the Boulders, who for now are managing to avoid relegation, as the Phoenix predictably lost in the Herzegovina City derby. They didn't go down without a fight, though! Drake's men went for the nil-nil draw from the get-go, and would've gotten away with it too, if it weren't for the meddling referee, who didn't like it when Dennis Lampshire elbowed Þórhallursson in the face, and thus gave the Trumpeteers the penalty they needed to break the lock.

At this point, with their Champions' League run still alive, it's probably safe to say Dí Maozöxê won't be retaining the title. It's clear the players' heads are somewhere else, and this loss against Busukuma confirms it. It's not that losing to Busukuma is a travesty—they have some good players, and an all-around average squad—but just by watching the Rulandese play you can tell they're just not really... up for it? Except for Xíxì Êns, of course, who seems dead set on going out with a bang. Alas, his brace was wasted by lôs Rébélés's defense, who shipped in four quite unnecessarily.

This was, by the way, a great matchday for La Nueva Avenida, who took care of business by thrashing Prostran I Forzuda, then got to watch René Skaé slip in their bid to snatch the top position from them. Slip is perhaps not the best term to use here, though. This is not a slip. This is a six-nil thrashing from a lower-mid table team featuring a couple of almost-forty-year-olds. Joe Green got what we think might've been his first hat-trick since his move here, while Joaquim Martell was the man of the match with his scintillating runs down the left flank, which probably made the Szoirsians realize just how fucked they'd be without Darijen Vesele, who was out with a hamstring injury. Safe to say his replacement won't be getting many more chances.

On the international side of things, things went pretty alright for the league overall. We're not really expecting Avenida Leal to do that well, so their loss at home against a Siovanijan and/or Teus team is expected. The two other Farf teams, however, will be going into the second leg with a huge advantage, after managing vital away wins. Aire Epherra was the hero of the night for tâ Kôstä. Three shots, three goals, baby. La Nueva Avenida beat Eastal Lunar thanks to their striker being similarly clinical: Horacio Bastanchury scored a brace from just two shots, which also happened to be the team's only two shots on target. Finally, the Trumpeteers managed a solid win against Gunzlach, but will be much less relaxed in the return leg.

MATCHDAY 21
Mâ Âlâmëómë 10-1 Hawabark Boulders
La Querida 2-3 Herzegovina Phoenix
Jinja City FC 5-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina City FC 5-0 Prostran I Forzuda
Istria City FC 3-0 Avenida Principal
La Nueva Avenida 6-0 Mynda Electra
Rülândéá Kôstä 3-1 Busukuma AC
Kitara AA 0-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Dí Maozöxê 0-1 Avenida Leal
René Skaé 4-1 Hoima Warriors
Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, Quarterfinals, first leg
Ponyville United (EQS) 0-0 Herzegovina City FC[/i]
Eastal Lunar (VIL) 3-2 Dí Maozöxê

Mâ Âlâmëómë will once again have an easy run of games, just as at the start of the season, so feel free to ignore the double-digit wins they've been putting up: the real tests will come later. Anyway: Herzegovina Phoenix manage a vital win at La Querida's stadium. Yes, a vital win, because they need every win they can get, and the three points looked anything but guaranteed throughout the match. Indeed, Pan Xilei and Anartz Salayeta both scored goals early on, and it actually took the Banijans a lot of effort to crawl their way back into the game. In the end, their quality (relative to La Querida's) showed through, but the fans were probably very scared for a while, there. Also, Pan Xilei could be seen crying at the end of the match.

All of the teams currently in the title race did what they had to do this matchday, so there isn't a lot to talk about. Jinja destroyed the Timberwolves, as Bøb Übermanager's tinkering proved to be his undoing (no, playing two defenders was not a brilliant move). There's a good chance, by the way, that when we look back, we think of Radeka Lind as the best signing of the season. Except she's a fullback, so who cares, I guess. Anyway: La Nueva Avenida continue to expertly take care of business, keeping a clean sheet and putting up 6+ goals for the third matchday in a row. Pickton's men are definitely the favorites to win the title at the moment. Elsewhere, René Skaé made the most of their home advantage, as the Warriors looked awfully tired next to their Szoirsian counterparts. The game played out like your typical hard-fought one-one draw, but the Banijans ran out of steam towards the end and, as has become commonplace, Vesele, Rauogba and Rigozsoldos ran riot.

Also, Kitara are probably out of the title race by now. This loss at home doesn't just leave them a whooping eleven points off the top, it also hints at the fact that they're just not playing well enough to keep up a title challenge even if they weren't eleven points off the top. That was a really nice bicycle kick from Eslejes Aljojí, though. Great stuff. Good goal. Anyway: Dí Maozöxê are in a very similar position. Much like Kitara, they look a tad too complacent. A loss at home to Avenida Leal? Acceptable, sure, could happen to everyone. Not chasing an equalizer, desperately? Much more worrying.

The AOCL quarterfinals were a bit of a mixed bag. The Trumpeteers managed to get a draw away from home, but they really should've won that game. They struggle a lot when Þórhallursson and Walcott go missing, and that was exactly what happened. Dí Maozöxê, meanwhile, lost on the road, but did manage to score two away goals, courtesy of Mensdóttir getting her first two goals of the season at just the right time. Those away goals could prove vital, provided they turn up for the second leg.

MATCHDAY 22
Herzegovina Phoenix 3-3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Busembe Timberwolves 2-4 Hawabark Boulders
Prostran I Forzuda 3-1 La Querida
Avenida Principal 1-3 Jinja City FC
Mynda Electra 1-6 Herzegovina City FC
Busukuma AC 1-0 Istria City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-3 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Leal 1-4 Rülândéá Kôstä
Hoima Warriors 1-1 Kitara AA
René Skaé 3-6 Dí Maozöxê
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Round of 32, second leg
FK Metropola Borograd (STL) 3-2 Avenida Leal (Avenida Leal advance 3-3 (1-2) on away goals to the Round of 16 of the IFCF Challenger's Cup)
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-2 Burnaby SC (KSK) (Rülândéá Kôstä advance 4-3 on aggregate to the Round of 16 of the IFCF Challenger's Cup)
La Nueva Avenida 1-3 Eastal Lunar (VIL) (Eastal Lunar win 4-3 on aggregate and eliminate La Nueva Avenida from the IFCF Challenger's Cup)
Gunzlach (GRF) 0-2 Herzegovina City FC (Herzegovina City advance 3-0 on aggregate to the Round of 16 of the IFCF Challenger's Cup)

Well... at this point it's safe to say Mâ Âlâmëómë will have to wait another year before winning the S-FPL. A draw against the Phoenix? Really? With La Nueva Avenida's win, this leaves them ten points off the top. more worryingly, however, they just drew with the Phoenix. They were the better team, sure, but they gave up the lead three times. After that howler by Ghillis for the final equalizer, one has to wonder whether Spartan will look towards the bench. The Brenecian has been an uninspired signing so far. Also, Basilisk saying she "can't do it all" in the post-match press conference probably won't be great for team harmony and whatnot. They've just crashed out of the Challenger's Cup, too. How many more chances will John Spartan get, having disappointed so much so far, and having perhaps lost the dressing room, too?

Anyway: the Phoenix's euphoria turned out to be somewhat short-lived, as the Boulders arguably one-upped them by getting the whole three points against the Timberwolves, and away from home to boot! The Timberwolves really have turned it up to eleven with the erratic performances this season. However, they've been tending more and more towards mediocrity lately. Elsewhere, René Skaé slip up against Dí Maozöxê, who for whatever reason decided that a match in the Szoirsian desert was the perfect time to start giving it their all. An astonishing performance from Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó leaves the Szoirsians in third place, and the title race is starting to look like a two-team affair: specifically, one that La Nueva Avenida look very, very likely to win.

International football was kind to the S-FPL this week. Avenida Leal somehow managed to score twice against the run of play, with two great free kicks by Marcus Young, somehow making it to the next round on away goals. Rülândéá Kôstä coasted through, but were uncharacteristically lethargic, considering international football is what they tend to focus on. La Nueva Avenida, who'd gotten the best first leg result, crashed out unceremoniously. They'd been lucky to get the previous win, though, so it wasn't entirely a surprise. This might prove to be a blessing in disguise, however: they will be focusing all of their efforts on the one front they care about the most, now. Finally, Herzegovina City took care of business on their visit to Græntfjall. Fittingly, it was Jason Þórhallursson that scored both goals for the Trumpeteers. He didn't celebrate, as Gunzlach's his ex-team and boyhood club. It was quite a night- old Þórhallursson Gunzlach jerseys everywhere, him clapping for the fans after the game, and even singing the praises of Gunzlach's culture and fans during the post-game presser. An emotional reunion as he powers his squad to the next round of the Challenger's Cup.

MATCHDAY 23
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-4 Prostran I Forzuda
Hawabark Boulders 1-2 Avenida Principal
La Querida 1-6 Mynda Electra
Jinja City FC 0-2 Busukuma AC
Herzegovina City FC 5-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Istria City FC 1-5 Avenida Leal
La Nueva Avenida 1-2 Hoima Warriors
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-0 René Skaé
Kitara AA 4-4 Dí Maozöxê
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Round of 16, first leg
Herzegovina City FC 1-0 Sabrefell Athletic (NPH)
FC Felsenkirchen 1879 (STL) 1-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Hondo FC (VAL) 4-1 Avenida Leal
]IFCF Champions' League, Round of 16, first leg
Jinja City FC 2-2 Partisan Sjoedrhavn (SVJ)
Dí Maozöxê 1-0 Wirr Tsi (CMT)
Langlois Océanic (KSK) 1-1 Kitara AA

Not a lot to write about here. The incident the media paid the most attention to was that Latona Basilisk got benched after her comments last matchday. Her replacement, Ôskâr Fôga, proceeded to miss three clear-cut chances in the first half, and got promptly subbed off for the Nepharan. Basilisk went on to score a hat-trick and set up Naqvi and Biró, possibly saving John Spartan's job in the process. Football can be like that sometimes. We think John Spartan will be much more forgiving of Basilisk's post-match press conference antics now. Speaking of those, yes, she did give another press conference. It went just about how you'd expect: "Turns out sometimes I can do it all." Never change, Latona.

The other interesting thing about this matchday is that both title contenders dropped points they shouldn't be dropping, but it wasn't exactly a travesty, either. The Warriors have been quintessentially mid-table so far this season, and a loss, even at home, to a team like that can, sometimes, happen. Busukuma have been similarly unremarkable, but slightly worse. Still, not a travesty losing to them, either. This makes things slightly more exciting, as it means René Skaé and Mâ Âlâmëómë are, perhaps, not entirely out of the title race. That said, Rülândéá Kôstä's beat down of René Skaé means things don't look that good for the Szoirsians. The Astograthians Muhaburu and Epherra have been combining fantastically lately. If they keep it up, they might surge up the table.

International football was, once again, ok-but-not-great. The Trumpeteers managed a solid home win against the Rams. Þórhallursson scored the lone goal, naturally. Losing away to Felsenkirchen is not unexpected for Rülândéá Kôstä, but being shut out will definitely prove problematic for the return leg. They're not out, but we wouldn't bet on them. Avenida Leal are definitely out, though. They didn't even look competitive.

Jinja City managed to blow a two-goal lead in their home match against Partisan Sjoedrhaven, so things are not looking good for them. Pakanen's silly mistake in the second goal will raise questions. Very sus. Dí Maozöxê managed to get a potentially vital home win against Wirr Tsi, who are on a much better run of form than them. Xíxì Êns was the player of the match, setting up Durbridge for the winner in the seventy-fifth minute. It's impressive how the man can still dribble past players at his age. Finally, Kitara managed a respectable away draw in their bid to retain the Champions' League. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine the faces of literally everyone else in the league? It would be hilarious.

MATCHDAY 24
Prostran I Forzuda 0-7 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Avenida Principal 4-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Mynda Electra 1-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
Busukuma AC 3-0 Hawabark Boulders
Ausharmuj Marusi 4-2 La Querida
Avenida Leal 2-6 Jinja City FC
Hoima Warriors 1-0 Herzegovina City FC
René Skaé 1-0 Istria City FC
Dí Maozöxê 1-3 La Nueva Avenida
Kitara AA 2-1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, Quarterfinals, second leg
Herzegovina City FC 0-1 Ponyville United (EQS). (Ponyville United advance 1-0 on aggregate and eliminate Herzegovina City from the competition)
Dí Maozöxê 1-0 Eastal Lunar (VIL). (Dí Maozöxê advance 3-3 (2-0) on away goals to the semifinals of the AOCL)

We've not been paying too much attention to it, but the Farf side of the relegation battle has been looking pretty interesting, at least assuming La Querida somehow manage to miraculously avoid relegation once again. Not like the second-worst team is guaranteed to get relegated, but they're more likely to, and Prostran I Forzuda and Avenida Principal are definitely playing with that in mind. After this matchday, they're both on 21 points, and the Kruviši hold the advantage... with -34 GD to Avenida Principal's -35. So, yeah, neck for neck. Avenida Principal looked great this weekend, but it's hard to take their performance seriously since the Timberwolves are the Timberwolves.

Elsewhere, all of the title contenders took care of business. Jinja City destroyed Avenida Leal, with Radeka Lind once again the woman of the match. René Skaé won a hard-fought game against Istria City. Home advantage once again proved vital: Eötrenois Rigozsoldos borderline inhuman ability to sprint at full speed in the dying minutes of a match played in forty-degree heat proved vital for the Szoirsians' late winner. La Nueva Avenida, meanwhile, managed a very solid win over the reigning champions. Duraniona and Fletcher were the stand-out performers, but their entire attack should be highlighted. They've really been clicking so far this season.

The Trumpeteers managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. With a last-minute penalty against Ponyville United, after having gone goalless for a hundred and eighty minutes, the Banijan team looked guaranteed to make it to the next round. Instead, the Equestrian goalkeeper stopped the penalty and the Banijans conceded on the counter. Disappointing. Dí Maozöxê did take care of business, however. Their two away goals did prove vital after all, as Xíxì Êns' free kick goal saw them through to the next round. So far, so good for the reigning champions on the international front.

MATCHDAY 25
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5-0 Avenida Principal
Prostran I Forzuda 1-3 Mynda Electra
Busembe Timberwolves 1-3 Busukuma AC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Hawabark Boulders 2-4 Avenida Leal
La Querida 1-6 Hoima Warriors
Jinja City FC 4-1 René Skaé
Herzegovina City FC 1-0 Dí Maozöxê
Istria City FC 4-1 Kitara AA
La Nueva Avenida 2-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Round of 16, second leg
Sabrefell Athletic (NPH) 0-1 Herzegovina City FC (Herzegovina City advance 2-0 on aggregate to the quarterfinals of the IFCF Challenger's Cup)
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-1 FC Felsenkirchen 1879 (FC Felsenkirchen 1879 win 2-0 on aggregate and eliminate Rülândéá Kôstä from IFCF competition)
Avenida Leal 0-1 Hondo FC (VAL) (Hondo FC win 5-1 on aggregate and eliminate Avenida Leal from IFCF competition)
IFCF Champions' League, Round of 16, second leg
Partisan Sjoedrhavn (SVJ) 3-2 Jinja City FC (Partisan Sjoedrhavn win 5-4 on aggregate and eliminate Jinja City from the IFCF Champions League)
Wirr Tsi (CMT) 1-2 Dí Maozöxê (Dí Maozöxê win 3-1 on aggregate and advance to the quarterfinals of the IFCF Champions' League)
Kitara AA 1-3 Langlois Océanic (KSK) (Langlois Océanic win 4-2 on aggregate and eliminate Kitara AA from the IFCF Champions' League)

Not a lot of super relevant matches in the league this weekend, but the two relevant matches were very relevant. We definitely have a title race! And René Skaé are not gonna be in it, probably. Jinja City continue to put the pressure on La Nueva Avenida, this time by smashing a helpless René Skaé team that was missing a key piece in Tulaki Rauogba. Madison McClain was the woman of the match, her clinical finishing on the day proving the difference. La Nueva Avenida dropped vital points at home, losing to a Rülândéá Kôstä side that really brought the game to them. The Farolerans shouldn't be too disheartened: it was an exciting game that could've gone either way, and it was plain to see that both teams brought their A-game. In the end, the Kang-Muhaburu-Xüwân midfield trio proved the difference, grabbing one goal each. Uncharacteristically for Epherra, he grabbed two assists in the process.

In other news: Dí Maozöxê, we know you're focusing on international football, but if you don't wake up, you're gonna miss out on the CL next season entirely... short of winning it this season. Reniira Clevinger scored her first goal for the Trumpeteers in their 1-0 win over the reigning champions, who now sit in... twelfth place. Damn.

Lots of international football this week, by the way! A bad week for the league, unfortunately. The Trumpeteers managed to beat the Rams on the road, too, this time thanks to a great long-range effort from Eamon Mullins. Rülândéá Kôstä fail to provide a challenge for Felsenkirchen, scoring zero goals over a hundred and eighty minutes. They will be made fun of by other Farves. They'll have to refocus their efforts on grabbing a CL spot for next season. Dí Maozöxê manage to beat Wirr Tsi away from home, in a game where Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó continued to cement his status as Farfadillis' next wonderkid. An impressive result against a team that has been having an impressive season. Also, Kitara are, rightfully, out. Every big Banijan team breathes a sigh of relief.

S-FPL Table after 25 Matchdays

S-FPL Standings           Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 La Nueva Avenida       25   18   1   6    93   38  +55    55
 2 Jinja City FC          25   17   2   6    71   37  +34    53
 3 Mâ Âlâmëómë            25   14   9   2    92   29  +63    51
 4 René Skaé              25   14   5   6    79   46  +33    47
 5 Herzegovina City FC    25   15   1   9    77   37  +40    46
 6 Rülândéá Kôstä         25   14   3   8    71   40  +31    45
 7 Hoima Warriors         25   13   5   7    53   36  +17    44
 8 Kitara AA              25   12   7   6    55   37  +18    43
 9 Istria City FC         25   12   6   7    72   46  +26    42
10 Busukuma AC            25   12   6   7    49   34  +15    42
11 Avenida Leal           25   12   4   9    68   54  +14    40
12 Dí Maozöxê             25   11   5   9    61   46  +15    38
13 Ausharmuj Marusi       25   11   3  11    51   51    0    36
14 Mynda Electra          25    8   4  13    42   66  −24    28
15 Busembe Timberwolves   25    7   4  14    35   72  −37    25
16 Prostran I Forzuda     25    6   3  16    37   73  −36    21
17 Avenida Principal      25    6   3  16    44   84  −40    21
18 Herzegovina Phoenix    25    3   6  16    21   66  −45    15
19 Hawabark Boulders      25    4   2  19    31   86  −55    14
20 La Querida             25    1   1  23    21  145 −124     4

Biggest Surprises of the Season

And just like that, this is no longer a young season. We sit with just one third of the season remaining. And while there is plenty of time for lots of movement across the table, the generally shape of the league table, and the races that will define the end of the season, are taking shape. And so, let's spit it out- what are the biggest surprises of the season so far?

#1 Is that Busukuma AC we see, right in the thick of the race for a berth in the Champions League?

Banija's biggest capitol club, naturally, has fallen on hard times in recent years. And honestly, that may not be the way to describe it. They've got the fewest league titles of any of Banija's traditional 'Super 5' clubs(Hoima Warriors, Herzegovina City FC, Busukuma AC, Jinja City FC, and Istria City FC), as well as Kitara AA simply passing them on the prestige level at this point. Would fans who started following in the last 10 years really think that Busukuma AC was supposed to be a big club, but Kitara AA wasn't? Fat chance.

But the climb back to where you want to be has to start somewhere, right? And who knows the domestic football scene better than Mark Grayson? He's got them right in the thick of the Champions League race, alongside the defending CL winners Kitara AA, and Istria City FC. They aren't playing spectacular, blitzing forward football- but they don't need to be. They're disciplined in the back, cut down angles in the center of the pitch, as Declan Mason and Kalle Bjørnsson try to reset expectations around this team towards new heights. We don't think this team has enough top-tier talent to actually finish in the top 8. But if they do, or if they're even close- will they open the checkbook this Summer to get back into the top 4?

#2 John Spartan's got Mâ Âlâmëómë on the right track- but can they show enough consistency to win the league?

It is hard to wrestle with exactly what Mâ Âlâmëómë are. Their run so far this season has matched their tenure in the first three years in this league. Excellent play, solid underlying advanced metrics, and yet... Sometimes the results follow, and sometimes they don't. Double-digit finishes in Seasons 1 and 3 have pushed frustration levels sky-high around the club, despite the club being in the race for the league title in Season 2 until the final day- although they lost the title to the Kitara Athletic Association of all teams. And let's look at this season. They won, what- 7 of 8 to start the season?

Then, back to frustrating mediocrity. 8 draws in 12 matches, enough to piss off fans of any team that fancies themselves as good enough to win the league- which is amplified when those fans are from Rülândéá. And then, now they're on pace again. Although that draw to the Herzegovina Phoenix was worrying by any means, 16 points from 18 possible is always a strong record. And look at the underlying statistics. They've actually got the best defense in the league! Only 29 goals conceded. And are one shy for most goals scored, at 92. That puts them at a ridiculous +63 goal differential through just 25 games. Of course, they pile it on against bad teams(beating Hawabark and La Querida on Matchdays 20 & 21 by a combined score of 23-3), but they're almost always dictating the terms.

So what's the surprise, then? The inconsistency? All the draws? The league's top defense? It's somewhat of a combination of all three. And yet, they sit just 4 points behind pace, with 13 games to go- a long freaking time. Can the biggest club in the Basin finally bring home their first Shango-Fogoa Premier League title?

#3 Dí Maozöxê's league form- the defending champions doing it all in international play, but not in league play

This is a team that has won two league titles in three seasons, powered forward by a dizzying area of attacking talent that is centered on and around Xíxì Êns. And with the #9 hitting the big 4-0 right before the season began, him slowing down would be expected. But the team slowing down all around him was not expected. Now, of course, they've got a lot of matches. The Atlantian Oceania Champions League, as well as the IFCF Champions League- it's not an easy slate for anybody. And they've kept their bargain in both of those competitions. They've advanced to the semifinals of the AOCL, as well as being the last S-FPL team standing in the IFCF Champions League.

For a team that just won a league title, and is making deep runs in two of club football's most prestigious competitions, the fact that they currently sit in 12th place in the final season of Xíxì Êns is an outright disappointment so far. Especially how their form has radically dropped off once the second half of the season has started. In their last six league games, they've only won once, drawn once, and lost four times. Of course, they've played 10 matches over the last six weeks, which is admittedly a tiring slate for anybody. All of the opponents have been top tier, all with CHampions League ambitions themselves. And they did beat René Skaé on the road. But this league has never been easy. Those kinds of stretches, picking up just 4 points from six games, have the ability to set you back drastically as it has for the defending champs- dropping down six places in six weeks because of that form.

#4 Jinja City FC in the thick of the title race? You betcha

When Jinja City brought back Alexander Bumba, the goals and ambitions were clear- get Jinja City further in this league than they had before. The twin engines of Vatan Ercetin and Xilit-Yazac Yol, while dominating for years, had run its course with both players aging. And now, in his second year at the club, with some key signings and meshing players together, he's built a squad that, so far, has shown itself good enough to win a league title. Madison McClain has been excellent up top, supported by the former Farf refugee Ülì Èsàsè. And the best part? Jinja City FC is a team that is not afraid to get after it.

71 goals at this point in the season is an excellent return, even as you see a couple of Farf teams far surpass that number. And they showed their ambition this past summer when they brought on a young Radeka Lind, for a club record fee of $14 million NSDs. Heike Schoß and Junior Ngoba are only improving every day in the new system. And just two points shy in what looks to still be a wide open title race, Black Mambas fans are saying- why not them? It seems as if they've got the top-level talent, the coaching, the aggression. And they've shown their ability to compete with the best of the best, not only in this league, but in the Champions League, where they not only successfully pushed through Qualifiers in the Summer, but also punched their way through the group stages to the Round of 16. With the bright lights shining upon them, will they wilt under the pressure- or is the best yet to come?

Xíxì Êns Retirement Gift ranking
1. Busukuma AC: 4 big bottles of wine, rumored to be valued at $300 NSDs each. Who doesn't like wine? Although we're unsure what kind of wine it is.
2. Jinja City FC: Country Club Membership + Golf Clubs- who wouldn't want to live the high life?
3. Kitara AA: A copper bust of his own head. A nice gesture, but maybe they didn't have to be cheap and could've made it out of bronze or something?
4: Herzegovina City FC: A surfboard with his body as the background, the picture taken from him celebrating the game winner in the World Cup 84 Final penalty shootout. But does he even like surfing? Could rank anywhere, but without knowing the answer to that question, that has to stay far down the list.
5. Busembe Timberwolves: Free Pizza for a year. Who the hell wants that much pizza? Does Fadron Pizza even operate in Farfadillis?

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 26
Mynda Electra 0-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Busukuma AC 1-1 Avenida Principal
Ausharmuj Marusi 3-1 Prostran I Forzuda
Avenida Leal 4-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Hoima Warriors 5-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
René Skaé 7-0 Hawabark Boulders
Dí Maozöxê 6-1 La Querida
Kitara AA 6-1 Jinja City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-4 Herzegovina City FC
La Nueva Avenida 1-0 Istria City FC
Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, Semifinal, first Leg
Dí Maozöxê 2-0 Ponyville United (EQS)

Dí Maozöxê reaching the AOCL semifinals! Their opponent will be the Equestrian representatives from the UHA, Ponvyille United. The Rülândéá Çölíséá, of course, was packed to the absolute brim, as 35,000 Rulandese wanted to see their team take one more step towards their second ever AOCL title. The Rülândéá Çölíséá was delighted on the day, of course, as the home team proved themselves worthy of their designation. Lots of games for Dí Maozöxê this season, having reached the semifinals of this competition and the quarterfinals of the IFCF Champions' League. Their form hasn't suffered yet: a goal from Lana Mensdóttir in the 25th minute, as well as a goal from Xíxì Êns off the bench in the 67th minute, were enough for a 2-0 home win. Denying Ponyville United the away goal, scoring two of their own... it's not over, but they've got to have one eye on Borograd now, right?

Anyways, back to the league. Mâ Âlâmëómë went to Electra Stadium and grinded out a 1-0 away win against the Foresters—er, villagers. John Spartan's men were dominant stastitically, completing four times as many passes as their hosts, putting seven shots on target to just one for Mynda Electra, and having 65% possession. But it was tough to find a way through, as Tore Delgado was having a day. Sometimes you need the unsung hero, right? Liam Sæthre, the Vanorian central midfielder, entered the game in the 78th minute, and scored with his first touch just two minutes later to score the game's lone goal. Industrious 3 points. They grinded out this win on a matchday that was filled with blowouts. 5 of the 10 games were decided by a margin of four goals or more. What was the most impressive?

Kitara AA's 6-1 win over Jinja City FC showed that, despite their elimination from the Champions League, they can still be a force to be reckoned with, even with the best this league has to offer. Nothing like the officials stopping the match because a bunch of Kitara AA fans threw hats onto the field after Kuznetsov completed his hat trick, right? The other blowouts were just overmatched visiting teams being overwhelmed. La Querida, the Boulders, the Timberwolves, the Phoenix—par for the course. The Rülândéá Kôstä vs Herzegovina City FC nightcap was a goalfest. Eight goals in the game, with nothing to split between the two sides, as each team scored four times. An even crazier ending. 88th minute, score 3-3. One of the weakest foul calls you've ever seen, as Pâb Ýuó barely grazed Habib Fadika, who went tumbling to the ground in the box. But the referee bought it, and with the VAR technology not working on the day, the penalty was given. Meghan Walcott obviously buried it. The Rülândéá Kôstä fans were on the verge of a riot until Erin Kang equalized at 90+7', the latest goal of the season.

MATCHDAY 27
Mâ Âlâmëómë 6-4 Busukuma AC
Mynda Electra 1-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Avenida Principal 3-3 Avenida Leal
Prostran I Forzuda 2-1 Hoima Warriors
Busembe Timberwolves 0-6 René Skaé
Herzegovina Phoenix 4-4 Dí Maozöxê
Hawabark Boulders 1-4 Kitara AA
La Querida 0-12 Rülândéá Kôstä
Jinja City FC 8-0 La Nueva Avenida
Herzegovina City FC 5-0 Istria City FC
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Quarterfinals, first leg
Herzegovina City FC 2-0 Colonial Sile (VIL)
IFCF Champions League, Quarterfinals, first leg
Dí Maozöxê 0-3 AFC Treason (NPH)

Who doesn't love good IFCF competition? First, we'll start with Wednesday's matchup: Dí Maozöxê having their home quarterfinal against AFC Treason. There was a massive surge of support for Dí Maozöxê, as they make a run in club football's most prestigious competition. Were they really here? Could they go even deeper than the quarterfinals here? The early returns, unfortunately, are no. Even at home, Dí Maozöxê came out flat, and AFC Treason dominated. Ali Faruq earned himself a red card in just the 11th minute, for what basically looked like a gridiron football tackle on Idai Uster. And it all went from bad to worse. Morgen Rosenblatt burned them, with the Cassadagan midfielder scoring a hat trick of her own in an utterly dominant performance. Meanwhile, on Thursday, in the Challenger's Cup, Herzegovina City FC played host to Colonial Sile. That home leg went much better than Dí Maozöxê's. Nothing like a Jason Þórhallursson brace in IFCF competition to get the blood pumping, eh?

And when we got to the weekend, well. Plenty of blowout results here. La Querida allowed a dozen goals, at home, to Rülândéá Kôstä. They were never going to win, of course, but allowing the dirty dozen is bad, even for them. It's only happened a couple of times this season. What's worse than that, though? No, there were no dead in the Avenida Leal match, but twelve different players scored for a heavily rotated Rülândéá Kôstä squad in this game. But here is the most shocking result: Jinja City FC and La Nueva Avenida are in the thick of a title race against one another. Meeting at BCEL Stadium, you'd think they'd have a showdown of epic proportions, right? Wrong. Jinja City FC sent shockwaves throughout the Basin and beyond, as they shredded La Nueva Avenida 8-0. A team that has been as good as La Nueva Avenida's been all year, losing by eight?. Stunning. What was the worst part about it? Agapeto Chayra's red card? Ezo Gicquel's own goal that made it 2-0 to Jinja City? Or was it the now ancient Xilit-Zaxac Yol (37 years old!) scoring an 88th-minute header off the bench to make it 8-0, while making the thumbs down signal directly to the visiting supporters section? Just all in all, a nightmarish day for Thjorgias Pickton and his men. Shades of Matchday 14, when René Skaé 7-1'd them at La Gran Avenida.

There were some other surprising blowouts. Istria City FC seems to get on the wrong side of blowouts quite frequently, even though they're good enough to play in the Champions' League. Alvin Burnsides' group is a strange outfit sometimes. Herzegovina City blew the doors off of them, with the 5-0 win featuring goals from both Zippy Doo and Madu Okparra off the bench. Prostran I Forzuda scored a big-time upset win over the Hoima Warriors, winning 2-1 at home. The antithesis of a win that you would expect from a Farf team. Two early goals from a bunch of attacking, and then... Defending for their lives? They were up 2-0 up 10 minutes in, and then packed it in. Do what you gotta do, eh? Kudos to them for getting the three points and not allowing the Warriors back into the game.

MATCHDAY 28
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Avenida Leal 1-1 Busukuma AC
Hoima Warriors 0-1 Mynda Electra
René Skaé 4-2 Avenida Principal
Dí Maozöxê 3-2 Prostran I Forzuda
Kitara AA 5-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Rülândéá Kôstä 6-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
La Nueva Avenida 4-1 Hawabark Boulders
Istria City FC 5-0 La Querida
Herzegovina City FC 0-1 Jinja City FC

The first time in 9 matchdays where there is not international play during the week! A nice way to skip the midweek games, and give players a full rest as we hit the 3/4 mark of the season. Less players running out of gas, as we've seen in recent matchdays, can be a good thing? Much more competitive games this weekend. Mâ Âlâmëómë grinded out another 1-0 win, as they seem to be making a climb back up the table, and their case for a league title. They can win all sorts of ways. Two weeks ago, grinded out a 1-0 win with a goal from an unsung hero off their bench. Last week, a massive goalfest, as they won 6-4 at home over an ambitious Busukuma AC. And this week? Another 1-0 road win, but this time the goal coming from an expected hero, a woman who has a legitimate case to call herself the best striker in the world right now- and her name is Latona Basilisk. The 52nd minute strike from the Nephara international was enough.

Busukuma AC earned a 1-1 draw with Avenida Leal on this matchday. And don't look now- but Busukuma AC is in the running for a Champions League berth? Mark Grayson has managed in Banija for a long time. He's a manager who has done a lot, and to take this Busukuma team to that competition would be nuts. The Kitara Athletic Association dominated their rivalry game with the Busembe Timberwolves, as they showed exactly how far they have come past their regional rivals in recent years. Little brothers no longer, eh? You know how much this rivalry means to these players when, after scoring the 5th goal in a blowout, captain Ronald Mickel takes off his shirt and throws it into a roaring crowd. "Decorum is for losers" Keira Anbient said after the game. "We know who the real little brother is in this region- and it's the Beta Wolves." Remember these comments when these two play next season. Can't get any worse for Busembe in this rivalry, can it? They've seen Kitara AA win the S-FPL and the Champions League, while they languish, simply peaking by avoiding relegation.

The other big game at the top of the table was the Sunday nightcap, as Herzegovina City took on Jinja City FC. These are two teams that do not like each other, even if they aren't main rivals. And considering Jinja City FC's 8-0 win last week, the question was- how would both teams turn out today? It was a tight, back and forth matchup. Very physical affair, as there were hard fouls on both sides. Cards brandished everywhere as the emotions threatened to spill over. Ishmael Rosesnstein earned himself a red card for a cracking tackle on Meghan Walcott in the 33rd minute, although the man advantage was cleared out just 8 minutes later, as Kayserling was sent off on his own. The referee had to warn both sides. Despite all this anger and animosity in the air, it would be Alexander Bumba's men that would keep their composure. Heike Schoß would score the lone goal for Jinja City FC, bending a free kick into the top corner in the 63rd minute to make the difference. The message was sent to Herzegovina City and the rest of the league- Jinja City were back. They here to stay. And there are 10 games left- and they believe they are good enough to stand here in 10 weeks, with a trophy in tow. Can they do so?

MATCHDAY 29
Mâ Âlâmëómë 2-0 Avenida Leal
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-1 Hoima Warriors
Busukuma AC 1-0 René Skaé
Mynda Electra 3-2 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Principal 2-3 Kitara AA
Prostran I Forzuda 1-2 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busembe Timberwolves 0-1 La Nueva Avenida
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-3 Istria City FC
Hawabark Boulders 1-4 Herzegovina City FC
La Querida 0-7 Jinja City FC
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Quarterfinals- Second Leg
Colonial Sile (VIL) 1-1 Herzegovina City FC (Herzegovina City advance 3-1 on aggregate to the semifinals of the IFCF Challenger's Cup)
IFCF Champions' League, Quarterfinals- Second Leg
AFC Treason (NPH) 1-3 Dí Maozöxê (AFC Treason win 4-3 on aggregate to eliminate Dí Maozöxê from IFCF competition)

A boring matchday at the top end of the table, as the three teams still in the title race faced mediocre opposition. Mâ Âlâmëómë had to face the least bad opponents in Avenida Leal, but playing at home with an in-form... Biró? Was more than enough. The Pasargan youngster had his best game wearing green and black, scoring the opener then assisting Naqvi to seal the game for the Rulandese team. La Nueva Avenida had to face the Timberwolves, who by now are decidedly Shit. Nonetheless, it took over seventy minutes for the only goal of the game to arrive, despite both teams playing fast-paced, attacking football. Thalassa Fletcher had to score the winner for the Farolerans after star striker Bastanchury just kept missing the chances she kept creating. Finally, Jinja City 7-0'd La Querida, which, naturally, means nothing.

The derby between Herzegovina City and Istria City was quite eventful. Neither team has been performing quite the way they'd like to, so it was the kind of match that could make the difference between a solid final position and an easy CL path and a mid-table position and maybe missing out on CL football altogether. The Trumpeteers were the favorites going into the match, as they have been playing a bit better and they were playing at home. Alas, it's hard to win when two of your players get sent off in the nineteenth minute. Very obvious red card for Þórhallursson for a very stupid tackle, and an even stupider red card for Mboob for protesting the very obvious red card. Huitema-Omeasoo and Voska Avetisyan ran wild after that, and the Trumpeteers were kind of lucky to come out of the game with "just" a 3-0 loss.

International football was much kinder to Herzegovina City, who managed to draw with Colonial Sile on the road and make use of their two-goal advantage from the first leg. An unremarkable match as far as we're concerned, but their fans probably prefer that to what happened to Dí Maozöxê: the Rulandese club and their Nepharan opponents definitely played out a very exciting game, but it featured them heroically coming back from a three-goal deficit only for Xíxì Êns to miss a clear-cut chance in the eighty-fifth minute, and for Treason to score the winner two minutes later. Xíxì Êns' last ever CL game proves every bit as heartbreaking as his last ever game with la Vherderoja.

MATCHDAY 30
Hoima Warriors 4-4 Mâ Âlâmëómë
René Skaé 1-0 Avenida Leal
Dí Maozöxê 0-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Kitara AA 3-1 Busukuma AC
Rülândéá Kôstä 2-0 Mynda Electra
La Nueva Avenida 7-1 Avenida Principal
Istria City FC 1-1 Prostran I Forzuda
Herzegovina City FC 3-2 Busembe Timberwolves
Jinja City FC 1-0 Herzegovina Phoenix
La Querida 4-1 Hawabark Boulders

We are turning the corner! Only 9 games left in the season. And starting with Mâ Âlâmëómë's visit to the Hoima Warriors. The two teams played a highly entertaining match at a packed Mavuto Field, as Warriors fans were hoping for an upset. It was truly a wild, back and forth kind of contest. You saw what you thuoght you saw early on, as Lukas Boldfont and Indigo Zap fired the Warriors ahead to a 2-0 lead in the first half hour, which is a lead they took into the half. But the second half was one of the most spectacular 45 minutes of football we've seen all season. In a 20 minute timespan, from the 53rd to 73rd minutes, Mâ Âlâmëómë turned the game on its head. Scoring four times in that 20 minute period, with Basilisk scoring a brace, while Naqvi and Keldoulis each scored once. Suddenly, it was 4-2. But the Warriors weren't down for the count, even as they were reeling. Even with all that momentum, the visiting back line simply... melting away. Chewbacca headed in a goal in the 82nd to make it 4-3, and then Isa Kujabi came off the bench for the late equalizer to make it 4-4. While a point all around was deserved, Mâ Âlâmëómë was frustrated they left two points on the field.

Could their rivals for title contention take advantage of it? La Nueva Avenida certainly did. They were always expected to win at home against Avenida Principal, but 7-1 is certainly an emphatic score, even considering the quality of opponent. With Bastanchury and Fletcher both grabbing braces, La Nueva Avenida is making a strong case that they should be considered title favorites. Dí Maozöxê's slide continues in league play, with their 1-0 home loss to a team that they should normally be better than, Ausharmuj Marusi. What made this even worse was the goal for the visitors came on an own goal by Dí Maozöxê's left back Éskïr Bêrndèvôî, who headed an absolutely atrocious effort at a clearance into the back of his own net. Istria City FC also had a particularly disappointing result, drawing Prostran I Forzuda 1-1 at home. Their normally clinical strike pair was particularly wasteful today, and the rest of the squad could not make up for it.

The Hawabark Boulders are probably entering the most crucial two weeks stretch of their season. Just 2 points behind the Herzegovina Phoenix in the table, they get La Querida on the road this week, and then travel to Phoenix Stadium next week. Three points for the Boulders would give them an advantage, and a win in Vdizi could be a potentially decisive knockout blow in the Banijan relegation race. You absolutely have to get three points against this La Querida side that are losers of 24 games in a row. Especially with the Phoenix tough 1-0 road loss to Jinja City FC.

But wait, what? They lost 4-1 to La Querida, in a game that was absolutely a must-win? Stunning. As anyone who follows this league knows, there's no excuse to lose to La Querida. Especially not when you're in a must-win situation. This was a golden opportunity pick up three points on the road, and move ahead of the Herzegovina Phoenix ahead of a massive game next week. And now, all the pressure is on the Boulders. If they can't even beat La Querida, do they deserve to stay up? But instead of playing a defensive game when they go North, next week, they'll have to open things up and really go for it to get all three points against the Phoenix. Can they do so, or does this loss doom them?

MATCHDAY 31
Mâ Âlâmëómë 4-2 René Skaé
Hoima Warriors 0-3 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Leal 1-1 Kitara AA
Ausharmuj Marusi 2-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busukuma AC 4-1 La Nueva Avenida
Mynda Electra 2-1 Istria City FC
Avenida Principal 1-4 Herzegovina City FC
Prostran I Forzuda 2-6 Jinja City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 4-2 La Querida
Herzegovina Phoenix 5-0 Hawabark Boulders
Atlantian Oceania Champions League Semifinals- Second Leg
Ponyville United (EQS) 1-4 Dí Maozöxê. (Dí Maozöxê advance 6-1 on aggregate to the 39th AOCL Final)

An important matchday all across the league table, that will have consequences on the end of the season! The first thing we'll talk about, however, is the second leg of the AOCL Semifinal. Of course, this year, the competition is so spaced out... five weeks between the first leg and the second leg of this competition! Dí Maozöxê's league struggles were irrelevant in this one, as they got away from them in Equestria. Trailing 2-0 while not scoring an away goal, Ponyville United would have to open up, take risks, and chase the tie in front of their home fans. And that's exactly where Dí Maozöxê wanted them. The S-FPL's defending champions shredded Ponyville United on the counter, going up 3-0 at halftime before winning the game by a score of 4-1, and the tie 6-1 on aggregate. Visiting fans partied throughout the night in Ponyville, as the match was confirmation that the last game Xíxì Êns would ever play for this club would be in an international final.

What about the league? Let's start with the Sunday nightcap, which featured the two teams in the Banijan relegation race: the Herzegovina Phoenix and the Hawabark Boulders. The Busembe Timberwolves continued to put distance between themselves and the two relegation zone contestants, as they had to earn three points at home against La Querida. The same La Querida team, of course, that beat the Hawabark Boulders. Going to Phoenix Stadium, considering the Boulders just got blown out by La Querida, many thought that they didn't stand a chance. And they were right. They tried to open things up, but Reinhard Drake's men were ready. Avramov scored twice while Coote, Kasaboski-Wilcox, and Daba Kuta all scored once for the 5 goal win. That 5-0 win puts the Phoenix 5-0 up on the Boulders, and considering the form of the Hawabark side, this relegation race has to be considered all but over, right? Hawabark manager Kiggwe Kabelo resigned immediately after the debacle, but that's gotta be too little, too late.

What about the title race? At this point, there are three teams who can legitimately be considered to be in the title race: Jinja City FC, Mâ Âlâmëómë, and La Nueva Avenida. Los Novanos came into the matchday in first place, as they've led for the lion's share of the season. But it would be Busukuma Athletic Club who would throw a wrench into their plans. Mark Grayson's men humbled the league leaders at home, with the announced attendance of just over 37,000 the highest attended match of the last three seasons for Busukuma. Wesoloski-Okafor starred, as the youngster, starting in place of a sick Cyper Baldeh (flu), bagged a brace as the capitol club chase a berth in the Champions' League. That loss opened an opportunity for La Nueva Avenida's chasers, and neither would let that chance slip. Mâ Âlâmëómë took all three points in a tough game against René Skaé, while Jinja City FC took all three points on the road in a 6-2 shellacking of Prostran I Forzuda. Don't look now, but that moved the Black Mambas into sole possesion of first place.

The table, of course, is as tight as ever. Just one point separates third place La Nueva Avenida from first place Jinja City FC, and the race for the league title promises to be a fight to the finish line for these three teams. Elsewhere, Mynda Electra notched an upset 2-1 victory over Istria City FC. Which was an important win—not for them, but for their league rivals. It means the effects of Busukuma's win can be fully realized, as they moved into a Champions' League spot. Dí Maozöxê, running with the confidence of making the final of the Atlantian Oceania Champions' League, ran riot at Mavuto Field, as wonderkid Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó starred in a 3-0 crushing victory for the defending league champions.

S-FPL Table after 31 Matchdays

S-FPL Standings          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Jinja City FC          31   22   2   7    95   45  +50    68
 2 Mâ Âlâmëómë            31   19  10   2   110   39  +71    67
 3 La Nueva Avenida       31   22   1   8   107   52  +55    67
 4 Herzegovina City FC    31   19   2  10    97   46  +51    59
 5 René Skaé              31   18   5   8    99   53  +46    59
 6 Kitara AA              31   17   8   6    77   43  +34    59
 7 Rülândéá Kôstä         31   18   4   9    97   47  +50    58
 8 Busukuma AC            31   14   8   9    61   46  +15    50
 9 Istria City FC         31   14   7  10    82   55  +27    49
10 Hoima Warriors         31   14   7  10    64   47  +17    49
11 Dí Maozöxê             31   14   6  11    79   57  +22    48
12 Ausharmuj Marusi       31   14   5  12    59   55   +4    47
13 Avenida Leal           31   13   7  11    77   62  +15    46
14 Mynda Electra          31   11   5  15    49   73  −24    38
15 Busembe Timberwolves   31    8   4  19    41   93  −52    28
16 Prostran I Forzuda     31    7   4  20    46   89  −43    25
17 Avenida Principal      31    6   5  20    54  106  −52    23
18 Herzegovina Phoenix    31    4   7  20    30   85  −55    19
19 Hawabark Boulders      31    4   2  25    35  114  −79    14
20 La Querida             31    2   1  28    28  180 −152     7

Games to Look Forward To

There are 7 games left, and we got entertaining races across the board. Especially at the top- wtih three teams within a single point of each other for the league title, that is almost guaranteed to be a fight to the photo finish between those teams. There's an exciting race for the last Banijan Champions League spot, with three teams within a single point of each other for that as well. And of course, the relegation race on both sides- if we assume that the La Querida squad finds a way to survive(as they alawys do), then Prostran I Forzuda and Avenida Prinicipal will want to find a way to not be the next worst team in the league. And although Hawabark is coachless and on its heels, 5 points in 7 matchdays is not impossible to overcome, if they improve their form(and quickly).

So what are the five biggest games left in the season? Not including the final day, that is.

#5 Matchday 32-Lâ Rülândéá Kâlâsïk- Dí Maozöxê v. Mâ Âlâmëómë

It may only mean a lot for one team in the table, as Mâ Âlâmëómë sit in the thick of the title race, while the defending champions, Dí Maozöxê, lie far, far away from it. But as always with rivalries, there's more than what immediately meets the eye. Mâ Âlâmëómë were in crisis for much of last season, finishing far below their potential at 10th place in the league. But what did they do on the Final Day of the season? Their crosstown(well, not even that- they share a stadium) rivals, Dí Maozöxê, lost on the Final Day and needed Herzegovina City to lose to win the title, who was there for the rescue? None other than Mâ Âlâmëómë. Latona Basilisk was signed to bring titles to Lìbêrêtê, and she did, in a way, with her hat trick delivering the league to the last team they'd want to deliver it to.

And as Farf rivalries are normally violent, that took this one up to the next level. There wasn't much between them in the first half of the season, when they played out a 1-1 draw. But now, a rematch. It is Mâ Âlâmëómë who are in the running for a title now. Can Xíxì Êns make a dent in his local rival's title hopes on this matchday? Or will Mâ Âlâmëómë win emphatically over their rivals as their focus fully turns to winning the league?

#4 Matchday 33- Hoima Warriors v. Istria City FC

Just take a look at the race for that last Champions League place. Not many expected it, but it is seriously close. Busukuma AC sitting there with 50 points, while Istria City and the Hoima Warriors both sit one point behind, with 49 points. And we all know the massive difference between making the Champions League and making the Challenger's Cup. It's about perception. It's about the ability to eventually launch yourself further up the table. The ability to make those top tier signings to challenge for a league title, comes from your ability to make the Champions League.

Only one team can get that last spot. And with the game played at Mavuto Field, the home of the Warriors, expect a packed house and an entertaining matchup. It is Istria City FC, who are rightfully favored in the race and in this match. That strike pair of Kate Huitema-Omeasoo and Voska Avetisyan simply has to be too much for anybody to handle. By all accounts, Hoima shouldn't be challenging for a Champions League berth. But if they can beat Istria City and actually get one? Then we'll have to start asking questions of the league's remaining Cosumarite manager, Alvin Burnsides.

#3 Matchday 36- Herzegovina City v. La Nueva Avenida

Two teams towards the top of the table. This, of course, should be an absolutely sizzling matchup. La Nueva Avenida is right at the center of the chase for a league title. And while Herzegovina City presently sit in fourth, they are 9 points off the pace set by Jinja City FC. And with just 7 games left, that's probably too much of a gap to be able to realistically make up at this point in time. But whenever two top 4 teams clash late in the season, it is always going to be entertaining. We know what La Nueva Avenida are aiming for. And all the way at Matchday 36, Los Novanos will be looking for wins. Very little time, at that point in the season, to leave it for later on in a season.

The Trumpeteers, on the other hand, want to finish fourth. Why? If you finish top 4, you will earn a direct berth in the group stages of the Champions League. But if you're 5-8, you've got to go through the Qualifying rounds. And Kitara AA, the defending CL winners, also have 59 points. So it'll be a big game for the goals of both teams. Expect an absolutely packed house at Star Field, with visiting fans coming in large numbers while home fans fill the stadium in large numbers as well. In a showcase between two of the most talented teams in the league, which side will triumph?

#2 Matchday 37- Istria City v. Jinja City FC

Battle of the Cities. While, of course, they are not listed rivals, there isn't exactly lots of love between Istria City and Jinja City. Coastal v. Inland. The largest and second largest cities in the country. And, of course- stakes for both teams. Jinja City FC currently hold a slim one point lead at the top of the table over their title-chasing rivals. Who knows what the table will look like once we reach Matchday 37? It's honestly just too hard to say. But expect Istria City to be in a streetfight to qualify for the Champions League, while Jinja City FC are up there, fighting to win the damned league.

Kabonero III Field is going to be packed. And the decibel levels are going to be through the absolute roof. A draw, depending on exactly how tight things are by Matchday 37, could honestly be disastrous for both teams. They will both try to throw everything forward in an attempt to earn all three points, which will ensure that they are able to accomplish their goals. That's the type of game that has instant classic written all over it.

#1 Matchday 35- Mâ Âlâmëómë v. La Nueva Avenida

This wasn't really all that close. And for obvious reasons! It's a matchup between two of the league's three remaining title contenders. Mâ Âlâmëómë v. La Nueva Avenida. And while it is that, it is also much more than that. These are the two biggest teams in Farfadillis. These are historical sporting rivals, hailing from different parts of the country, yet having a long history competing against each other for titles. This is the first time in the short history of the S-FPL where the rivalry is being seen with exactly this much exposure. And considering where this game is taking place, expect flares and violence everywhere when the La Nueva Avenida bus rolls into town.

If the team that wins this game goes onto win the league? It's a game that'll go down in the winning club's history for a long time. When your rivalry is played this late in the season, with these kind of championship stakes sitting in the balance- well, that speaks for itself, doesn't it?

Xíxì Êns Retirement Gift ranking
1. Busukuma AC: 4 big bottles of wine, rumored to be valued at $300 NSDs each. Who doesn't like wine? Although we're unsure what kind of wine it is.
2. Jinja City FC: Country Club Membership + Golf Clubs- who wouldn't want to live the high life?
3. Mynda Electra: Custom made playing boots painted in Farfadillis colors. One shoe has a picture of him lifting the World Cup 84 trophy, the other has a photo of him from his first ever professional match.
4. Kitara AA: A copper bust of his own head. A nice gesture, but maybe they didn't have to be cheap and could've made it out of bronze or something?
5. Hoima Warriors: Former Hoima player and NT star Gitonga Kahara presents Xíxì Êns with a glass carving of Xíxì Êns that has angel wings on it
6. Herzegovina Phoenix: A personalized electric guitar, with a picture of him scoring his first S-FPL goal. His back is shown on the front of the guitar, while his face is shown on the back of it. It's a cool gift, but- does he even like guitars?
7: Herzegovina City FC: A surfboard with his body as the background, the picture taken from him celebrating the game winner in the World Cup 84 Final penalty shootout. But does he even like surfing? Could rank anywhere, but without knowing the answer to that question, that has to stay far down the list.
8. Busembe Timberwolves: Free Pizza for a year. This dude's rich- why the hell would he want that much pizza? Does Fadron Pizza even operate in Farfadillis?

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

MATCHDAY 32
Dí Maozöxê 1-4 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Kitara AA 1-0 René Skaé
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-0 Hoima Warriors
La Nueva Avenida 2-0 Avenida Leal
Istria City FC 4-0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Herzegovina City FC 4-1 Busukuma AC
Jinja City FC 6-5 Mynda Electra
La Querida 0-8 Avenida Principal
Hawabark Boulders 4-1 Prostran I Forzuda
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-2 Busembe Timberwolves

Perfect time for lâ Rülândéá Kâlâsïk! With only seven matchdays left and Mâ Âlâmëómë in the title race, Dí Maozöxê were probably itching to take their rivals down a notch. Playing at the ground that both teams share—the Rülândéá Çölíséá—both teams packed the stadium to the brim. Fan violence abounded and there were a few dead, but things turned out alright all in all. Huge success. Not for Dí Maozöxê fans, of course, even though fewer of them died, but still. Anyway: this was, also, Xíxì Êns last-ever Kâlâsïk, and he started it with a bang: a beautiful curled shot from the edge of the box that hit he right post and went in. Nothing Ghillis could've done there. Unfortunately, he continued the game with a bang: he, apparently accidentally, elbowed Alarabi Labeaga in the face. The Astograthian cried bloody murder, even though it really hadn't been that bad. Xíxì got sent off, and Dí Maozöxê's attack ground to a halt. Over the following forty minutes, lôs Vhêrdês utterly dominated. Çí Xôrí equalized with a fantastic long-range shot, then set up Basilisk twice with incisive through passes. Finally, Fejzuli sealed the deal with a solid header off of a Naqvi corner kick.

The Farf side of the race for CL spots seems mostly settled, but the eighth CL spot is very much up for grabs. This was a great matchday for Istria City: they smashed Ausharmuj Marusi, while all three of their rivals for CL spots lost their respective games. In the Warriors case, it as in particularly heartbreaking fashion, as they missed an open net in the eighty-eighth minute and got scored on by Aire Epherra in the ninety-fifth minute. The Astograthian's celebration was emphatically not humble, and only added insult to injury.

Elsewhere, La Nueva Avenida keep up the pressure on Jinja City with a tidy victory in an all-Avenida match-up. Chastain and Horvath were the unlikely goalscorers, the former scoring from a rebound after a corner, and the latter scoring after an uncharacteristically adventurous attempt on goal from very, very far. The league leaders, meanwhile, had one huge scare facing the usually unremarkable-except-for-their-unremarkability Mynda Electra. The away team managed to finish the first half four-one ahead, courtesy of a Cathal Turner hat-trick, but the Black Mambas showed what they're made of by turning things around inside twenty minutes: Èsàsè, Lind, McClain and Schoß scored in quick succession, with all of the goals coming from great team play. For twenty minutes, Jinja City looked like the best team in the Multiverse. Junior Ngoba scored the sixth in the eightieth minute. Mynda pulled one back, but by then it was too late.

At the other end of the table, we had both the Boulders and the Phoenix getting points! That's probably a first. The Boulders even managed to thrash their opposition! Which admittedly was "just" Prostran I Forzuda, but it still counts for something. If they can keep up this form, there's a chance they'll stay afloat. The same can be said about the Phoenix, though: drawing with the Timberwolves, even though they've been mediocre, is surely a good sign for the lesser Herzegovina outfit.

MATCHDAY 33
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3-2 Kitara AA
Dí Maozöxê 0-4 Rülândéá Kôstä
René Skaé 1-1 La Nueva Avenida
Hoima Warriors 1-2 Istria City FC
Avenida Leal 1-1 Herzegovina City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 1-2 Jinja City FC
Busukuma AC 4-1 La Querida
Mynda Electra 2-1 Hawabark Boulders
Avenida Principal 3-3 Herzegovina Phoenix
Prostran I Forzuda 5-1 Busembe Timberwolves
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Semifinals, first leg
Norrion Rovers (EFL) 3-5 Herzegovina City FC

La Nueva Avenida slip up! A forgivable game to slip up in—René Skaé away is pretty much everyone's most hated fixture—but a slip up is a slip up. Horacio Bastanchury's early goal made it look like they'd maybe come away with the three points, but a great run down the flank by Vesele ended in Rigozsoldos heading home with just seven minutes to go. There's still five matches left, and Jinja City and Mâ Âlâmëómë don't have particularly forgiving fixtures ahead of them, so anything can happen, but this complicates things enormously for the Farolerans.

Mâ Âlâmëómë secured a vital win against the—may we remind you—reigning champions of the Multiverse, Kitara AA. Things got off to a great start for the Rulandese team, with Lavanya Naqvi scoring just ten minutes into the game after a great flicked pass by Fletcher. What's more, her goal was followed by another, this time scored by Tahir Fejzuli with a precise shot form the edge of the box. Towards the end of the first half, Basilisk got in on the fun with a scrappy goal which, nonetheless, counted as much as any other goal. Kitara fought back in the second half: Mickel pulled one back just five minutes in, and a great individual goal from Kuznetsov gave the Rulandese a scare, but the Kitarans were clearly lacking motivation: they don't have much to play for at this point, and are still riding the high from last season. Perhaps owing to that, Mâ Âlâmëómë got all three points.

Jinja City had much less trouble than their counterparts, even though they ended up winning by one goal: McClain and Èsàsè scored one each in the first half, and de Sájajo's goal came only in the ninety-third minute, when the game had already been wrapped up. At the bottom of the table, the Phoenix secure a potentially vital point, away at Avenida Principal's.

Istria City got a vital away win against direct competitors Hoima Warriors courtesy of, yes, a Kate Huitema-Omeasoo brace. Busukuma are breathing down their necks, and there's still five matchdays to go, but one would have to bet on them to get the fourth Banijan CL spot.

Also, the Trumpeteers have a foot in the Challenger's Cup final! A fantastic 5-3 win against the Norrion Rovers, away from home, will likely be enough to see them through. The heroine of the night was none other than Meghan Walcott, scoring an early brace which left her team on the driver's seat. With the Rovers exposed at the back, Þórhallursson proceeded to run riot.

MATCHDAY 34
Rülândéá Kôstä 1-6 Mâ Âlâmëómë
La Nueva Avenida 1-0 Kitara AA
Istria City FC 6-0 Dí Maozöxê
Herzegovina City FC 3-0 René Skaé
Jinja City FC 2-3 Hoima Warriors
La Querida 0-0 Avenida Leal
Hawabark Boulders 0-1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-1 Busukuma AC
Busembe Timberwolves 2-2 Mynda Electra
Prostran I Forzuda 4-1 Avenida Principal

-                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë            34   22  10   2   123   43  +80    76
 2 La Nueva Avenida       34   24   2   8   111   53  +58    74
 3 Jinja City FC          34   24   2   8   105   54  +51    74

This title race is going down to the wire! Jinja City have slipped up, leaving Mâ Âlâmëómë at the top, only two points ahead of the Banijans and the Farolerans. Perhaps a bit cruelly, it was signing-of-the-season Radeka Lind that was to blame for the Warriors late-ish winner, as her backpass to Iiro Pakanen was intercepted by fellow Nepharan Lukas Boldfont, who promptly smashed it into the goal, top bins and all.

La Nueva Avenida managed to recover from last matchday's draw by scraping by against Kitara, playing at home. It wasn't pretty, yes, but three points are three points, no matter how you slice it, specially this late into the season. Soter Duraniona's curling effort might very well be remembered as a pivotal point in La Nueva Avenida's first-ever S-FPL title! Again, much like their Rulandese competitors, the Farolerans might've benefitted from the Kitarans lack of drive here.

As for Mâ Âlâmëómë, they destroyed their fellow countrymen. They've been quite erratic with their performances, but on the whole might very well be looking like the favorites at the moment. Röémün Çídh's early wondergoal (brilliant volley!) was not a problem for the men in black and green, as Latona Basilisk continued her scoring frenzy by equalizing just two minutes later, after a great assist from Tahir Fejzuli. Just twenty minutes later, Keldoulis and Biró had scored from counterattacks. The Rulandese giants dismantled Rülândéá Kôstä's defense completely in the second half, earning centerback Alarabi Labeaga an unlikely brace in the process.

Also, La Querida managed to shut out Avenida Leal! As a result, there were seventy dead. No match featured seventy goals, though, if you were wondering. The Phoenix get another point, and by now it's pretty much over for the Boulders, who went down fighting against Ausharmuj Marusi, but fell victim to an Oskar Holsteiner header after a de Sájajo cross, as if we were in an early-80s World Cup.

MATCHDAY 35
Mâ Âlâmëómë 2-1 La Nueva Avenida
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-0 Istria City FC
Kitara AA 1-2 Herzegovina City FC
Dí Maozöxê 2-0 Jinja City FC
René Skaé 7-1 La Querida
Hoima Warriors 6-0 Hawabark Boulders
Avenida Leal 3-3 Herzegovina Phoenix
Ausharmuj Marusi 6-0 Busembe Timberwolves
Busukuma AC 2-2 Prostran I Forzuda
Mynda Electra 1-0 Avenida Principal

-                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë            35   23  10   2   125   44  +81    79
 2 La Nueva Avenida       35   24   2   9   112   55  +57    74
 3 Jinja City FC          35   24   2   9   105   56  +49    74

The drama! THE DRAMA! So much to unpack here! First off: remember how Mâ Âlâmëómë gifted the title to Dí Maozöxê last season, with nothing to play for? Dí Maozöxê might very well have returned the favor here. Featuring a somewhat rotated squad, lôs Rébélés bizarrely had little difficulty making short work of the Banijan title contenders. Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó—by now arguably Farfadillis' brightest young prospect—scored a brace that probably won't endear him to his team's fans, but they'll have to bite their tongue and put up with it. If anyone else had done this, though, they could've very well ended up dead.

Ok, so, with that out of the way, let's talk about the match between Mâ Âlâmëómë and La Nueva Avenida. The Rülândéá Çölíséá was, once again, packed to the brim. Mild-to-not-so-mild fires started at different points of the day, with more frequency as the match approached, throughout Farolera and Ruland. Fans engaged in, yes, violence. But the show was all inside the pitch: Just five minutes in, a controversial penalty was given to the home side, after a potentially very blatant dive from their star striker, Latona Basilisk. No VAR in Ruland, remember. The copper from the cables gets continually stolen. Vyacheslav Khavarin, the Savojar-turned-Farf lashed out in frustration, the pressure from the title race clearly getting to the man. He proceeded to punch the Nepharan in the jaw. Remarkably, he managed to break her jaw. She'll be out for four to six weeks, aka the rest of the season. The referee, initially believing the two-meter tall behemoth's swing to have been an accident, only handed out a yellow card. This angered Basilisk's fellow countryman, Dimitri Keldoullis, who promptly got sent off for being too disrespectful to the refere. Tahir Fejzuli converted the penalty.

It was a conflicting position for Mâ Âlâméómë to be in: up by one goal, star striker injured, one man down, eighty minutes to go. The red card did not slow them down, though: throughout the first half, they still looked like the better team. Horacio Bastanchury barely even managed one shot on target, and it didn't trouble Ghillis. However, football can be funny sometimes, and Agapeto Chayra would equalize with a header off a corner kick in the final minute of the first half. Flipping off the fans proved a poor decision, however, earning him his second yellow card and an early shower. This was just what Mâ Âlâmëómë needed to dominate the game completely, now no longer at a numerical disadvantage. Eventually, after peppering the Farolerans for about thirty minutes, a great run down the flank by Astrik Biró was followed by a great cross which was tidily slotted in by... Vyacheslav Khavarin. A calamitous own goal for the centerback. The Farolerans did not recover. If this game ends up being the difference between the two teams, expect Mâ Âlâmëómë fans to rub it in for a long, long, long time.

None of the other matches matter too much at this point but, in case you care, Istria City will probably snatch that final CL spot. They've got a four-point advantage with three matchdays to go, and their competition has generally looked very meh.

MATCHDAY 36
Istria City FC 2-1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Herzegovina City FC 1-4 La Nueva Avenida
Jinja City FC 0-3 Rülândéá Kôstä
La Querida 0-6 Kitara AA
Hawabark Boulders 0-4 Dí Maozöxê
Herzegovina Phoenix 0-6 René Skaé
Busembe Timberwolves 0-4 Hoima Warriors
Prostran I Forzuda 0-1 Avenida Leal
Avenida Principal 3-6 Ausharmuj Marusi
Mynda Electra 2-3 Busukuma AC
IFCF Challenger's Cup, Semifinals, second leg
Herzegovina City FC 1-1 Norrion Rovers (EFL) (Herzegovina City advances 6-4 on aggregate to the IFCF Challenger's Cup Final)

-                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë            36   23  10   3   126   46  +80    79
 2 La Nueva Avenida       36   25   2   9   116   56  +60    77
 3 Jinja City FC          36   24   2  10   105   59  +46    74

Kate Huitema-Omeasoo keeps things interesting for us by scoring two brilliant individual goals. Fekati Abdi's age showed in her first goal. She left him flat on his ass twice in the same play. For the second goal, neither Labeaga nor Coffey were good enough to stop her from dribbling her way into the box and placing the shot beyond Ghillis' reach. This all happened in the first half, though. Mâ Âlâmëómë did like so many other times this season and started looking absolutely terrifying the moment they needed to claw their way back into the game. Unfortunately for them, for once it was not enough. Ôskâr Fôga is not Latina Basilisk, and he was particularly wasteful this time around.

However, even though we do still have a title race, it's safe to say Jinja City are not in it anymore. Unless La Nueva Avenida beat Mâ Âlâmëómë next matchday, and then both teams lose in the final matchday, and they win both games left, they're not winning the title. A rather unceremonious end to their title race, too: at home, against a Rülândéá Kôstä side with little to play for, they were unable to contain the Rulandese team's midfield, which ran riot as it often does when they click and Muhaburu is match fit. Röémün Çídh was the one to kill Jinja City fan's dreams, netting himself a true number nine's hat-trick: three tap-ins. Jinja City will hopefully learn their lesson from this season: if you're in a title race, don't lose three fucking games in a row.

This was all great news for La Nueva Avenida, who did what they had to do, and in style. They thrashed the Trumpeteers on the road. Their attack clicked like few others have this season, with Fletcher, Duraniona, Thanh Hoàng and Bastanchury toying with the Banijan team's defense throughout the game. Honestly, the final result could've been even more lopsided. They know their destiny's not on their hands, but Mâ Âlâmëómë still have to face Herzegovina City and Jinja City (oof, Jinja, if only you'd beaten Rülândéá Kôstä!), and La Nueva Avenida are really putting on the pressure. What's more, they have to face La Querida and Herzegovina Phoenix... so, even though Mâ Âlâmëómë only depend on themselves, you might want to bet on the Farolerans instead.

As a sidenote, Istria City's win over Mâ Âlâmëómë pretty much means there's only the title race to care about now. No real race for IFCF spots, and the Boulders, while not mathematically relegated, need a miracle bigger than La Querida's usual miracles.

Herzegovina City become the second S-FPL team to reach an international final this season, their first leg away win having given them enough breathing room to not sweat too much, even though they conceded just five minutes into the match. Þórhallursson scored the equalizer just ten minutes later. It's important to have a good goalscorer when your team could be about to let the pressure next to them.

MATCHDAY 37
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1-1 Herzegovina City FC
Istria City FC 2-2 Jinja City FC
La Nueva Avenida 13-0 La Querida
Rülândéá Kôstä 4-0 Hawabark Boulders
Kitara AA 3-2 Herzegovina Phoenix
Dí Maozöxê 1-3 Busembe Timberwolves
René Skaé 4-0 Prostran I Forzuda
Hoima Warriors 3-0 Avenida Principal
Avenida Leal 1-0 Mynda Electra
Ausharmuj Marusi 0-4 Busukuma AC

-                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë            37   23  11   3   127   47  +80    80
 2 La Nueva Avenida       37   26   2   9   129   56  +73    80

What is it I spy there? Is it a last fucking minute equalizer from Jason 'Absolute Chad' Þórhallursson to give us an exciting final matchday? He even elbowed Labeaga in the face before heading the ball! No VAR in Ruland, baby. Mâ Âlâmëómë are really struggling with their offensive output without Latona Basilisk. They've got a seven-goal advantage over La Nueva Avenida on GD, so all they need is a win against away at Jinja City on the final matchday. It's a tough ask!

Fortunately for them, however, Jinja City are now officially out of the title race. No ifs or buts. Can't really fault them for a draw against Istria City on the road. Really, it's the previous three matchdays that did them in. That said, Pakanen probably didn't have to pass the ball to Avetisyan there. That was a massive fuck up. Still, they were never making up their GD difference with Mâ Âlâmëómë—which is so massive it's probably fair they're no longer in the title race—so it's not like the Savojar goalkeeper's comical mistake mattered in the end.

La Nueva Avenida also had to make up for a massive difference in GD, and they... sort of did? They put 13 past La Querida, and are now "only" seven goals behind Mâ Âlâmëómë. Considering they're facing the Phoenix in the last matchday... it's not entirely impossible for them to win the league on GD. Their tactic for running up the score against La Querida was interesting: besides scoring whenever the opportunity presented itself, they seemed to specifically target Pan Xilei, trying their hardest to dribble past her, one-two her, foul her, etc. The young midfielder eventually snapped, got sent off, and La Nueva Avenida scored eight more goals.

Also, Farfadillis' greatest ever player and his partner in crime for the national team have both played their final home games for their respective teams. Xíxì Êns' send-off was... a three-one loss to the Timberwolves, in which he at least scored a goal. Holsteiner's send-off was even worse: Busukuma mercilessly put four past them, and he didn't even have a sniff at goal. Ah, well.

Also, the Boulders are officially relegated. Conceding 132 goals in 37 games will do that to you*.

*: if you're not La Querida.

The penultimate league table

S-FPL Standings           Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë            37   23  11   3   127   47  +80    80
 2 La Nueva Avenida       37   26   2   9   129   56  +73    80
 3 Jinja City FC          37   24   3  10   107   61  +46    75
 4 Rülândéá Kôstä         37   22   5  10   110   53  +57    71
 5 Herzegovina City FC    37   22   4  11   109   54  +55    70
 6 René Skaé              37   21   6  10   117   59  +58    69
 7 Kitara AA              37   20   8   9    90   51  +39    68
 8 Istria City FC         37   18   9  10    98   59  +39    63
 9 Hoima Warriors         37   18   7  12    81   52  +29    61
10 Busukuma AC            37   17  10  10    76   56  +20    61
11 Ausharmuj Marusi       37   17   5  15    73   68   +5    56
12 Avenida Leal           37   15  10  12    83   68  +15    55
13 Dí Maozöxê             37   16   6  15    87   74  +13    54
14 Mynda Electra          37   13   6  18    61   86  −25    45
15 Busembe Timberwolves   37    9   6  22    49  113  −64    33
16 Prostran I Forzuda     37    9   5  23    58  102  −44    32
17 Avenida Principal      37    7   6  24    69  123  −54    27
18 Herzegovina Phoenix    37    4  11  22    41  103  −62    23
19 Hawabark Boulders      37    5   2  30    40  132  −92    17 - Relegated
20 La Querida             37    2   2  33    30  218 −188     8

The storylines that will dominate the Final Day

There are plenty of teams, managers, and players with a lot at stake coming up to the Final day of the season. Who's got the highest stakes? Who's got the most to play for- and who is already looking at Summer vacation? And it comes from both ends to- the most to play for in a good way, as this would be a serious accomplishment, or the most to play for in a bad way- aka, they could get fired or dropped. Without further ado!

#3 Kitara Athletic Association- can they keep this team together?

There's nothing that pisses off the big clubs in this league, especially the big Banijan clubs, like Kitara AA's recent success. League champions? Yup. Roll that into being the first Basin club to ever win the Champions League? Also yup. I don't think it's possible to say enough about Aleksandr Ivanovich and the job that he's done at the Kitara Athletic Association. He had a lot of talent at his disposal, and a commitment to win from across the board- and boy, he took it and ran with it. The goal when hiring him was to make them regular contenders for the league title, but to be crowned champions of the multiverse- well, that was stunning.

But can Kitara AA stay together? THey will have a tough chance to do so. Ronald Mickel, the man who still holds the Banijan record fee of $17 million, will be 35 next season. The captain is the one who started their renaissance. They all did what they came to do at Kitara AA. Will they want to stick around to make them a permanent fixture at the top? There are rumors Banijan clubs will bid for Immaculate Kaba. But star player Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov may be the real prize- and while he seems committed to Banija, is he committed to the club? Herzegovina CIty FC are rumored to be preparing 'a mega offer' for the young Chromatik star. It was undeniably a blow to lose Gereh Kama, even at the price of $25 million NSDs. And if Kaba and Kuznetsov leave, what would that make of Ralph Winter?

But you know what they say- 'don't be sad because it's over, smile because it happened'. There will be plenty of time for Kitara AA fans to stress all Summer long. Their last game in the blue and white stripes will be away to Prostran I Forzuda, in what has the possibility of being a highly emotional affair for the defending winners of the Champions League.

#2 The race for the final Champions League spot- Istria City FC, Busukuma AC, Hoima Warriors

Somehow, this race is still alive. Istria City FC, with 63 points, sit in 8th place, just two points ahead of Busukuma AC and the Hoima Warriors. Considering the goal differential advantage(+39 to Istria City FC, +29 and +20 to the challengers) you'd think, from a functional point of view, all Istria City FC need to do to wrap up another Champions League berth is get a single point in Hawabark. That can't be that hard to do, right? The Boulders are already relegated, They've got nothing to play for but pride- who knows when they'll be back in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League? Nobody who's been relegated has found their way back yet at this point on the Banijan side. So it's not exactly a revolving door.

That could make things tricky for Istria City. They should handle things- but then again, they maybe should've already had this taken care of. If they blow it in Hawabark, and Hoima or Busukuma AC take advantage, well- expect the vultures to circle around Alvin Burnsides. They expect to be competing for titles, not barely backing into the last CL spot, 17 points off the pace. But for Busukuma AC or the Hoima Warriors- it'd be a massive coup. Mark Grayson has done wonderful things in this league. This is a guy who has managed both the Phoenix and Hoima Warriors to their best finishes of the last 10+ seasons. Could he do the same for Busukuma AC? The Champions League for Busukuma AC- in this league? That'd show that Grayson is truly capable of taking any team to success in Banija?

And there's also how big of a deal this would be for Hoima. The final champions of the BSL before the merger, the S-FPL days have been disappointing, to say the least. 13th place finish. 11th place finish. Then, last season's debacle- a home win would've been good enough to put them in the Champions League on the final day of the season, and yet they suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Ausharmuj Marusi on their home field. To this time secure the CL on the last day- well, that'd be huge for the perception of the club, who is being overtaken as a big club in the country by Kitara AA.

#1 The title race- La Nueva Avenida and Mâ Âlâmëómë come down to the final day

Imagine being a Jinja City FC fan on Matchday 31, seeing that you are one point up in the table. Right in the thick of things, still a long time to go. Then imagine seeing your team win two games in a row, including a comeback where they won 6-5 on MD32, even though they were down 4-1 at half. So Matchday 33- 74 points. Now, after Matchday 37- 75 points and eliminated from the title race. Absolutely shocking turn of events. La Nueva Avenida and Mâ Âlâmëómë would be the beneficaries, as the two teams, even though the latter lacks Latona Basilisk due to injury, are level at 80 points going into the final matchday.

Here's what makes it interesting. It will be Banija that plays host to the photo finish of this year's title race. Mâ Âlâmëómë will travel to Jinja City, to take on the Black Mambas. The Black Mambas, of course, are in terrible form, earning one point in their last 4- so this is just the time to travel to BCEL Stadium. Yet, of course, they lack Latona Basilisk. But the title is on the line- it is no time to worry about what they do not have. But with everything left to play for away from home, can they do enough without Basilisk? It's impossible to tell which Jinja City FC will show up. Will it be the one that we've seen all season? If so, that's an incredibly tough away game for Mâ Âlâmëómë to earn the three points they will surely need to win this title. But if it's the Jinja City we've seen lately, having only earned one point in their last 4? Well, anything's possible- even for a squad down possibly the best #9 in the world.

La Nueva Avenida will also travel across the Basin, going to Vdizi to play the Herzegovina Phoenix. This team has done the same exact thing three years running- finish in the very last safety spot for Banijan teams. They stay up, and that's it. Don't challenge for anything, spring the occasional upset, they are a solid 22 points off pace for the final Challenger's Cup spot. It's the kind of finishes that start the rumors that Reinhard Drake could lose his job for the Phoenix. La Nueva Avenida can't possibly lose this, can they? They're a big historical club, and all they need to do is win on the road against a team who has never finished above 17th place in their three seasons in this league. Most importantly- they're healthy.

And considering the opponent, it's quite possible they run up the margins just in case Mâ Âlâmëómë finds a way to win. This is surely Los Novanos title to lose.

Xíxì Êns Retirement Gift ranking
1. Hawabark Boulders: And the last shall be first! The Boulders, both the last place Banijan team in the league, and the last team that he visited in Banija, gave the former Mr. Galactico an At-Home Infrared Sauna. An expensive gift (valued at $3,000 NSDs!) for a team that will lose all their S-FPL money next year. Plus, the Boulders are doing the installation themselves. Who wouldn't want a personalized, two person sauna they could use in their own house? Pays to be rich.
2. Busukuma AC: 4 big bottles of wine, rumored to be valued at $300 NSDs each. Who doesn't like wine? Although we're unsure what kind of wine it is.
3. Jinja City FC: Country Club Membership + Golf Clubs- who wouldn't want to live the high life?
4. Mynda Electra: Custom made playing boots painted in Farfadillis colors. One shoe has a picture of him lifting the World Cup 84 trophy, the other has a photo of him from his first ever professional match.
5. Istria City FC: A $1,500 golden analog watch. What's a more classic retirement gift than a nice watch? Hopefully he's the type of guy to dress with style.
6. Kitara AA: A copper bust of his own head. A nice gesture, but maybe they didn't have to be cheap and could've made it out of bronze or something?
7. Hoima Warriors: Former Hoima player and NT star Gitonga Kahara presents Xíxì Êns with a glass carving of Xíxì Êns that has angel wings on it
8. Herzegovina Phoenix: A personalized electric guitar, with a picture of him scoring his first S-FPL goal. His back is shown on the front of the guitar, while his face is shown on the back of it. It's a cool gift, but- does he even like guitars?
9: Herzegovina City FC: A surfboard with his body as the background, the picture taken from him celebrating the game winner in the World Cup 84 Final penalty shootout. But does he even like surfing? Could rank anywhere, but without knowing the answer to that question, that has to stay far down the list.
10. Busembe Timberwolves: Free Pizza for a year. And this gift has only gotten worse with age- all the cool stuff he's gotten, and then they give him free $12 pizza? This dude's rich and a pro athelte- why the hell would he want that much pizza? Does Fadron Pizza even operate in Farfadillis?

[Shango-Fogoa Premier League]

-Season 4-

Final Day

So much at stake, so much to play for. The S-FPL will be running a true final day format for the third season in a row: all ten games played at the very same time. Occurring at 4:30 PM Standard Time, we're going to provide you with the live online blog feed of all 10 games at once!

As a reminder for all of you, here are this week's games. The home team, obviously, is listed first.

Final Day Matchups (Home team listed first)
Jinja City FC v. Mâ Âlâmëómë
La Querida v. Herzegovina City FC
Hawabark Boulders v. Istria City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix v. La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves v. Rülândéá Kôstä
Prostran I Forzuda v. Kitara AA
Avenida Principal v. Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra v. René Skaé
Busukuma AC v. Hoima Warriors
Ausharmuj Marusi v. Avenida Leal

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4:00 PM: The eyes of the Shango-Fogoa Basin, and many foreign fans beyond the Basin, will rest primarily on two cities this afternoon- Jinja City in Hangaza, and Vdizi in Moravica. The title race will be decided in those two places. Mâ Âlâmëómë, who lead the league on goal differential, will be taking on Jinja City FC on the road, while La Nueva Avenida will take on the Herzegovina Phoenix on the road. Which team can deliver one final performance away from home to take home their first-ever Shango-Fogoa League title?

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4:05 PM: But while you won't miss any updates in the title race, there is plenty taking place beyond the title race as well. The race for that Champions League place is on. Busukuma AC and Hoima Warriors play each other, both sides needing a win to give themselves a chance. Functionally, a draw should do it for Istria City FC in Hawabark to see Champions League football next year- but can Hoima spoil them in their last game up? And of course, this will be Xíxì Êns final league game. After receiving gifts at all 10 visits to Banija(and ridicule at best from the rest of the Farf fans), the curtain is closing on one of the most storied careers of all-time. Can he close his career out with a bang?

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4:08 PM: Herzegovina Phoenix manager Reinhard Drake knows that he's facing a lot of pressure. He understands that the club wants to 'aim simply beyond safety'. "But we have consistently found our place in this league at this point." He told reporters in the pre-game press conference. "Considering we had to earn our way here, that's an accomplish of its own.' But there will be pressure to can him as they try to create distance between themselves and the relegation zone next season. Can Drake convince his bosses today that he's the guy who can do that?

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4:13 PM: Boulders fans are singing their club anthem. They were relegated last week, now is simply their last home game in the top flight. It may be for some time- Banija League Soccer has proven again and again to be one of the toughest second-tier leagues in the multiverse to try and navigate. Their fans didn't expect anything better than this. Can they at least go down on a high note though?

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4:21 PM: You can see the stress on the eyes of those taking part in these games. Mâ Âlâmëomë manager John Spartan looks like he hasn't slept in two days. It's a rather jovial mood on the faces of Jinja City FC's players, despite the fact that they haven't won a game in over a month. Yet the face on every player at Mâ Âlâmëomë is either one of nerves or tension- where's the confidence? Will the moment be too much?

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4:23 PM: The same thing is true south of Herzegovina City, where the Phoenix will take on La Nueva Avenida. These two teams are going to put every nail clipper manufacturer in Farfadillis out of business. The nerves and tensions are both on another level entirely here. Will they be able to relax enough to actually pull out a league title?

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4:28 PM: Players walk out onto the pitch at all 10 venues. They do their photos, and take the field. Kickoff coming soon! .

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4:31 PM: AND WE'RE OFF! All 10 games have kicked off, and what will surely be the thrilling conclusion of the Final Day of the season has just begun.

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4:37 PM: And we've got the first goal of the day! In the Avenida Prinicipal match, it would be Celio Pompa who would score the opener. It's supposed to be Xíxì Êns day, isn't it? But evidently, it is not. Principal left back Abram Aguayo stole the ball from the feet of the 40 year old to start the counter-attack that would lead to the Pompa opening goal.

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4:44 PM: Is that a goal in Hawabark?? Yes it is! Quebecois international Kate Huitema-Omeasoo proves why she's one of the best young strikers in the league. The header was pinpoint from about 8 yards away. The cross came across goal, and she hit it exactly like she was taught- down, and back to where she came from. The scrambling Boulders goalkeeper didn't have a chance, and that goal may have put the race for the IFCF's final Champions League spots to bed. 1-0 to Istria City at the Hawabark Olympic Stadium.

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4:49 PM: The 40 year old Xíxì Êns is having a rough day, a tough end to his league career so far. Plenty of time of course to turn things around. But he just had a free header to equalize, and hit the ball well wide of the target. Utterly disappointing for a player of his quality.

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4:52 PM: No updates from the title race yet, as Mâ Âlâmëómë and La Nueva Avenida are both level, 0-0, with their Banijan hosts. Not many chances in either game so far though. And remember- if scores hold, if both games finish 0-0, Mâ Âlâmëómë will win their first Shango-Fogoa Premier League title.

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4:54 PM: AND JUST AS WE SAY THAT A MARKER IS LAID! Jinja City FC score a goal to make it 1-0, as a cross from Radeka Lind finds Heike Schoß flying through the box. The Ranorian's diving header will probably end up as the goal of the day, as the Black Mambas attacking midfielder simply was not going to be contained on that play. Mâ Âlâmëómë now trail in the game, which gives Los Novanos the lead in the league's live table. Cheers go up from the visiting fan section at Phoenix Stadium, as word spreads to Vdizi about the goal in Jinja City.

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4:59 PM: Is that a hat trick inside 30 minutes for Jason Þórhallursson? Yes it is! 3-0 to Herzegovina City nearing the half hour mark, and it's clear that they are going to lay one last beating on La Querida as the season comes to a close. Pretty much what everybody was expecting, if we're to be honest.

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5:05 PM: Mâ Âlâmëómë almost equalize! But the key word is almost. Naqvi finds himself some space in the box, and hits one on the ground to Ôskâr Fôga. Spacing is tight, but the Farf striker manages to step to his right and take a shot, about 12 yards from goal, under heavy pressure. Iiro Pakanen makes the sprawling save. You have to think though- Latona Basilisk would've found a way to put that into the back of the net, right? Still 1-0 Jinja City.

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5:12 PM: THE PHOENIX HAVE SCORED! Oh, what a way to stun the league and up-end the title race! A counter-attack saw Avramov hit a perfect through ball to Kasaboski-Wilcox, who simply lifted the ball over the goalkeeper for a classy finish. The stadium erupts in noise, as the visiting section sinks into sadness. La Nueva Avenida trail, 1-0, to the Herzegovina Phoenix, and worse- Kasaboski-Wilcox has put them further away from winning that trophy.

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5:16 PM: What a turn of events at BCEL Stadium! Jinja City FC putting pressure on their opponents again, trying to double their lead, which would probably sink Mâ Âlâmëómë's title chances. Fekati Abdi makes a sliding challenge at Madison McClain in the box, but he's getting up there in age. He's late on the challenge, getting all leg and none of the ball. The referee points to the spot, and shows his red card to Abdi. Penalty to the hosts! Abdi walks off, shaking his head, knowing that if his team concede this penalty, that could be game set match.

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5:17 PM: What a stop by Corran Ghillis! The Brenecian goalkeeper makes the big time save to keep the game at 1-0, and keep his team in control of their own destiny. If they had gone down 2-0 with 10 men, we may just have to put all of our focus on Phoenix Stadium, but Ghillis kept his squad alive. Junior Ngoba took the kick for the hosts, and hit the ball to the keeper's right. Ghillis guessed correctly, and got a big hand on it.

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5:19 PM: All games are at halftime. Here are the halftime scores. If these held, of course, Mâ Âlâmëómë woudl win the league with 80 points. That's a big if tough, right?

Jinja City FC 1-0 Mâ Âlâmëómë
La Querida 0-4 Herzegovina City FC
Hawabark Boulders 0-1 Istria City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 1-0 La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves 1-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Prostran I Forzuda 1-1 Kitara AA
Avenida Principal 2-0 Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra 0-0 René Skaé
Busukuma AC 0-0 Hoima Warriors
Ausharmuj Marusi 3-1 Avenida Leal

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5:35 PM: And just like last season, all second halves are kicking off at the same time. So some teams had longer halftimes than others. But let's get to it- who can do enough to win the league?

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5:40 PM: Oh, what in the world?? It's a STUNNING goal from Hawabark, as Kendra Yisake pulls the Boulders level with Istria City. Does that put some pep in the step of the Busukuma AC v. Hoima game? That game doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things- unless the Boulders pull off an improbable victory. But can they?

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5:43 PM: The first real chance in Busukuma! Busukuma AC winger Clayton Wilson is able to get in range from close distance, but an improbable leg save from Nelson Okello keeps the game tied at 0-0. Can either team generate enough offense to find the goal to take advantage of a possible slipup from the Lions in Hawabark?

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5:45 PM: AN EQUALIZER IN VDIZI! Oh my, La Nueva Avenida has just turned the title race around! And it's exactly who you think would score it- Horacio Bastanchury. As Fletcher sent in a beautiful cross, Bastanchury simply outran Dennis Lampshire to the ball. The Ko-orenite, at this age, could not keep up, and Bastanchury chested the ball, brought it down to his feet, and finished calmly in the face of oncoming pressure from Mustafa Taal. That moves La Nueva Avenida back to 81 points, and of course, back to the top of the table. 35 minutes(plus stoppage) to a league title! Can they pull this out?

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5:50 PM: Things are getting crazy in Hawabark! The Boulders have scored again! It's 2-1 to the hosts. Istria City right back Fafa Ngom accidentally heads the ball into the back of his own net, and it's panic time for Istria CIty. Busukuma v. Hoima is 0-0, but both sets of fans cheer at Lukwago Field as news of the goal reaches the Banijan capitol. Either team scoring can punish Istria City mercilessly for this slip-up.

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5:54 PM: Speaking of panic- what about Mâ Âlâmëómë? They've spent the large part of this second half on the back foot. Their team being short a man has put a serious damper in their efforts to search for an equalizer, as they know a go-ahead goal for La Nueva Avenida must be coming at Phoenix Stadium. Fresh legs come into the game for the visitors, as Liam Sæthre enters the game for Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí, as Mâ Âlâmëómë hope the Vanorian can provide the energy needed for the 10 man side to find a goal at BCEL Stadium.

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5:59 PM: It's a miracle that Mâ Âlâmëómë haven't gone down 2-0. Corran Ghillis is having the game of his life. When you're both pushing players forward, and pushing pace, while down a man- well, you're going to find yourselves exposed in the back. Ghillis just made his 7th save of the night, somehow denying Madison McClain from point blank range. It's a heroic performance, But can Mâ Âlâmëómë find a way to score a goal to make the effort not only a great performance, but a championship-winning performance?

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6:03 PM: Reinhard Drake's defense has tightened up here for the Herzegovina Phoenix, preventing La Nueva Avenida from finding the winner. Los Novanos know that all their title rivals need is one moment of magic, and so LNA's best chance at winning this thing are getting all three points, not just one. But they are defending with depth and in numbers, as Vanilla Sweets coming on at halftime for Lampshire has proven to be an excellent decision.

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6:05 PM: Everybody's hitting the 75th minute around the grounds! Let's take a tour of em, shall we? Rülândéá Kôstä down 1-0 to the Busembe Timberwolves. If that score holds, while Herzegovina City's score holds(currently up 9-0 on La Querida), then Rülândéá Kôstä will have to go into the CL Qualification Rounds, instead of directly to the group stages. Abel Wesoloski-Okafor got the start for the Timberwolves, and scored the lone goal. Oskar Holsteiner's final game has gone impressively well. He's scored a brace as Ausharmuj Marusi are currently crushing Avenida Leal by a score of 6-1. Busukuma AC and Hoima are still level at 0-0, although the Hawabark goals have made both teams much more open offensively. And while Holsteiner's last ever game is going well, Xíxì Êns is a disaster. He's missed another sitter, and his team currently trail by a stunning score of 6-0 to Avenida Prinicipal on the road, as lôs Rébélés have just utterly and completely collapsed away to Avenida Principal. Is this how the legend goes out? Kitara AA have scored a go-ahead goal in the 55th minute, with Ronald Mickel possibly scoring in his final game for Kitara AA, while Mynda Electra hold a slim 1-0 lead over René Skaé.

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6:09 PM: IT'S ANOTHER GOAL FOR THE HERZEGOVINA PHOENIX! An absolute stunner. Reinhard Drake races around the sideline, while the crowd explodes with joy. Anxiety once again on the faces of La Nueva Avenida. This time it's Ferne Horn, the Freeport national. She came off the bench for the Phoenix just a few minutes prior, and after LNA goalkeeper Paige Daunten, did not decisively punch away a cross, the ball fell to the feet of Horn, who buried it in to the back of the net. 2-1 to the Phoenix, which moves LNA down to second in the table with just 11 minutes to go. Oh my, the drama!

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6:11 PM: It seems as if the goal at Phoenix Stadium has killed any drive for Mâ Âlâmëómë to go forward. They seem to simply be sitting back and defending, something you never see from a Farf team in this league. But down to 10 men, minus their leading goalscorer- well, we get it. The game has turned stale, as Jinja City FC are launching less attacks forward.

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6:13 PM: And there's an equalizer in Hawabark! Busukuma and Hoima both spent all this time failing to take advantage of Istria City FC's struggles, and the Lions put the race for the league's last Champions League berth to bed. It is none other than Linoan Waters who plays the ball, on the ground, across the 18 to Farina Luhukay, who first times it into the back of the net. A brilliant shot that a sprawling Boulders goalkeeper had no chance of saving. The Nepharim central midfielder has probably done enough to put her club into the Champions League.

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6:17 PM: Oh my, what a goal! La Nueva Avenida have equalized with three minutes left! A second goal on the day for the visitors to make the score 2-2! Oh my, the Phoenix have held out for so long! But a ball from Fletcher to Bastanchury that just barely beat the offside trap, and it was Bastanchury and Soter Duraniona against Mustafa Taal. The Busogan international did not have a chance, as Bastanchury simply passed it across and Duraniona tapped the ball into an empty net. Absolutely delirious celebrations from the visiting end, as they all sprint to the corner flag in front of the visiting supporters.

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6:18 PM: THE FLAG WAS UP! The assistant referee stood with his flag up, I guess unseen. A tight decision, that has incensed La Nueva Avenida's player. All of them ready to celebrate, and then deflated. It looks like the replay shows that the assistant ref was correct. Chaotic scenes here at Phoenix Stadium from an incensed La Nueva Avenida side. Manager Thjorgias Pickton, who had ran to the corner as well before he saw the offsides flag, berated the referee, who afterwards told reporters 'he had never heard so many swear words used in 10 seconds in my whole life'. The referee, naturally, had to give the manager a red card. Could they find a goal without their head man on the sideline?

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6:20 PM: Right on the stroke of 90 minutes, the Herzegovina Phoenix clinched the upset and put this title race to bed. Everybody was forward for La Nueva Aveida now, including the goalkeeper. And even then, it wasn't enough. The catch of a cross and quick distribution down field led Avramov to get behind the defense and slot the ball into an empty net. And that, my friends, was that. 3-1 to the Phoenix. La Nueva Avenida wasn't coming back. As news trickled into Jinja City, there were roars from Mâ Âlâmëómë fans- they knew they were going to win the league.

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6:22 PM: Oskar Holsteiner scores the final goal of his career to clinch his hat trick. A true #9's goal- tapping in a spill from the Avenida Leal goalkeeper. It finishes off the 7-2 demolishment that Ausharmuj Marusi gave Avenida Leal today. As he is substituted off for the final time, the fans give a roar of approval as his name is chanted throughout the stadium by the home fans. What a career for the 39 year old.

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6:23 PM: While his former national team strike partner had a miraculous end to his career, the same cannot be said of Xíxì Êns. The final whistle blows as his side get blown out in Victoria, by a score of 6-1. Claps all around, and his name chanted by visiting fans, but without much energy- you wouldn't have much energy either if you crossed your country just to see your team get wrecked by five goals. A disappointment, to say the least. At least Xíxì Êns still has one more game at the AOCL Final in Siovanija, right?

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6:25 PM: AND THAT. IS. THAT. The last game is over, as Mâ Âlâmëómë are champions of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League! What a run, what a season. Both title challengers lost their final games of the season, but it is Mâ Âlâmëómë that do not care. They are crowned champions as the pour onto the BCEL Stadium field. Contrast that to scenes in Vdizi, where the fighting has already starting between LNA and Herzegovina Phoenix fans. La Nueva Avenida fans are going to rue this day. A golden opportunity to win the league- but couldn't even get a point away at the Herzegovina Phoenix? They will remember this day, for all the worst reasons, for a long, long time- or at least until they win their own league title.

Final Scores
Jinja City FC 1-0 Mâ Âlâmëómë
La Querida 0-10 Herzegovina City FC
Hawabark Boulders 2-2 Istria City FC
Herzegovina Phoenix 3-1 La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves 1-0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Prostran I Forzuda 1-2 Kitara AA
Avenida Principal 6-1 Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra 1-0 René Skaé
Busukuma AC 0-0 Hoima Warriors
Ausharmuj Marusi 7-2 Avenida Leal

Final Table

Team                          P    W   D   L  For   Ag   +/- Pts
  1 Mâ Âlâmëómë               38  23  11   4  127   48   +79  80 - League champions, qualify for the IFCF Champions League and the AOCL
  2 La Nueva Avenida          38  26   2  10  130   59   +71  80 - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League
  3 Jinja City FC             38  25   3  10  108   61   +47  78 - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League and the AOCL
  4 Herzegovina City FC       38  23   4  11  119   54   +65  73 - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League
  5 Kitara AA                 38  21   8   9   92   52   +40  71 - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League
  6 Rülândéá Kôstä            38  22   5  11  110   54   +56  71 - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League
  7 René Skaé                 38  21   6  11  117   60   +57  69 - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League
  8 Istria City FC            38  18  10  10  100   61   +39  64 - Qualify for the IFCF Champions League
  9 Hoima Warriors            38  18   8  12   81   52   +29  62 - Qualify for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
 10 Busukuma AC               38  17  11  10   76   56   +20  62 - Qualify for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
 11 Ausharmuj Marusi          38  18   5  15   80   70   +10  59 - Qualify for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
 12 Avenida Leal              38  15  10  13   85   75   +10  55 - Qualify for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
 13 Dí Maozöxê                38  16   6  16   88   80    +8  54 - Qualify for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
 14 Mynda Electra             38  14   6  18   62   86   -24  48 - Qualify for the IFCF Challenger's Cup
 15 Busembe Timberwolves      38  10   6  22   50  113   -63  36
 16 Prostran I Forzuda        38   9   5  24   59  104   -45  32
 17 Avenida Principal         38   8   6  24   75  124   -49  30
 18 Herzegovina Phoenix       38   5  11  22   44  104   -60  26
 19 Hawabark Boulders         38   5   3  30   42  134   -92  18 - Relegated
 20 La Querida                38   2   2  34   30  228  -198   8