Shango-Fogoa Premier League

by **Farfadillis** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 3:55 pm

The Freisan Farf Freitball Francitian proudly presents the results of the Farf Lower Leagues

STAGE 1

The twenty six teams that have fulfilled the bureaucratic requirements for participating in this season's edition of the Farf Lower Leagues are randomly drawn into two groups of thirteen teams, with no regard for geographic proximity or strength of schedule. The top four teams in each group advance to Stage 2. Teams in positions four through nine advance to Stage 1+½.

-   Team                    P   W  D   L  For   Ag   +/- Pts
  1 Avenida Victoria       24  20  3   1  130   19  +111  63 Stage 2
  2 Lasupi                 24  17  4   3  124   24  +100  55 Stage 2
  3 Fryi Frêndê            24  17  2   5  103   44   +59  53 Stage 2
  4 Elettricisti           24  16  0   8  111   47   +64  48 Stage 2
  5 Fröndt Libertas        24  14  2   8   90   63   +27  44 Stage 1+½
  6 Flamagua               24  13  1  10   77   62   +15  40 Stage 1+½
  7 Interluz               24  10  2  12   61   58    +3  32 Stage 1+½
  8 Vüstersgâés            24   8  5  11   40   81   -41  29 Stage 1+½
  9 La Brecha              24   7  3  14   36   84   -48  24 Stage 1+½
 10 Tifón de la Costa      24   5  5  14   46   84   -38  20
 11 Ravasha                24   5  4  15   33   96   -63  19
 12 Xârëgs d'Îrrî          24   5  2  17   33   80   -47  17
 13 Los Nudos              24   2  1  21   25  167  -142   7

-   Team                    P   W  D   L  For   Ag   +/- Pts
  1 Flying Jellyfish       24  21  1   2  150   21  +129  64 Stage 2
  2 Vila Gorfale           24  20  3   1  138   24  +114  63 Stage 2
  3 Mí Ní Sí               24  19  4   1  125   26   +99  61 Stage 2
  4 Gran Faro 70           24   9  6   9   40   58   -18  33 Stage 2
  5 Fragardallians         24   9  5  10   41   63   -22  32 Stage 1+½
  6 Torrhe del Viento      24   9  5  10   51   63   -12  32 Stage 1+½
  7 Rákospalotai           24   9  4  11   51   66   -15  31 Stage 1+½
  8 Dô Fäéýkô              24   8  6  10   44   59   -15  30 Stage 1+½
  9 Éspéráns dí Dögá       24   7  4  13   48   72   -24  25 Stage 1+½
 10 Vetar Trg              24   5  6  13   34   72   -38  21
 11 Miograd                24   4  6  14   35  112   -77  18
 12 Ferokaril              24   4  3  17   33  107   -74  15
 13 Ferdullaele            24   3  5  16   31   78   -47  14

STAGE 1+½

Ten teams are randomly drawn into two groups of five. Each team plays each other once, but matches are not played in a neutral ground. In each group, the top team advances to Stage 2, while the other teams go on to Stage 1+¾.

-  Team                     P  W D  L For  Ag +/- Pts
 1 Fröndt Libertas          4  3 1  0  13   4  +9 10 Stage 2
 2 Flamagua                 4  3 0  1  15   7  +8  9 Stage 1+¾
 3 Rákospalotai             4  2 0  2   5  13  -8  6 Stage 1+¾
 4 Dô Fäéýkô                4  1 0  3   6  10  -4  3 Stage 1+¾
 5 Vüstersgâés              4  0 1  3   6  11  -5  1 Stage 1+¾

-  Team                     P  W D  L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Interluz                 4  4 0  0 10   2   +8  12 Stage 2
 2 Fragardallians           4  2 1  1  7   4   +3   7 Stage 1+¾
 3 La Brecha                4  2 1  1 10   6   +4   7 Stage 1+¾
 4 Torrhe del Viento        4  1 0  3  7   8   -1   3 Stage 1+¾
 5 Éspéráns dí Dögá         4  0 0  4  2  16  -14   0 Stage 1+¾

STAGE 1+¾

Eight teams are randomly drawn into two knock-out brackets of four teams. The winners of each bracket advance to Stage 2+½.

Bracket 1, Round 1
Flamagua 2-1 Rákospalotai
Torrhe del Viento 1-2 Éspéráns dí Dögá
Bracket 1, Round 2
Flamagua 13-3 Éspéráns dí Dögá

Bracket 2, Round 1
Dô Fäéýkô 4-0 La Brecha
Vüstersgâés 1-0 Fragardallians
Bracket 2, Round 2
Dô Fäéýkô 0-1 Vüstersgâés

STAGE 2

Ten teams are randomly drawn into two groups of five. The top two in each group advance to Stage 3. The bottom four advance to Stage 2+½.

-  Team                  P  W D  L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Avenida Victoria      4  3 1  0  15   2  +13 10 Stage 3
 2 Lasupi                4  2 1  1  22   6  +16  7 Stage 2+½
 3 Mí Ní Sí              4  2 0  2  12  17   -5  6 Stage 2+½
 4 Vila Gorfale          4  2 0  2   5  12   -7  6 Stage 2+½
 5 Interluz              4  0 0  4   6  23  -17  0 Stage 2+½

-  Team                  P  W  D  L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Fröndt Libertas       4  3  1  0  13   2  +11 10 Stage 3
 2 Fryi Frêndê           4  2  1  1   7   5   +2  7 Stage 2+½
 3 Elettricisti          4  1  2  1  10   5   +5  5 Stage 2+½
 4 Flying Jellyfish      4  1  2  1   6   6   +0  5 Stage 2+½
 5 Gran Faro 70          4  0  0  4   4  22  -18  0 Stage 2+½

STAGE 2+½

One team is randomly given a bye to Stage 3. The other nine teams are drawn randomly into groups of three. The best team in each group advances to Stage 3. The second-placed team in each group advances to Stage 2+¾.

-  Team                  P W  D L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Lasupi                2 1  1 0  6  4  +2  4 Stage 3
 2 Gran Faro 70          2 0  2 0  3  3  +0  2 Stage 2+¾
 3 Mí Ní Sí              2 0  1 1  1  3  -2  1

-  Team                  P  W D  L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Flying Jellyfish      2  2 0  0  9  3  +6  6 Stage 3
 2 Fryi Frêndê           2  1 0  1  3  4  -1  3 Stage 2+¾
 3 Flamagua              2  0 0  2  2  7  -5  0

-  Team                  P  W D  L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Interluz              2  2 0  0  7  1  +6  6 Stage 3
 2 Vila Gorfale          2  1 0  1  2  4  -2  3 Stage 2+¾
 3 Vüstersgâés           2  0 0  2  0  4  -4  0

Elettricisti are given a bye to Stage 3.

STAGE 2+¾

Three teams are randomly drawn into a group of three. The two best teams advance to Stage 3.

-  Team              P  W D  L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Gran Faro 70      2  2 0  0  2  0  +2  6 Stage 3
 2 Fryi Frêndê       2  1 0  1  1  1  +0  3 Stage 3
 3 Vila Gorfale      2  0 0  2  0  2  -2  0

STAGE 3

Eight teams are simultaneously drawn into two distinct, randomly-seeded knock-out brackets. The winner of each bracket advances to Stage 4.

Bracket 1, Round 1
Fryi Frêndê 1-1 Elettricisti (1-2 AET)
Flying Jellyfish 1-1 Lasupi (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)
Avenida Victoria 12-1 Interluz
Fröndt Libertas 10-1 Gran Faro 70
Bracket 1, Round 2
Elettricisti 3-3 Lasupi (3-3 AET, 1-3 PKs)
Avenida Victoria 1-4 Fröndt Libertas
Bracket 1, Final
Lasupi 2-2 Fröndt Libertas (2-2 AET 3-4 PKs)

Fröndt Libertas advance to Stage 4.

Bracket 2, Round 1
Fröndt Libertas 7-2 Gran Faro 70
Avenida Victoria 3-0 Flying Jellyfish
Fryi Frêndê 1-3 Lasupi
Interluz 1-2 Elettricisti
Bracket 2, Round 2
Fröndt Libertas 1-4 Avenida Victoria
Lasupi 0-0 Elettricisti (1-0 AET)
Bracket 2, Final
Avenida Victoria 0-2 Lasupi

Lasupi advance to Stage 4.

STAGE 4

Two teams are randomly placed into a bracket of two. They play one match at home each. The winner is promoted to the S-FPL. In the case of a draw on aggregate, the team that scored the most away goals win. If neither team scored more away goals, no team is promoted.

Fröndt Libertas 1-2 Lasupi
Lasupi 1-2 Fröndt Libertas

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 6:59 pm

-Season 4-

International Finals

7th IFCF Challenger's Cup Final
Herzegovina City FC (BNJ) vs CA Paulinthal (PAS) @ Stadium of the Moon (cap. 84,000) in Lunas, Pasarga

There's nothing that brings more confidence to a team like playing La Querida the week before, right? Herzegovina City FC just finished manhandling La Querida on the road by a score of 10-0 in their final league game of the season. Of course, that means little when facing CA Paulinthal. It is one of those rare events: an international cup final that is functionally a road game. Considering CA Paulinthal is already in Pasarga, their fans packed the Stadium of the Moon, a wondrous venue for this occasion. The stadium was probably two thirds CA Paulinthal, and you could hear them loud and clear for this one. But the traveling Trumpeteers supporters were excited as well.

As the anthems played and the game opened, it would be The Hurricane that would get off to the fast start. They had the lion's share of support in the stadium, of course, and that pushed the players to try and get out ahead. Francois Tantoh saved early efforts from veteran strikers Stanimir Ilev and Arista Tzorvas, to keep the score tied at 0-0. But while The Hurricane are known for their veteran star strikers, it would be the young number ten, Ilona Kárpáty, that would steal the show. The Pasargan young attacker has spent all this time turning all sorts of heads. She turned in a cross from Mytanar winger Patrik Odonelec to make it 1-0 in the 18th minute. It was a deserved 1-0 lead for the Pasaragan squad.

And at this point, CA Paulinthal continued to put the Banijan outfit on the back foot. Herzegovina City only managed two shots in the first half, neither of which they could put on goal. It's been a long time since we've seen Herzegovina City get outplayed in a half like they did here at the Stadium of the Moon. The 21-year-old Ilona Kárpáty continued her rapid ascension to stardom by scoring for a second time, this time taking a layoff from Arista Tzorvas and striking it first time. Kárpáty's shot found the upper corner in the 25th minute, which meant it was 2-0. The Banijan team was quite fortunate it was only 2-0 at the halfway mark.

Herzegovina City had to change things up. Madu Okparra, the 36-year-old, came into the game for Habib Fadika. And then the game was turned on its head. The veteran was able to wreak havoc, as Eamon Mullins and Tessa Matfield settled into the game to take control of the midfield. A totally different team than the nervous one we saw in the first half. This team played with confidence—it was a final, and they wanted it. They got an early goal, just seven minutes into the half, to get back into the game as Meghan Walcott scored. The pressure was then dialed up to eleven. It took the Trumpeteers a while, but they eventually got an equalizer, with Jason Þórhallursson scoring on the 83rd minute to level the game at 2-2.

Extra time was calling. But the momentum was all on Herzegovina City's side. Could the Trumpeteers ride that momentum to what would surely be a historic comeback win? Unfortunately, no. They were pressing to do so, trying to avoid penalties. But in the 111th minute, Tessa Matfield got the ball taken from her in the midfield. And then CA Paulinthal were flying up the field. Great combinations on the counterattack, and veteran midfielder Erik Földessy would be there to score the match-winner. What a game, what a cup run, what a season—but CA Paulinthal were deserved winners, and therefore will deservedly lift that trophy.

(BNJ)       Herzegovina City FC    2–3 e   CA Paulinthal             (PAS)
            Meghan Walcott      52'   18'  Ilona Kárpáty                  
            Jason Þórhallursson 83'   25'  Ilona Kárpáty                  
                                      111' Erik Földessy                 -

39th Atlantian Oceania Champions' League Final
Raynor City United (VAL) vs Dí Maozöxê (FFD) @ Olimpski-Stadion (cap. 60,000) in Borograd, Siovanija & Teusland

A momentous occasion. A match every Farf would tune in for. The one and only Xíxì Êns, playing the final game of his career. With Dí Maozöxê it started, twenty-three years ago, and with Dí Maozöxê it ended. A true love story between a legendary player and his boyhood club: one that he helped guide to a league title early in his career, one that he left as an up-and-coming young star and, finally, one that he returned to as one of the best players in the history of the game, guiding them to two titles no fan will ever forget. Unfortunately, Xíxì seems to be terrible at goodbyes. As a refresher: after one of the most dominant performances ever by a player at a World Cup, dragging Farfadillis to their first-ever (and to date, only) World Cup win, Xíxì Êns decided to retire from international football one cycle later, after botching the title defense, at home, after having scored four goals against Zwangzug, crucially missing an open net in the last minute. If you've not been following, his last-ever game at Rülândéá Çölíséá wasn't great, either: they lost to a pretty subpar Timberwolves team. In his last league game, he missed sitter after sitter, and an even more subpar Avenida Principal team thrashed them. This final against Raynor City United—Raynor City United!—was his chance to show the Multiverse what he was made of. Just one last time, at the age of forty!

The game was hard-fought from the very start. Remarkably, perhaps because it was a final, lôs Rébélés opted not to go full takil right out the gate, instead choosing to focus more on recycling possession and looking for openings. United did not mind this, and patiently waited for Dí Maozöxê to show cracks in defense—they inevitably would, of course—so they could strike them on the counter. Again, remarkably, lôs Rébélés looked remarkably non-Farf: Bêrndèvôî, Kinteh, Faruq and Ànàxímane were looking like a well-oiled machine, moreso than at any other point in the season. Unfortunately, their attack was looking toothless: Êns was getting no service, and Mensdóttir and Durbridge were accomplishing nothing on the wings. The young Âgínsôgnó, for all his promise, looked completely anonymous. Half time came with neither team having had particularly good chances.

The second half saw both teams pick up the pace, even though finals tend to become cagier as the seconds tick by, as conceding a goal becomes all the more catastrophic, potentially. Dí Maozöxê let go of their possession-based tactics a bit, and their attackers started entering the game more. Fifteen minutes in, Xíxì Êns got his first clear-cut chance. Facing Scathach Wright one-on-one, the Rulandese legend proceeded to sky his shot, when usually he would've probably chipped it over the Brenecian effortlessly. Ten minutes later, a great cross from Mensdóttir somehow found him, despite his short stature, and he also wasted that chance by pathetically heading it straight into Wright's hands. Five minutes later, he'd manage to dribble his way into the box, only to send the ball very slightly wide. By then, Dí Maozöxê were looking like the better team, although the Vanorian side had also gotten their fair share of chances.

In the thirty-seventh minute, Edmün Çídh, who is known to be a Mâ Âlâmëómë fanatic, dribbled past Kinteh, then sent Brayan Borja through on goal. The Valladar striker did not hesitate to bury his chance, doing what Xíxì had failed to do thrice. With three minutes to go, he'd get the chance to add a fourth missed chance to his tally, when the wonderkid Âgínsôgnó decided to get adventurous and finally put his dribbling to use, making it past two players before setting up his veteran teammate for a good crack at goal. Not the easiest chance in the world, but one the usual Xíxì would've buried more than half the time. Final-game-of-his-career Xíxì hit the post instead, his curled shot not quite enough to secure the equalizer. Deflated, the Rulandese team would not have any more chances. Raynor City United would be crowned champions of Atlantian Oceania.

(VAL)	Raynor City United	1–0	Dí Maozöxê	(FFD)
	Brayan Borja         82'                            -

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sat Sep 25, 2021 10:05 am

-Season 4-

Season Round-up

Another season gone, and what a season it was! It went all the way down to the final minutes of the final matchday, with the two biggest Farf clubs, who despise each other with the rage of a thousand suns, both dropping the ball massively in their chase for the title. But you'll read about that later, since we're trying out a reverse order for this round-up. This, of course, means...

... that we'll be starting with La Querida. Not a bad season for the team from Pacifista, all things considered. They escaped relegation once again, and this time they managed a record number of eight points while they were at it. Hell, they got not one but two wins throughout the season! They even thrashed the Boulders, 4-1. That's the second time they've thrashed a team! Their goal difference was not as good as in their first season, but not too far off, either. Also, they scored a whopping thirty goals this season. Most of these goals, naturally, were scored by Anartz Salayeta, who continues to quietly do a fine job as an immobile header of balls. This was his best season yet, thanks to the actually genuinely talented Yonatoño de la Garza. The seventeen-year-old was actually quite impressive every now and then. His explosive speed and pin-point (sometimes) crosses were a very welcome addition to a team that relies on Salayeta almost exclusively for goalscoring. Playing in center midfield, Josephine Leonhardsdóttir and Pan Xilei were the only other non-terrible players in the team. The latter, however, clearly struggled to keep her mental health in check. Thankfully for her, this was her last season on loan at La Querida, and there are rumours that Avenida Leal, a much more respectable club, are interested in her services.

Hawabark Boulders were wholly unimpressive. Arguably the worst showing by a non-La Querida club in the S-FPL. The thrashing at the hands of the Pacifista team was the lowest point of a season composed almost entirely of low points. Little, if anything, positive can be said about how this team fared. Akachi Orjee was sometimes decent up top, but could never really make a difference as he was provided with almost no service in most matches. It seems unlikely we'll see this team returning to the S-FPL any time soon, but there's a silver lining for their fans at least: this squad is unlikely to get cannibalized by other S-FPL teams, as none of their players looked talented enough to make it at a mid-table club, save perhaps for the aforementioned Orjee.

Herzegovina Phoenix survive another season, which is a bit of a shame. This is not a good team, and it's unfortunate that "not as bad as Hawabark Boulders" is, at least for now, equivalent to "good enough for the S-FPL". Their attack was toothless, though it was usually the midfield's fault. The strikers just didn't get enough service. Daniel Kasaboski-Wilcox was actually quite good up top but, much like Orjee with the Boulders, he could not shine much when he was not getting fed chances. The team's defense was, surprisingly enough, actually quite decent, if you stretch the definition enough. Perhaps it's because they have a Ko-orenite centerback in Dennis Lampshire. Lampshire marshaled a defense that at times (but only at times) looked decently competent. The results were plain to see: they were tied for fifth-worst defense, despite having a horrible midfield in front of them.

Avenida Principal fans were expecting CL qualification (yes, they are delusional), or ChC qualification at the very least. Instead, they were the worst non-La Querida Farf team, and ended the season a shocking eighteen points off IFCF qualification in a league with 14 IFCF spots. It's a mystery how players like Leandro Martelli (aka the team's only good attacking player) and David Xeniadis (aka the team's only good defensive player) don't look for a transfer elsewhere at this point. Chances are not even the fans would begrudge them. Anyway: the team's playstyle was uninspiring, they shipped in an inordinate number of goals, scored little relative to what they expected to, and just never looked like a genuinely solid team. Either they change things up fast, or they'll sink soon.

Two points above Avenida Principal. Prostran I Forzuda fans will be much more content with how things turned out. Expectations were naturally low, so not being the second-worst Farf team, even if just barely, is good enough. Yes, the team generally lacks quality players, but there were promising flashes of brilliance from some of their young players. Their two young Mertagnian signings, Euklides Hemingway and Gernika Eccleston, looked particularly solid throughout the season. It's a bit too early to tell, but one of the better clubs might try to snap them up. Rumor has it they've adapted to life in Kruviš astonishingly fast, though, so who knows? Maybe Prostran I Forzuda have two gems in their hands in here, long term. Goalkeeper Milos Lucic was also very solid, all things considered. No wonder he is a fan favorite.

Busembe Timberwolves were bad. Their final position wasn't terrible, but they were still twelve points off IFCF qualification and finished the season with the third-worst goal difference in the league. Yes, their goal difference was worse than Herzegovina Phoenix'. They were highly irregular early on, but eventually settled on regular mediocrity. They got hopelessly thrashed by better teams at many points throughout the season, and looked bad against the worst teams in the league surprisingly often. Their gung-ho style of play is, surprisingly, arguably not a good fit in this league: the Farf teams are better at it, and the Banijan teams know how to exploit it. Fifty goals scored for a team so focused on attacking is just pitiful. Overall, just very few salvageable things about this season for the Timberwolves, save for their final position.

Mynda Electra played football games this season. They had players, and these players played these games. Sometimes they lost, sometimes they won, and sometimes they drew. They played balanced, uninspiring football. They were not as good as the best thirteen teams in the league, which all feature better players and are clearly a cut above the teams below them, but they were also not quite as bad as the teams we've already reviewed. They were, all in all, completely unremarkable. With how bloated with IFCF spot this league is, this means they just about managed to get the final ChC spot. They never looked in danger of falling off the IFCF spots, but they also never looked likely to go even one place higher up the table. As predictable as a team can get, which is why we absolutely hate their guts and hope they die in a fire. Seriously, how am I supposed to write about this team? Anyway, Lars Putnam was quite good, and arguably the only fun player to watch in this team.

In thirteenth place, it's hard to know what to make of Dí Maozöxê's season. The Rulandese team's final position was extremely disappointing, yes, but they were the best team in the league on the international front. CL quarterfinals, AOCL final. Nothing to scoff at! Ultimately, they have nothing to show for it, and they'll have little to play for internationally next season, but the bottom line is they should not be terribly worried about their final league finish. Most remarkably, this season was Xíxì Êns' last. Dí Maozöxê bid farewell to their best-ever player, their biggest legend, and the man every wee Dí Maozöxê fan aspired to be. They do so in regrettable fashion: Xíxì was just not good enough when it mattered, especially in the AOCL final. It is what it is. In better news for them, Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó looked like the real deal throughout the season. Despite his age, the attacking midfielder was the best player on the pitch on numerous occasions. A passing of the torch of sorts? Who knows. In midfield, Lésgöékëngüí Fwâás was also impressive despite his age, combining quite well with his already well-established partner Henrik Martin, especially in international matches. The team's defense was quite underwhelming in league play, but very solid for most international matches.

Avenida Leal's season went roughly as expected. Fans appear to still be havnig trouble accepting that their team will not be challenging for the title any time soon—it's the kind of thing many teams have had to struggle with since unification. They were by far the most dangerous team this season off-the-pitch, racking up the biggest death toll by far, with a whopping fifty-five casualties in incidents involving the team's fans. Fifty-five, incidentally, is exactly how many points they got. They drew a lot of games they could've won, which likely made the season all the more disappointing for fans. However, there were a few positives. First and foremost, they clearly have two talented young players in Rogerio Defigueroa, already a capped for Farfadillis, and Tercero Yturri, who looked like a veteran despite making his debút this season. Second, Marcus Young is definitely good enough to be playing for a better team, but so far hasn't looked like he'll ask for a move out. The negatives? Well, Nevaeh Cathar's clearly not what she used to be. The team lacked firepower precisely because the Nepharan just wasn't up to her usual standard.

Another successful season for Ausharmuj Marusi. They are about as good as Avenida Leal, but they're not used to it, so their fans are much tamer by comparison. Featuring a heavily local array of players, the added national pride only makes the fans feel even better about having made it to the ChC once again. Save for their shocking loss to La Querida, they were actually pretty good for most of the season. Hell, they were not too far off snatching a CL spot. This season marked the retirement of club legends Lojes de Sájajo and Oskar Holsteiner. They were old as fuck, yes, but they'll no doubt be hard to replace. Holsteiner, despite being thirty-nine, scored a staggering (for his age) twenty-two goals this season, just as many as his (also good) partner up front, Joe Green. Joaquim Martell was arguably the team's best player, creating the most danger out of anyone ni the team. The backline was very solid, too, at least when taking into account the team's playstyle, with Ecésar der Efer and Agundí Tibanagogó in particular playing well enough to earn themselves Farfadillis NT call-ups (they're pretty far down in the pecking order, mind). Overall, a nice season for Ferdullaele's only S-FPL team. Will they aim for better things or content themselves with being a respectable team? Probably the latter.

In tenth place, Busukuma AC fans will be happy-ish. They know they should be doing better, but this was an improvement from last season. They were agonizingly close to getting a CL spot, something they'd never looked close to achieving in their previous three seasons. Also, their defense was good. They were unlucky to concede as many as they did, and they actually conceded relatively few goals. Credit should go to Mark Grayson for drilling their defense so well. Coriolan was particularly good, grabbing a Bronze Bib award in the process. Kalle Bjørnsson was sent off only thrice and did not break any bones unless you count fingers, which we don't. His tamer midfield partner Declan Mason went from strength to strength throughout the season, and was arguably the team's best player. Up front... well, they did struggle a bit. They might want to splash some cash renewing their front line, especially now that they are likely to feel a bit more hopeful about the future.

The Hoima Warriors' season was quite similar to Busukuma's. Last season, they also finished ninth. However, they'd also looked much, much shakier. Notably, their offensive output increased considerably this time. This was mainly a result of Lukas Boldfont hitting his stride a bit. It's a shame he is Nepharan, as he would likely start, or even be a key player, for a worse national team. As always, the Warriors' defense was one of the best in the league, partially because of their playstyle, but also because of the quality of their backline. Nelson Okello continues to show worrying signs of decline, so it's all the more remarkable that they conceded as few goals as they did. Chewbacca and Suma Dibba show an impressive understanding of each other as a centerback pair. Overall, if they plug a few leaks in the transfer window, this team could very well be qualifying for the CL regularly. Giving Boldfont better support should be a number one priority.

And we finally get to the teams that qualified for the Champions' League! The eighth spot was the only one that was up for grabs throughout the season, and Istria City FC fans will be glad they won out in the end. They did not look quite as good as the teams higher up in the table, all things considered, and the fans will be disappointed not to have challenged for the title, but hey, at least that will be counteracted by the relief that comes with not screwing up enough to drop below eighth place. Their biggest problem this season was the decline of one of their key players, Murray Hunnisett. This left their defense and attack awkwardly disconnected. The team still managed to amass (exactly) one hundred goals despite that, but their partnership up front, featuring Voska Avetisyan and Kate Huitema-Omeasoo, was always going to score a shit ton. Hell, they scored a hundred and thirty-seven last season! Anyway: the defense was solid so, basically, if they renew their midfield, they could go back to challenging for the title next season.

René Skaé were the best team early on, but their form fizzled out later on. In the end, they were good enough to grab the fourth Farf CL spot. As always, facing them on the road was scary for many teams, but their lack of high-caliber players made a true title challenge impossible despite that advantage. They've got two of the best players in the league in Darijen Vesele and Tulaki Rauogba, yes, but you need more than that in order to win the league. As an aside, we're pretty sure Vesele's gonna break some kind of record by getting selected for the Best Eleven every single season. Thing is, there really aren't any rightbacks in this league who can compare to him: the dynamism he brings to the table really is unmatched in this league. Hell, you could even argue it's unmatched anywhere else. Best rightback in the Multiverse, you heard it here first! Rovena Stride? Never heard of her. Anyway: centerbacks Nadezhda Odling and Ljuba Buczvarov had arguably their best seasons yet, though their form understandably suffered as the midfield seemingly stopped giving a shit halfway-through the season. Up front, the good news for Szoirsian fans is that Eötrenois Rigozsoldos looks like the real deal. Such a shame he was replaced by an impostor around matchday twenty. No, seriously, enormous Jekyll-and-Hyde vibes from the young player. Hopefully, he will grow out of it; he's got time.

In sixth place, Rülândéá Kôstä are not a surprise anymore. Just a few years ago, they were a mediocre team in the Farf league. Nowadays, they're a force to be reckoned with. Their center midfield, when on a good day, is every bit as good as Mâ Âlâmëómë's. Erin Kang continues to be vital in helping the team control most matches, especially now that the youthful Tè Xüwân puts in a shift and lets her have more of a free reign. Thus, when Baraxil Muhaburu actually bothers to turn up (not drunk), Rülândéá Kôstä's midfield looks pretty unstoppable! Close down every single pub in Ruland and they'll be title challengers, we guarantee it. Up front, their attack was lethal, as always. Sam Roshanak is one of the best wingers in the league. Unfortunately for the team, it's kind of hard to accommodate two out-and-out strikers, so it was hard to make the most out of both Aire Epherra and Röémün Çídh. The Astograthian was very solid, but the Rulandese saw his form drop considerably this season.

Kitara AA regressed to the mean this season. This is not a catastrophe, though! It's hard not to regress to the mean when you've just won the fucking Champions' League. Especially considering it makes you much more complacent! Indeed, Kitara were by far the most complacent team this season. Every player, save for Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov, looked like they were just enjoying themselves, not really having much to play for. Of course, with the team's quality, this still meant a respectable fifth-place finish and the second-best defensive record in the league. Will they look hungrier next season? Rumor has it Kuznetsov is not convinced. As the team's best player, that has got to worry his compatriot Aleksandr Ivanovich... either way, their defense was still arguably the best in the league, and Ralph Winter got a spot in the Best Eleven because of that. The Vanorian is, without a doubt, one of the most in-form defenders in the league. Brian Merson, as always, was very solid in goal, and quite unfortunate not to get into the Best Eleven.

In fourth place, we've got Herzegovina City FC. It was a good season for them, despite their league finish. Going into it, they were hoping to finally win the title. In the end, they got sidetracked by their run to the Challenger's Cup final, which saw them disappointingly miss out on their first international trophy after extra time. Still, the team looked very solid, especially in their cup run. They lacked the depth and the drive to keep up a two-front title challenge, but that's not something fans should worry about too much. New signing Reniira Clevinger was rock solid. She was the best defender in the league, hands down, and arguably the best player in the team's ChC run. In midfield, Eamon Mullins had arguably his best season yet, while Meghan Walcott continued to terrorize defenses week in and week out, as we've grown used to by now. Jason Þórhallursson was dependably lethal. He would've gotten into the Best Eleven if he hadn't had to go up against the star strikers of the two teams that were definitely better than the Trumpeteers. He still got a Bronze Boot for his efforts.

Finally, we get to the teams that challenged for the title throughout the season. Jinja City FC arguably played worse than the Trumpeteers throughout the season, but they were much more clutch. Thye got points when it mattered, and even were the favorites more than thirty matchdays into the season... before suffering an honestly pretty confusing collapse. Maybe they didn't expect to be challenging for the title, since this is the first time they've done it post-unification, and so the players crumbled under the pressure. Still, the fans will not be too upset: they still got a spot in the CL group stages, and their team still looked fantastic for huge stretches of the season. Radeka Lind was the signing of the season. Her contributions in both defense and attack were crucial to her team's season, despite playing the relatively unheralded position of left fullback. In goal, Iiro Pakanen, even taking into account a few howlers, was the best goalkeeper in the league, though only barely edging out Brian Merson. In attacking midfield, Heike Schoß was unlucky to miss out on a spot in the Best Eleven, barely getting edge out by Meghan Walcott. The Vanorian was the team's main offensive outlet. Unfortunately, the team's strike partnership was the weakest link, with neither Madison McClain nor Ülì Èsàsè proving particularly decisive or clinical.

This was a very, very bittersweet season for La Nueva Avenida. On the one hand, they mounted a title challenge, scored the most goals, and generally looked like a fantastic team. Pretty much every player performed up to standard, the team showed a lot of chemistry. Things just clicked. But also... they did sort of gift their rivals the title in the final matchday by losing to Herzegovina Phoenix of all teams. An excruciatingly painful ending to what could've been their greatest season in decades. At least the future looks very bright for the Farolerans, though! For one, Kaia Larriet-Cortes won the Golden Bib for her heroic efforts in defensive midfield. In defense, Agapeto Chayra broke into the first team and already looks like one of the best leftbacks in the league. Vyacheslav Khavarin was solid enough to nail a spot in the... Farfadillis national team? Not the Savojar national team. Cool, gotta make sure to update the database to reflect that. In center midfield, Océane Chastain finally blossomed into the player Faroleran fans kind of doubted she could be, while Rashica Horvath continued to be a dependable seven-to-nine-out-of-ten every single week. Up front, Hồ Vũ Thanh Hoàng, Thalassa Fletcher and Soter Duraniona were all great both at creating danger and feeding the team's star striker, Horacio Bastanchury. That said, out of the attacking players, Bastanchury was without a doubt the one that shone the most, scoring no less than thirty-five goals and winning the Silver Boot. Simply put, he had his best season yet.

And, finally, we get to the champions. After three disappointing seasons in the S-FPL—two in which they finished mid-table, one in which they barely missed out on the title—Mâ Âlâmëómë finally win the league. It was not easy, but the team was very mentally strong, especially in the final stretch of the season (please ignore the final matchday...), turning games around left and right, occasionally smashing teams after going down at half time. John Spartan looked likely to get the sack at one point, but he turned things around completely around the halfway mark. In defense, Alarabi Labeaga was a stalwart. In defensive midfield, Esther Axelrod-Conway always looked like she was one or two seconds ahead, every time. One of the smartest players in the league. Where this team shone the most, however, was in center midfield. Tahir Fejzuli was brilliant most of the time, and had a knack for setting up his teammates at the most crucial times. Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí, by contrast, didn't turn up as much at the most crucial moments, instead opting to just put in dominating performance after dominating performance regardless of opponent, winning the Silver Ball at the end of the season. On the wings, Lavanya Naqvi, with her experience, and Asztrik Biró, with his complete lack of experience, were both crucial when facing opponents that tried to make it difficult to attack through the center. The Pasargan youngster won the Silver Bib for that. Finally, and most importantly, Latona Basilisk won the Golden Ball because she just wouldn't stop scoring. With the service she got, she was bound to perform well, but she went above and beyond. After this season, she's finally cemented herself as one Mâ Âlâmëómë's many legends. Overall, Mâ Âlâmëómë were deserving champions, and probably should've had a four or five-point lead by the end of the season. If they sign a world-class goalkeeper, they'll be favorites for next season, without a doubt. That said, they'll probably have their eyes on finally winning the Champions' League.

FINAL TABLE

---- Team                        P   W   D   L  For   Ag   +/- Pts
- 1  Mâ Âlâmëómë                38  23  11   4  127   48   +79  80 Champions--------------
- 2  La Nueva Avenida           38  26   2  10  130   59   +71  80 Champions’ League------
  3  Jinja City FC              38  25   3  10  108   61   +47  78 Champions’ League------
  4  Herzegovina City FC        38  23   4  11  119   54   +65  73 Champions’ League------
  5  Kitara AA                  38  21   8   9   92   52   +40  71 Champions’ League------
  6  Rülândéá Kôstä             38  22   5  11  110   54   +56  71 Champions’ League------
  7  René Skaé                  38  21   6  11  117   60   +57  69 Champions’ League------
  8  Istria City FC             38  18  10  10  100   61   +39  64 Champions’ League------
- 9  Hoima Warriors             38  18   8  12   81   52   +29  62 Challenger’s Cup-------
 10  Busukuma AC                38  17  11  10   76   56   +20  62 Challenger’s Cup-------
 11  Ausharmuj Marusi           38  18   5  15   80   70   +10  59 Challenger’s Cup-------
 12  Avenida Leal               38  15  10  13   85   75   +10  55 Challenger’s Cup-------
 13  Dí Maozöxê                 38  16   6  16   88   80    +8  54 Challenger’s Cup-------
 14  Mynda Electra              38  14   6  18   62   86   -24  48 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

GOLDEN BALL

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club   
-    8.34                 32           Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
-    8.25                 37           Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí        Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
-    8.15                 36           Radeka Lind           Jinja City FC-------------

GOLDEN BOOT

-Goals Scored        Games Played      Player Name           Club     
-     36                  32           Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
-     34                  35           Horacio Bastanchury   La Nueva Avenida----------
-     31                  34           Jason Þórhallursson   Herzegovina City FC-------

GOLDEN BIB

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club   
-    7.71                 36           Kaia Larriet-Cortes   La Nueva Avenida----------
-    7.38                 30           Asztrik Biró          Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
-    7.17                 36           Coriolan              Busukuma AC---------------

BEST ELEVEN

Average Rating         Position        Player Name           Club      
--   7.64                aGKa          Iiro Pakanen          Jinja City FC-------------
--   8.15                aLBa          Radeka Lind           Jinja City FC-------------
--   7.91                aCBa          Reniira Clevinger     Herzegovina City FC -----
--   7.75                aCBa          Ralph Winter          Kitara AA-----------------
--   8.05                aRBa          Darijen Vesele        René Skaé ---------------
--   8.25                aCMa          Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí        Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
--   8.05                aCMa          Rashica Horvath       La Nueva Avenida    -----
--   8.07                aCMa          Tahir Fejzuli         Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------
--   7.96                aOMa          Meghan Walcott        Herzegovina City FC -----
--   8.10                aSTa          Horacio Bastanchury   La Nueva Avenida    -----
--   8.34                aSTa          Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë---------------

by **Busoga Islands** » Sun Nov 14, 2021 12:56 pm

S-FPL Cup Entry Rounds- Banija and Busoga

The S-FPL Cup is the unified domestic knockout cup for all professional teams in Banija, the Busoga Islands, and Farfadillis, no matter their level on the pyramid. Teams will only play other teams from their country until the quarterfinals. There shall a permanent allocation to the quarterfinals. One team from the Busoga Islands, three from Banija, and four from Farfadillis, will make the quarterfinals. The final shall be held in Farfadillis.

Busoga Islander Qualifiers

The six Busoga Islander teams will play in a double elimination tournament, seeded by their place in the league tables last season. The two 2nd tier sides, Lakiska SC and Dukuma SC, will earn byes for being in the second tier, while the four regional league sides will participate in the first round.

Full tournament bracket can be found here.

First Round
Jaribga Soccer Club 4-0 Tezirbu Foxes
Nezrouch Rovers 5-3 Tripoli Foresters
Second Round
Dukuma SC 0–0 Jaribga Soccer Club (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Lakiska SC 1–0 Nezrouch Rovers
Losers Bracket Round 1
Tripoli Foresters 3–2 Dukuma SC
Tezirbu Foxes 4–4 Nezrouch Rovers (4–4 AET) (4–3 pen.)

What is the story of the first three rounds of this tournament? That home field advantage matters. Six games played, and five of those six games were won by the home team, including some important upset victories. And the road win- while on penalties, was a big and decisive road win whose effects will be seen throughout the remainder of this double elimination tournament.

In round 1, Jaribga Soccer Club were dominant. This was not that much of a surprise- they were the defending champions of the Northwestern League, while the Tezirbu Foxes finished at the bottom of the very same league. 4-0 is 4-0, and it was an absolutely dominant performance in every sense of the word. The other game, between Nezrouch and Tripoli, however, was a barnstormer. 8 goals between the two teams, in a match that will not be forgotten for a long, long time. Nobody was playing any sort of defense, which is pretty much the opposite of what you think for Busogan teams. A stunning six first half goals left the score 4-2 in favor of the home side at halftime. Tripoli made it 4-3, and had a chance to make it 4-4 with a late penalty kick. However, the penalty was saved, and Nezrouch soon countered for the fifth and final goal, to make it 5-3. What a game.

The winners advanced to round 2, to take on Busoga's two BLS sides. The Nezrouch Rovers, of course, just scored five goals in round 1, running all over the Tripoli Foresters. Anyone hoping for another barnstormer of a match was going to be sorely mistaken. Lakiska SC is a dominant defensive team, and they play with that style- sitting back, closing the gaps, playing on the counter. Ilke Akgun scored the game's only goal, as she was played open and slotted home a simple effort from about six yards in the 35th minute. Lakiska SC were absolutely smothering after that to hold onto the 1-0 win. But in Dukuma, there were even less goals. 0-0 after 120 minutes, Dukuma SC went to penalties with Jaribga Soccer Club. Jaribga was a perfect 4/4 from the penalty spot. And their goalkeeper stepped up, making decisive saves on Dukuma's first and fifth attempts to put his team in the next round.

And lastly, we have Losers Bracket Round 1. With all teams guaranteed at least one home game during this double elimination tournament, the first round losers were at home against the second round losers, who each already had a home game. But home field advantage would reign supreme again. Another exciting weekend, full of goals. The Tripoli Foresters knocked Dukuma SC straight out of the tournament. Tripoli was energetic in front of their home crowd, continually taking the game to the club from Busoga's largest city. The well deserved victory stunned Dukuma fans, who were KO'd after two straight losses to regional league sides. In the other game, we had another barnstormer. 4-4. The Foxes, who lost 4-0 in round 1, found their nerve and hit their penalties, as they sent Nezrouch packing.

Losers Bracket Round 2
Tripoli Foresters 4–2 Tezirbu Foxes
Winners Bracket Semifinal
Lakiska SC 5–1 Jaribga Soccer Club
Loser's Bracket Semifinal
Jaribga Soccer Club 2–1 Tripoli Foresters

Elimination game- the Foresters took on the Foxes in what was an elimination game, while Lakiska SC took on Jaribga Soccer Club in what was not an elimination game. And yet again, there were more high scoring games in this round of action from the Busoga Islands. The Foresters won 4-2 against the Foxes, with the Foresters having four different goalscorers on the day at home. That home field advantage matters quite a bit, as the Foresters picked up their second home win of the tournament. Meanwhile, in the winner's bracket semifinal, Lakiska SC were utterly dominant against Jaribga Soccer Club. Lakiska SC has never been known to have much cup success, but they see their opportunity here with Dukuma already sent packing. The emphatic 5-1 home win put them into the Final Round, and at home no less.

That meant the Loser's Bracket semifinal could take place, with Jaribga Soccer Club, by virtue of their higher seed, taking on the Tripoli Foresters at home. And it would be Jaribga Soccer Club who would earn the victory, and the right to play in the next round. While the scoreline was close, the play on the field was not. Jaribga at home was far too much for Tripoli to handle. Jaribga scored twice in the first 15 minutes to take a 2-0 lead, and then just sat on the early lead. While Tripoli cut the lead in the half in the 70th minute, they never looked close to scoring an equalizer, as Jaribga was organized enough to not allow the opponents very good chances.

S-FPL Cup Qualifying Round

The tournament is still double elimination at this point. So here is how this round works. Lakiska hasn't lost, Jaribga has lost once. If Lakiska wins, then that Jaribga's second loss, who is now eliminated. But If Jaribga wins game 1, then that is Lakiska's first loss. The two teams will then play each other again, but with Jaribga at home. Then, the winner of that second game would go to the S-FPL Cup Quarterfinals. Get it? Got it? Good.

Game 1
Lakiska SC 3–1 Jaribga Soccer Club

Lakiska SC was determined to ensure that they would not play a road game. Jaribga Soccer Club is the only team to have won a road game in the Busogan Qualifiers so far, with the home teams otherwise undefeated in every other game played. Lakiska SC understood this going in. "We have a chance for a major win in front of our home fans, to put us a major step closer to winning a trophy." Said the new manager, Amariah Otieno. "It's important that we take this opportunity." And Lakiska did not mess around. Philena Neuheim scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute, and Lakiska kept looking for more. Matthew Tamworth doubled Lakiska's lead in the 43rd minute, to make it 2-0 to the home team at halftime.

Lakiska fans were chanting and singing loudly, imploring their team to see this game off. And they put the game to bed in the 62nd minute, with a goal by Tekir Agaoglu off the bench making the score 3-0. Jaribga got a consolation goal that did not mean much in the 90th minute, with a final score of 3-1 to the home team. Lakiska SC, the tournament favorites, were deserved winners. Dominant in their three games, all in front of soldout crowds at home, the Bandicoots will enter the Quarterfinals of this tournament with confidence. Can their defensive style mesh with the attacking play favored by much more talented Farf and Banijan teams in route to a possible trophy?

Banijan Qualifiers

The 62 Banijan teams will fight for three spots in the S-FPL Quarterfinals. Their format, unlike the one above, will be a straight knockout format.

In the first round, 34 teams will get a bye. These will be the 10 Banijan S-FPL clubs, the 16 Banijan BSL clubs, and 8 clubs from the regional leagues(the top two in each regional league from the previous season). The remaining 28 teams will play in the first round.

The 14 winners plus the 34 teams who had a bye will go to the second round. 24 winners into round 3, 12 winners in round 4, and 6 winners in round 5, with the 3 winners from round 5 advancing to the S-FPL cup Quarterfinals. Each round is a single match, played at home/away, and each match is played until there is a winner.

Opening Round
Djoro Athletic 1-0 Baleweye FC 
Eastern Moravica FC 2-1 Mukegara Warriors
Umbazi FA 10-0 Koksho City 
Koszagard City 6-1 Dodoma City SC
Okakameb City 2-0 Nanami Dragons
Kigagana Mountaineers 1-0 Amaku City FC 
AFC Okahavi 7-0 Dimbogourou SC
AFC Akwadua 1-1 Kitara Athletic Society (2-1 AET)
Kwadama Dojo 2-0 Thayaferu United
Boufaya Ravens 1-1 Busemlu Park SC (4-1 AET)
Lwanga Lions 2-3 Selekawe Knights
Abomfa United 1-0 Ogbordu Diamond FC
Gadive City 3-0 Slobochia Bears
AFC Kosactus 1-0 Mamari City


Second Round
Garixas City 0-1 Suwawa FC
Sororo City 0-2 Istria City FC
Busukuma AC 5-0 Zakuta City 
Corizova United 0-3 Busukuma Force
Okakameb City 0-6  Bwubanza City SC
Umbazi FA 1-4 Eastern Moravica FC
Askatasuna FC 0-3 Gadive City
Luguyala Patriots 1-0 Kigagana Mountaineers
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-0 AFC Kosactus 
Herzegovina City FC 9-1 Pumbasa Boars 
Kabakono City 1-1 Byakado City (2-2 AET, 3-4 PKs)
Mynda Electra 5-0 Nsade United
AFC Okahavi 0-1 Koszagard City 
Abomfa United 5-1 Capitol City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 4-1 Boufaya Ravens
Kitara AA 0-1 Aissa United 
Djoro Athletic 1-6 Duntho Sporting Club
Barmos United 1-2 Selekawe Knights
Bunyoro RSC 0-3 Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club
Jinja City FC 2-2 Igulu City FC (2-2 AET, 0-2 PKs)
Cerenus United 1-0 Hoima Warriors
Isipongo Flash 1-4 Rukunbi FC 
Taramazna United 4-2 AFC Akwadua
Kwadama Dojo 0-8 Hawabark Boulders 

Third Round
Suwawa FC 2-1 Eastern Moravica FC
Herzegovina City FC 1-1 Busukuma Force (1-1 AET, 3-1 PKs)
Herzegovina Phoenix 2-1 Duntho Sporting Club 
Gadive City 2-0 Busembe Timberwolves 
Selekawe Knights 1-1 Cerenus United (1-4 AET)
Luguyala Patriots 2-3 Rukunbi FC 
Umbazi Metropolitan Sporting Club 1-6 Istria City FC
Abomfa United 0-8 Aissa United 
Bwubanza City SC 2-1 Hawabark Boulders
Taramazna United 1-1 Koszagard City (1-1 AET, 3-4 PKs)
Mynda Electra 1-1 Igulu City FC (1-1 AET, 3-0 PKs)
Busukuma AC 4-1 Byakado City

4th Round

Mynda Electra 0-1 Cerenus United
Rukunbi FC 1-0  Bwubanza City SC
Herzegovina City FC 0-2 Istria City FC
Koszagard City 2-4 Busukuma AC
Aissa United 1-2 Herzegovina Phoenix
Gadive City 1-2 Suwawa FC

To the fourth round we go of these S-FPL Cup Qualifiers! Just 12 teams remaining from 62 on the Banijan side, and they are an interesting mix of squads. This season's S-FPL Cup Qualifiers on the Banijan side has seen all sorts of chaos, with teams from the Shango-Fogoa Premier League only making up 5 of the 12 teams remaining. There are just as many teams remaining from the second tier league, Banija League Soccer, as there are remaining from the S-FPL. With 5 teams from each of those leagues left, two teams remain from the regional leagues to round out the dozen, with Gadive City and Koszagard City both trying to stun the world by making runs from the third tier deep into the tournament.

While the magic dust continued for some lower league sides, for others- the clock struck Midnight. That was the case for the two regional league sides remaining. Koszagard City hosting a club the size of Busukuma AC was simply going to be too much to handle. It would've been the miracle of miracles- they're on their way to back to back last place finishes in the Northwestern League, and yet, they've already racked up three wins. But a fourth was one too many, as a hat trick by Sarzonian international Clayton Wilson doomed their chances. Gadive City, another regional league side, also fell, with Suwawa FC winning by a score of 2-1. Sarika Birla, a Busogan striker most famous for taking a literal bullet in the middle of a World Cup Qualifier, scored a braced for the visiting side.

Elsewhere, Cerenus United became the latest side to deliver a shock to a S-FPL team, as they won 1-0 on Mynda Electra's home field, to boot. An early strike from winger Ablie Danso was the difference, while Mynda Electra struggled to create offense. Cosumarite striker Cathal Turner skied a penalty for the home side, as the battle of the Aksum sides belonged to Cerenus. Meanwhile, Rukunbi FC won a tight game, 1-0 at home, over Bwubanza City SC. Nothing like a match winner from 37 year old subsitute striker Wasa Jobe to reach the next round, right? The Herzegovina Phoenix took care of business away from home, in a tight matchup against Aissa United. First half goals for both Ardent Blaze and Vidyo Avramov were enough to see off their hosts.

But the matchup of the day, by far, was the knockout match between the two Moravican rivals- Herzegovina City and Istria City. Herzegovina City won this cup the last time it was played. Both teams with championship expectations. But only one of these teams has the best strike pair in the country. It's hard to contain Kate Huitema-Omeasoo and Voska Avetisyan, and the Trumpeteers could not do so- even at home. KHO scored the opener in the 35th minute, while Avetisyan put the game on ice in the 79th minute. Avetisyan's goal was particularly special, with the $10 million NSD striker hitting a bicycle kick from about 10 yards away. Hitting an absolute stunner of a goal for an elimination match. It was an all out attacking affair, as 38 year old goalkeeper Akabueze Okparo, who started on the day but likely won't start in league play for Istria City, made several key saves for his team.

Qualifying Round

Busukuma AC 2-0 Rukunbi FC
Suwawa FC 4-2 Cerenus United
Istria City FC 3-3 Herzegovina Phoenix (3-4 AET)

And now, for the Qualifying Round! The final all-Banijan round- which three Banijan teams will make the quarterfinals of this tournament? First, we'll start with Busukuma AC's home game against Rukunbi FC, as manager Mark Grayson continues to make a positive impact on the capitol club. Busukuma AC has seen themselves long surpassed by clubs like the Kitara Athletic Association, and they absolutely hate it. Could a cup win get that taste out of their mouths, and get the club back where they belong- on top? They took one step closer to that win by becoming the first Banijan team to punch their ticket to the S-FPL Cup quarterfinals. The first half was very back and forth between the two clubs, with Farf winger Arsenio Pradas missing a sitter for the visitors in the first half. But Rukunbi knows this- when you're on the road, as a heavy underdog, you've got to take your chances.

Busukuma AC made Rukunbi pay for their waste in the second half. They took control over the game in the second half, with Rukunbi FC simply at a talent disadvantage due to the league differential, and Busukuma AC's intensity at home simply wore down Rukunbi. A beautiful cross from Coriolan found the head of Sarjo Danso for the opening goal in the 72nd minute. And then, just three minutes later, Busukuma put the game to bed with Nepharan center back Balduin Friedel heading in a corner kick to make it 2-0, which really took the wind out of the sails of the visitors. A great cup run for Rukunbi FC, but ended simply at the hands of a better team.

The other two games were vastly more entertaining. We're guaranteed a minimum of one BLS side in the quarterfinals, with Suwawa FC playing host to Cerenus United. This was a barnstormer of a match. Busogan striker Volkan Burcak scored the opening goal of the game for the visitors, with the Cerenus United striker hitting a first time shot into the upper 90, showing that the Aksum side was not here to mess around. While Suwawa central midfielder Abir Irmak equalized shortly after, Cerenus United was having the much better match over the run of play. The visitors were playing surprisingly on the front foot, and it made for a wide open, entertaining matchup. Both teams coming out aggressive, trying to score goals and win- just one way the Farf influence has been felt up and down the Banijan pyramid. And it paid off when Schottian midfielder Thomas Kinchie hit a diving header just before halftime, to make it 2-1 to Cerenus United.

But the second half changed everything. With a rocking home stadium, Suwawa FC flew out of the gates in the second half. IN just 15 minutes, a 2-1 deficit was turned into a 4-2 lead. A double by Sarika Birla sandwiched a go-ahead goal from Kalactanian wingback Roland Snyder, as the furious three goal rally was enough to have Suwawa FC be the second Banijan team to reach the cup quarterfinals.

And with that, there was one more matchup- Istria City FC, hosting the Herzegovina Phoenix at home. The only matchup remaining with all S-FPL teams. This was probably the craziest game out of the three. With Istria City having knocked out the bigger Herzegovina side, many felt that Istria City FC would be the best bet for a Banijan team to win the S-FPL Cup. That famous strike pair did their thing as well, with KHO scoring twice while Avetisyan scored once. But the defense simply could not do anything at the back end. Istria City FC led 3-1 with 85 minutes gone, and just five minutes left- and could not hold on. Freeport striker Ferne Horn came off the bench to cut the lead in half, and in the final minute of stoppage time, Gibril Kargbo scored the most dramatic of equalizers to put Kabonero III Field to silence.

And then- the dream come true in extra time. 108th minute, a handball by Xe Xuang led to a penalty for the Phoenix. They asked Avigdor Levitansky, the 35 year old Silverian left back, to take this penalty. He's been there, has seen it all. The 7NC champion. The perfect veteran. And- he buried the penalty right in front of travelling support. Phoenix fans were dancing throughout the night in Banija's largest city, as they had a comeback upset victory to put them in the quarterfinals.

That leaves three Banijan quarterfinalists- Busukuma AC, Suwawa FC, and the Herzegovina Phoenix. Can any of them bring home the cup?

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Dec 26, 2021 3:28 pm

-Season 5-

What to expect

It's time for another season of the most exciting football league in Northeastern Southwestern Atlantian Oceania! We've got plenty of exciting, high-scoring, bit-on-the-rough-side games to look forward to, as well as the wacky hijinks the Farves have gotten us used to. Very, very used to. Surely, we'll all heartily laugh as La Querida somehow avoid relegation despite shipping in seven goals per game, because it is a funny situation that never gets old. Many Farves will die in the kerfuffles that will ensue after particularly important games like, for example, any game. The Banijans will continue to have their sanity questioned by the international media at large, as foreign onlookers will continue to wonder just how much they are raking it in so that collaborating with Farves is somehow worth it. The answer, dear onlookers, is that they are really raking it in, even when you take into account that Alex Terán, FFFF President and President-for-life of Farolera (Farf ethnostate, in case you were wondering; the various Avenidas hail from there), has been funneling a huge chunk of that money towards Faroleran infrastructure so he can keep the Mandate of Heaven (long story). So yeah, the league's actually very, very popular! And we'd like to thank our readers for that, we've actually been very pleasantly surprised with how much following the league has gotten.

Unfortunately for the Virgin S-FPL avid reader, this season will be tailored for the Chad S-FPL skimmer and the Thad S-FPL Ctrl+F+[Player Name]er. This means that to fill our length quota, we'll have to focus on the more bizarre elements of the league, since those are easier to write about. We apologize if you expected to read about football. So, without further ado, here's a quick-ish rundown of what to expect from this season, but now from a less meta perspective:

First things first: following the debacle that was cycle 90 for the Banijan national team, the RBSA has instated a new rule which forces every Banijan club to have at least three Banijans on the pitch at all times. The thinking here is that this will help bolster young Banijan talent. Upon hearing about the new rule, Farf clubs failed to read the (not actually) fine print, and proceeded to buy three Banijan youngsters each (somehow, even the clubs that already had Banijans in their squads bought exactly three). These players will now mostly be bench-warmers for teams across the island, with the odd exception here and there. Quite literally, in fact: there are only two exceptions.

Let's get the most important thing out of the way: yes, La Querida are going to play very badly. Will they avoid relegation? I mean, obviously yes, right? Probably, but you'll have to wait to find out. What we can guarantee will happen, however, is that they will find themselves embroiled in an international incident where they are accused of human trafficking following Pan Xilei accidentally signing for them last transfer window. They've tried to pacify her by signing two of her compatriots in the similar-sounding (though we don't know if that's just us doing a racism) Pan Sifei and the funny-sounding (ok, this one's probably a bit of a racism) Ou Ye. They've also signed the "mercurial" Græntfjaller winger Matthias Raphaelsson, who is expected to provide much-needed locker room chaos.

The shit podium is completed by Busukuma Force and Herzegovina Phoenix, who are a step above the Pacifistans but a step below the other bad Farf teams. Busukuma Force will be fighting tooth and nail to stay afloat this season, because the lack of an in-depth preview has left them needing to do exactly that to finally get a pretty-looking crest. They definitely do not have what it takes to perform up to standard but, fortunately for them, neither do Herzegovina Phoenix! The capital city's [EDIT: The journalist is an idiot, Herzegovina City is not Banija's capitol, it's Busukuma] second-best club was lucky to have to compete with the Hawabark Boulders last season, but Busukuma Force might very well end up being a tad too challenging for them... which is pathetic. Seriously: were it not for La Querida, the bottom Banijan clubs would be made fun of all the time.

Going up another tier, we get to the respectable teams. You know, the ones that can actually beat good teams on a good day and are probably not getting relegated, or at least wouldn't be in danger of getting relegated if the Multiverse didn't conspire in La Querida's favor. Prostran I Forzuda will try to make their ethnonationalist fanbase very proud by gravely injuring at least one (but hopefully more than one) foreigner. Farf foreigner, that is: they're not nearly as racist when it comes to Banijans. After their success with players from Mertagne last season, their frozen, racist hearts have thawed enough for them to actually kinda like Mertagne. Avenida Principal have lost their best player, Leandro Martelli, to Ausharmuj Marusi, so if La Querida escape the clutches of relegation, it's likely we'll see los Caballeros going down in their stead. Busembe Timberwolves, meanwhile, are most likely safe. They'll entertain and fail to be relevant, as always. This is better than Mynda Electra, who will fail to entertain and fail to be relevant. Another season will go by, and not a single memorable thing that happens will involve Mynda Electra.

Next, we get to the ChC (probable) lock-ons. You know, the teams that are good enough to finish... between 9th and 14th place. It's not a tough ask, so don't expect too much quality. First we have Avenida Leal, who have signed a Græntfjall international and a Nepharan which is being hailed as Nevaeh Cathar's successor "or else". Ana Crowcombe will hope she can fulfill the fan's expectations "or else". Fortunately, she's young, so whatever very-fast-going-lead-related injuries she sustains will maybe heal. We also have René Skaé, who the careful reader will be surprised to be reading about at this point of the preview, and maybe even suspect we're just going by the eventual final league table, only in reverse. You'll have to wait and see, dear reader, but René Skaé are a frighteningly good team that will definitely not find themselves struggling throughout the season because of the faulty Szoirsian sewage system. There's also Busukuma AC, who are gunning for a return to their glory-ish days. They decided to be very aggressive last transfer window. They managed to sign one player: a nineteen-year-old centerback. The return to their glory-ish days will have to wait another season, clearly.

We're finally getting to the good teams: the ones that will probably make the CL, although at least two of them won't. There's, of course, Kitara AA. They will try and fail to get back to their form from a few seasons ago. Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov, the bastard, has left for Herzegovina City. This will hurt them badly and they will not look like the Kitara we've grown used to. Istria City are another good team that might struggle. They've made no signings and they barely managed to land a CL spot last season. This season, heartbreak awaits... or not! It does. Just one point ahead of them, but on a considerably worse goal difference, we'll find Ausharmuj Marusi. The Ferdullaelans did go all-out in the transfer window, signing five players. Some of them will even play well, and one of them will become "MacDonaldo Guy", the official spokesman for Alex Terán's new incursion into the fast-food business. He will meet a better fate than whatever non-Multiversal analogue you might be thinking about. Also, Ausharmuj Marusi will have their official name changed to Ausharmu Marusi for a season, as the Farf intern (of Banijan descent) in charge of getting their name right on the records failed to do that. In fact, after closer inspection, we might get an Avenida Prinicipal this season, too.

Finally, we get to the third-best tier: the could-maybe-win-the-league-with-some-luck group. Much like Busukuma, the Hoima Warriors made use of the transfer window to announce their intentions to claw their way back to relevance, but differed from their compatriots by signing zero players instead of one. Very Farf thing to do, guys. Nonetheless, despite sporting an aging squad that has failed to find success in the S-FPL era, and despite having an okay-but-not-great rank of 38 out of 50 (theoretically speaking), they will actually do well. None of their players will stand out, so just pretend we've got a nice Power of Friendship storyline going on here. We also have Dí Maozöxê, who'll be psychologically reeling from missing Xíxì Êns but won't actually notice the difference when looking at the group table. After last season's debacle, the fans will be okay-ish with a solid sixth-place finish... even though it will make them the worst Rulandese team in the league, as Rülândéá Kôstä will have better luck than them. Despite their beloved Röémün Çídh signing for AC Izotz Zubia, they'll look solid up front thanks to Aire Epherra's goalscoring efforts. Also, they've signed two Astograthians, who will be expected to be at least as good Epherra and Muhaburu. Itziar Lévêque will follow teammate Baraxil Muhaburu down the path of alcoholism because of his terrible performances, and will find his starting spot snatched by the other Astograthian the team signed, Tipi Izotzubia. He looks distinctly Rulandese, and doesn't seem to know much Astograthian geography, but he convinced the team to sign him on a free on the basis of his being Astograthian.

Finally, we get to the second-best tier: the teams that could, theoretically, snatch the title away from Mâ Âlâmëómë, in a different reality in which the Rulandese clubs is not going to steamroll their opposition and finish a solid fifteen points forty goals ahead of everyone. La Nueva Avenida, still sporting one of the scariest squads in the league, will be the second-best Farf team. Incorrectly-seasoned kraken meat will, unfortunately, make substitute striker, ex-NTer Salomón de Zúñiga cagar fuego. Translated literally, this means "to shit fire", and it is a respectful, religious way to say someone has died. None of his teammates will care too much. Ahead of the Farolerans we'll find Jinja City, who have made just one signing, but it sure as hell was a statement of intent: they signed exciting youngster Burama Kaba from Herzegovina City, and he will go on to have a great season. Not enough of a great season for them to finish ahead of the Trumpeteers, mind. Herzegovina City will be the best Banijan team, although not by much. The renovations their stadium will have to undergo after a game against La Nueva Avenida gone wrong will hurt their campaign, as they'll be unable to play at home for a solid twenty-eight matchdays (fourteen because a part of the stadium burned down, another fourteen because they have to play on the road too, sometimes, you know). This time, Farf arson will probably not cause a change of ruling party in Banija. We think.

Then there's, of course, Mâ Âlâmëómë. They have not made any non-Banijan signings: they're cocky enough to believe they can repeat last season's success. They will do exactly that, playing a mesmerizing brand of attacking football unlike any other seen before in the S-FPL, and then they will win the Challenger's Cup on top of that, no doubt setting themselves up for a terrible CL campaign the season after. Talisman Latona Basilisk will be at her fiery-est: she will break her goals-per-minute record by being on great form and break her red-cards-in-a-season record by having great form. Tahir Fejzuli will break the record for least distance run by a midfielder.

Also, you might've noticed the Banijan and Busogan parts of the Cup will happen throughout the season: the Farf part will not, and there may or may not be a winner in the end. Probably not.

Lastly, and most importantly, win or lose, lots of people will have fun! At the end of the day, after you leave aside the ethnic tension, the money laundering and the cringe Banijan fan chants, that's what this sport is really about!

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Dec 26, 2021 9:16 pm

-Season 5-

Learn the alphabet with our Season Review

A is for Águas internacionales
The Pan Xilei saga took a turn for the worst when the (now ex-)Yuezhou passport got mysteriously stolen (definitely not by club manager Porfirio Seijas). Unable to escape the hellhole she found herself in against her will, she resorted to international law, starting a human trafficking lawsuit against La Querida. This reportedly soured relations in the locker room, though it was not enough for Seijas to not start her continuously, nor was it enough for her to decline for La Querida. Alex Terán, President-for-life of Farolera, intervened once the threat of the international courts began to loom, quickly and decisively leveraging the S-FPL's constitution's mysterious status as an international treaty in order to declare La Querida's home stadium, headquarters, and the five blocks immediately surrounding them to be international waters. As such, it is now argued that Pan Xilei is technically in Yuezhou, and should therefore resort to a simple kidnapping lawsuit, which is supposedly much more winnable for the ex-Faroleran club. Unfortunately, due to Alex Terán's vested interests, and as La Querida's status as an S-FPL team is vital for the whole international waters thing, the ex-Faroleran club will avoid relegation once again, despite a poor record in the league. They have also been renamed to Águas Internacionales La Querida. La Querida for short.

B is for Boom!
We mean Boom! Uranium Mining, of course, the Farf conglomerate. Did you think there would be explosions? Silly you. Boom! have reported record profits, thanks in part to their sponsorship of the S-FPL, which has reached record broadcasting numbers. We seriously don't understand what any of you see in us, but we're glad to have you here!

C is for Critical mass
In the sense of nuclear fission, of course. Specifically, Mâ Âlâmëómë fans celebrated the double by dropping a few nukes over the Rulandujan Mountains. This has happened before, and there is nothing to fear: nobody lives there and the radiation-eating snakes will just eat the radiation. But the nukes really are a sight to behold!

D is for Domestic violence
Zvezdan Krstic is very bad at set pieces. So much so that a (possibly fake) stat got quickly popularized: domestic violence in Kruviš spikes whenever he takes a free kick. One particularly unfortunate commentator described one such attempt as "hitting the wall like many Kruviši right now". "Also, they will go on to hit their wives" he continued, undeterred. Said commentator was promptly canceled by the Kruviši. Getting canceled in Farfadillis is more serious than in other countries, mind: his remains were found in a river a few days later.

E is for Embezzlement
Which, may we remind you, is not what Alex Terán is currently doing, despite what the international media may be saying. This is slander.

F is for F
Salomón de Zúñiga's untimely passing because of kraken meat that was past its due date was a very unfortunate event. Mâ Âlâmëómë's fans whistling during the minute of silence that same weekend. They went on to thrash the Farolerans 8-0, too, with potential psychopath Bye Galleh Gaye, newly-signed Banijan substitute striker, celebrating both of his goals by raising a middle finger to the sky. Curiously enough, there were barely any fan fights.

G is for Go Team!
Banijan chants continue to get mercilessly mocked by Farf fans, who much prefer to gloat about the times they killed the friends and family of their rivals' fans. Some of the Banijan teams seem to be adapting, with rumors that some isolated insults could be heard in their more heated matches. We'll be looking forward to further corruption.

H is for Herbs
When asked in a press conference what the team's secret was, after a 6-1 thrashing of Rülândéá Kôstä, and well ahead of the other teams in the table, Mâ Âlâmëómë star Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí replied: "It's probably the magic herbs." Before being misunderstood, he clarified: "As in, literal magic herbs. We get it from one of those countries that have actual magic or whatever. But mostly it's just me consuming it. The others are too chicken shit. They fear the potential encephatitis or whatever. Honestly, though? Besides the headaches, I'm super happy. This is the best football I've ever played." Following that interview, Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí missed out on the rest of the season because of an emergency brain surgery which, thankfully, did not leave any major, permanent sequels, but by that point he'd accumulated enough merit to win the Golden Ball.

I is for Impossible goal
Herzegovina City's Jason Þórhallursson pulled off the impossible in his side's derby against Herzegovina Phoenix. He elbowed two different players before kneeing the goalkeeper in the face, then finally helping the ball into the goal with a deft touch with his hand. He went on to celebrate the goal by, perhaps recklessly, kicking the wiring right behind the goal repeatedly. The lights soon went out and the VAR system went kaput.

J is for Jitters
What Avenida Principal fans felt when Prostran I Forzuda took the lead against Busukuma in the last matchday. A win for the Kruviši in the last matchday would've meant relegation for the Farolerans. However, a late surge from the Banijans saved them, as they scored a whopping five goals in the last fifteen minutes. Avenida Principal survive another season, but their place in this league looks more and more untenable as the seasons go by.

K is for Kidney
The most wholesome story of the season was, without a doubt, Ebou Fafubadi donating one of his kidneys to his manager, Thjorgias Pickton, shortly after matchday ten. Curiously enough, Fafubadi would go on to play every remaining minute of the Faroleran team's league campaign. He actually performed quite well. Definitely one for the future, at least as long as his one kidney remains healthy.

L is for Low-grossing documentary
Mynda Electra's attempt at going viral and expanding the brand by investing in a high-quality documentary about the team's struggles throughout the season failed miserably, as the team proved too boring for most people to take more than half an hour of continuous watching. Did you know some of the nerds on this team play chess?

M is for MacDonaldo Guy
Ausharmuj Marusi's new signing Mac Rojas had a brilliant season, both on and off the pitch. On the pitch, he helped guide his team to Champions' League football. Off of it, Alex Terán offered him a lucrative deal as his new restaurant chain MacDonaldo's new spokesperson, MacDonaldo guy. Rojas would go on to score ten goals after becoming MacDonaldo, celebrating by playing out the dialogue of a MacDonaldo ad every single time. Rumor has it he is now by far the highest-earning player in the league. Disclaimer: To date, no children have been abused by Mac Rojas.

N is for No football
Yeah, sorry about that. We promise to write more about that kind of thing next season.

O is for Outnumbered
Ausharmuj Marusi's 15-1 thrashing of Busukuma Force can be easily explained by two factors. First, Busukuma Force are shit. But also, second: Busukuma Force had four players sent off within the first fifteen minutes. It was a night to remember for fans of MacDonaldo, as Mac Rojas scored no less than four goals, delighting the food chain's fans with four two-minute-long skits as MacDonaldo Guy in which no kids were harmed.

P is for Problematic
There was no other way to describe what the Warriors did on Matchday 23 on their visit to Busukuma. They used flares, despite Busukuma explicitly banning flares! Flares which, may we remind you, use fire. This was rightly condemned in Farfadillis as cultural appropriation. The club was pressured to the point of releasing an official apology on social media, lamenting their fans' failure to stick to their leftist ideals, and promising to help stamp out such aberrant behavior.

Q is for Quorum
The S-FPL board failed to reach quorum a whooping all times this season, which effectively paralyzed the Farf side of the cup from ever playing out. As a result, Lakiska SC, Busukuma AC, Suwawa FC and Herzegovina Phoenix will be playing each other in the off-season to decide the winner of the S-FPL Cup... if the S-FPL board reaches quorum.

R is for Right at home
Matthias Raphaelsson found himself right at home playing for La Querida. His usual shenanigans were usually met with either exhilaration or disappointment. Sleeping with three different teammates' wives was not enough to get the team to turn on him, and neither was his insistence on trying to get into fights over the most trivial bullshit, and nobody even batted an eye when he brought a literal brain tumor to the locker room and started smearing it over his teammates' belongings (La Querida had been warned about him and locker room cancers). In the end, however, something had to give: his insistence on "flatulence" being a valid Scrabble word burned many bridges at once, and chances are he will have to look for a new club next season.

S is for Second-degree burns
Which Ana Crowcombe suffered after a fan "accidentally" fired his New Year's fireworks right into her home, just after her seventh consecutive match without scoring. Fortunately, she recovered her form after that, perhaps spurred on by the incident. The top clubs will no doubt be interested in signing her and, well, after this experience, one wouldn't blame her for being tempted by any offer. She's also got a badass face scar now, too, so there's that.

T is for Totally Astograthian
Tipi Izotzubia, the very Astograthian rightback who plays for Rülândéá Kòstä, had one hell of a break-out season as the team's other Astograthian signing, Itziar Lévêque, turned out to be shit. "No wonder he never performed" Lêdrêló Üwársá, Rülândéá Kôstä's president declared during a press conference. "He was a fake Astograthian. We should've known from his last name. He must be Rulandese. Fortunately," he continued "we'd signed Tipi on the off chance that he'd turn out good. Now Tipi does have a very Astograthian-sounding name, even if he seems extremely Rulandese. And he's a fantastic player! We're really happy with our current transfer policy, so expect us to go all-in for more Astograthians in the future, even if it means we'll now be paying extra because we've announced our intentions."

U is for Uppercut
Latona Basilisk was sent off a whooping five times throughout the season. Rumor has it she's been training her form, because her uppercuts display a lot of technique. Rumor also has it she's being "pranked" with some magical herb that makes you irrationally angry. Still, it's just a rumor!

V is for Vodka
Baraxil Muhaburu is arguably one of the most talented players in the league, though he sometimes struggles to show it because of his well-known problems with alcohol. Well, add another Astograthian to the list now, because Baraxil managed to corrupt Itziar Lévêque after the latter lost his starting spot. In fact, Baraxil says he's now no match for Itziar, who's averaging half a liter of vodka every day, allegedly. This has not helped him regain his starting spot.

W is for Wilful neglect of vital infrastructure
That's what the Chairman of Szoirsia, Jacques Bau Lémtsat, charged the Vice-chairman of Szoirsia, Csaba Csalfa, with following the debacle involving the nation's main city's sewage system. On the pitch, this was reflected in René Skaé's terrible home form, as the team's continuous intoxication because of the nations' now very unhealthy tap water wreaked havoc on their season. In the end, Csaba Csalfa got off with just an execution.

X is for X goals every Y games, baby
Aire Epherra is intolerable when he's in good form, and he was in very good form throughout the season. His press conferences can get weird, but the fans love how self-centered he can get.

Y is for You
Thank you, dear reader, for putting up with this. We really appreciate it!

Z is for Zzz
We'll put you to sleep if we continue.

FINAL TABLE

---- Team                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
- 1  Mâ Âlâmëomë            38   28   7   3   144   36 +108    91 Champions--------------
- 2  Herzegovina City FC    38   23   7   8   104   40  +64    76 Champions’ League------
  3  Jinja City FC          38   21  11   6    97   30  +67    74 Champions’ League------
  4  La Nueva Avenida       38   22   8   8    99   60  +39    74 Champions’ League------
  5  Rülândéá Kôstä         38   22   5  11   107   70  +37    71 Champions’ League------
  6  Dí Maozöxê             38   21   7  10   113   62  +51    70 Champions’ League------
  7  Hoima Warriors         38   19   9  10    90   42  +48    66 Champions’ League------
  8  Istria City FC         38   18   7  13    97   65  +32    61 Champions’ League------
- 9  Kitara AA              38   18   7  13    70   50  +20    61 Challenger’s Cup-------
 10  Busukuma AC            38   19   4  15    79   61  +18    61 Challenger’s Cup-------
 11  Ausharmu Marusi        38   18   5  15   101   92   +9    59 Challenger’s Cup-------
 12  René Skaé              38   17   7  14    85   63  +22    58 Challenger’s Cup-------
 13  Avenida Leal           38   17   4  17    76   72   +4    55 Challenger’s Cup-------
 14  Mynda Electra          38   12   8  18    73   91  −18    44 Challenger’s Cup-------
 15  Busembe Timberwolves   38    8  10  20    58  106  −48    34
 16  Avenida Prinicipal     38   10   4  24    63  118  −55    34
-17  Prostran I Forzuda     38    8   9  21    69  109  −40    33 Relegated--------------
 18  Busukuma Force         38    6   5  27    41  138  −97    23
-19  Herzegovina Phoenix    38    4   9  25    38   99  −61    21 Relegated--------------
 20  La Querida             38    1   3  34    17  217 −200     6

GOLDEN BALL

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club   
-    8.55                 29           Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí        Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------
-    8.48                 27           Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------
-    8.20                 35           Alarabi Labeaga       Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------

GOLDEN BOOT

-Goals Scored        Games Played      Player Name           Club     
-     35                  27           Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------
-     33                  32           Aire Epherra          Rülândéá Kôstä-----------
-     29                  34           Jason Þórhallursson   Herzegovina City FC------

GOLDEN BIB

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club   
-    7.96                 37           Lolong Bokate         Dí Maozöxê---------------
-    7.75                 26           Ana Crowcombe         Avenida Leal-------------
-    7.59                 29           Tipi Izotzubia        Rülândéá Kôstä-----------

BEST ELEVEN

Average Rating         Position        Player Name           Club      
--   7.70                aGKa          Gentle Breeze         Herzegovina City FC------
--   8.06                aLBa          Radeka Lind           Jinja City FC------------
--   8.20                aCBa          Alarabi Labeaga       Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------
--   7.60                aRBa          Darijen Vesele        René Skaé --------------
--   8.55                aCMa          Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí        Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------
--   8.11                aCMa          Erin Kang             Rülândéá Kôstä-----------
--   8.15                aLWa          Vasiliy M. Kuznetsov  Herzegovina City FC------
--   8.00                aOMa          Heike Schoß           Jinja City FC------------
--   7.96                aRWa          Lolong Bokate         Dí Maozöxê---------------
--   8.03                aSTa          Aire Epherra          Rülândéá Kôstä-----------
--   8.48                aSTa          Latona Basilisk       Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 9:03 am

-Season 6-

Preview

Ausharmuj Marusi
Nickname: la Sindica (the Syndicate)

Derogatory nickname(s): les Mugrientés (the Grimy ones)
Manager: Ey Farrháteré
Ground: Multisportivé Joan Roaré (17000), located in Bolanos, Ferdullaele
Major rivals: Ferdullaele (local and political)
Major honors: 1 Farf Freitball Ligá 2 title, 1 Ferdullaelan state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: Keep things going: mediocrity in this league actually feels kind of nice
Starting Lineup: aGKa Mugel Krygorf aLBa Mac Rojas aCBa Ecésar der Efer aRBa Agundí Tibanagogó aCMa Maksat Omorov aCMa Eslejes Aljojí aOMa Mageuely Fayuds aLWa Aodaghan Stern aRWa Leandro Martelli aSTa Joe Green aSTa Joaquim Martell
Bench: aGKa Anviungar Lagondanasó aGKa Tusales de Lovandá aLBa Gurielefre Manta aCBa Horacéi Xúrkaroá aRBa Lôdgé G’Ôxz aDMa Gianluigi Sierra aCMa Cicek Aga aOMa Malal Kunawo aLWa Lihonhegeí Aixenxó aRWa Gurielefre Aixenxó aSTa Ekaina Cionaodha aSTa Lougoró Aroyo
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Mugel Krygorf        	32	AHR	GK	Standard            	-
-6	Mac Rojas            	28	PFA	LB	Fullback            	-
-2    Ecésar der Efer      	28	FER	CB	Standard            	 
 4	Agundí Tibanagogó    	24	FER	RB	Wingback            	 
 3	Maksat Omorov        	22	KYZ	CM	Box-to-box          	 
 5	Eslejes Aljojí       	32	IND	CM	Box-to-box          	 
10	Mageuely Fayuds      	28	FER	OM	Advanced Playmaker  	 
11	Aodaghan Stern       	21	SRS	LW	Inside Forward      	-
-8	Leandro Martelli     	32	VLD	RW	Winger              	-
-9	Joe Green            	32	TJU	ST	Advanced Forward    	-
-7    Joaquim Martell      	36	JUV	ST	Advanced Forward    	-
12	Anviungar Lagondanasó	27	FER	GK	Standard            	 
23	Tusales de Lovandá   	17	FER	GK	Sweeper Keeper      	 
14	Gurielefre Manta     	17	FER	LB	Wingback            	 
15	Horacéi Xúrkaroá     	34	FER	CB	No-nonsense         	 
16	Lôdgé G’Ôxz          	25	RÜL	RB	Wingback            	-
17	Gianluigi Sierra     	17	FER	DM	Standard            	-
19	Cicek Aga            	30	BUS	CM	Playmaker           	-
20	Malal Kunawo         	17	BNJ	OM	Attacking Midfielder	-
21	Lihonhegeí Aixenxó   	17	FER	LW	Inside Forward   	-
18	Gurielefre Aixenxó   	30	FER	RW	Inside Forward   	 
22	Ekaina Cionaodha     	21	SRS	ST	Advanced Forward 	 
23	Lougoró Aroyo        	24	FER	ST	Defensive Forward	-
Background: The only left-wing club in Ferdullaele, the once-wealthy capital state that had control over Farfadillis until Farf society utterly collapsed. Why are they the only left-wing team? Because the team is still heavily linked 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, including other Farf 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. Historically, they're about as mediocre as a club at this level can get: essentially no titles to speak of, and their fans don't particularly mind it. Their biggest claim to fame is probably that Oskar Holsteiner started his career with them... and, sure enough, he's Fröndti, not Ferdullaelan.
Overview: Ausharmuj Marusi are in a bit of a funny situation, in that they're ecstatic with their regular IFCF football—regardless of actual performances, unfortunately for the Farf coëfficient—and as a result are more than content with just being a mediocre mid-table team. If they don't finish below fourteenth place, everything will be fine. The thing is, this state of affairs is entirely reliant on both Banija and Farfadillis holding onto their top four IFCF spots, which is not exactly an easy task. For now, they're blissfully unaware of this. As a team, they've certainly got enough talent to achieve thieir middling objectives, with a surprisingly competent defense, an experienced midfield and an even more experienced frontline. As a Farf team, they will stand out for their tendency towards possession-based football: this is mostly a result of their key players getting up there in years (which is something else they should be worrying about!), but it's also down, allegedly, to a genuine change in philosophy from Ey Farrháteré.
Key players:
# 7 — Joaquim Martell — aSTa — Age 36 — — Season 5: 33 appearances, 19 goals, 15 assists, 7.65 average rating
Joaquim has been the team's stand-out performer from the first time he wore an Ausharmuj Marusi shirt. He's a club legend at this point, and one of the main reasons the club has been doing better than ever lately. Unfortunately, he's getting up there in years. Farrháteré has a solution, however: stop playing him as a winger, make him a dedicated forward and don't ask him to press. He's fantastic at finding those small pockets of space (which are not so small in this league) and exploiting them with his finishing, which ranges from good to utterly ruthless depending on his form. If all goes to plan, this positional change might be able to get one or two more seasons out of him.
# 6 — Mac Rojas — aLBa — Age 28 — — Season 5: 36 appearances, 11 goals, 12 assists, 7.82 average rating
Better known in Farfadillis as MacDonaldo guy, Alex Terán's new business venture's mascot. Last season, Mac was flying, especially after landing his lucrative deal with Terán's fast-food chain. Perhaps the money motivates him. Either way: he started off as a run-of-the-mill foreign full-back (though Poafmersians do generally focus more on attack, actually!). You know the type: they defend but are shy going forward. This wore off after Terán offered him lots of cash for every goal he scored. The Poafmersian quickly flourished into a reckless wingback, very much in the Farf mold, though one that retains his defensive capabilities, very much not in the Farf mold.
# 8 — Leandro Martelli — aRWa — Age 32 — — Season 5: 30 appearances, 16 goals, 18 assists, 7.78 average rating
A winger with a lot of experience. Specifically, a lot of experience dragging Avenida Principal kicking and screaming to safety from relegation. His first season playing for la Sindica was very good, even though his legs are showing signs of giving in to age. He became an immediate fan favorite, not only because of his performances but also because his last name is almost the same as the club's best player of the last few years. Martelli is perhaps more technical than anyone else inthe squad—much more of a playmaker, if you will, especially given his age—and, as a result, will be more focused on feeding Green and Martell up top than going for glory himself.
Ones to watch:
#17 — Gianluigi Sierra — aDMa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
One of those rare players that combine a sharp mind with a phenomenal physique. He's wise beyond his years, usually knowing exactly what to do despite his tender age. He's also somewhat tall, somewhat strong, somewhat fast and has a seemingly unending supply of fuel for his tank. No, seriously, he won't stop running. You've probably figured out the catch: he's got two left feet, and he's right-footed. He could still turn into a very good player despite that... eventually. Not yet, however. He really is too atrocious on the ball to justify him getting a decent amount of playing time. However, he is seventeen, and so has plenty of time to grow into a half-competent sideways passer of the ball.
#21 — Lihonhegeí Aixenxó — aLWa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
The much younger brother of the recently-signed Gurielefre Aixenxó, Lihonhegeí differs from his brother only in age and in being right-footed. He's, otherwise, a carbon copy of him: blisteringly fast, good at crossing, an above-average dribbler and utterly useless at banging them in. However, in Bolanos they seem to be convinced his ceiling is considerably higher than his brother's, to the point it is rumored Farrháteré has been pressured by management into giving the kid more playing time than he likely can justify based on his current ability. Might they be right about Lihonhegeí's potential? More funnily, perhaps: might they be about to burn out their best young prospect since Oskar Holsteiner? We'll have to wait and see.
#20 — Malal Kunawo — aOMa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
Malal knew he had no chance of breaking into the Trumpeteers' senior squad, at least not for another half-decade. Ausharmuj Marusi saw potential in him and, more importantly, the recklessness needed to sign for them. When you specifically filter for the risk-taking (read: imprudent) what you get is... well, apparently, a pretty decent young prospect! On the pitch, his personality manifests as him playing a particularly vertiginous style of football, always looking to tear apart defenses as soon as possible. Not exactly ideal given Farrháteré's new philosophy, but still nice to have. Off the pitch, his audacious personality manifests as... well, the less said about it, the better.
Prediction: They're good enough to get into the ChC once again. They should watch out for their aging players, but they do seem to have another season in them. A 13th place finish seems likely. This is one of the most predictable teams in the league, so you can be confident they won't finish more than two spots away from our prediction.

Avenida Leal
Nickname: los Leales (the Loyal ones)

Derogatory nickname(s): la Guita (the Money)
Manager: Eberardo Orvananos
Ground: Lealtad y Fuerza (30000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: La Nueva Avenida (local), Avenida Principal (local), Avenida Victoria (local)
Major honors: 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: Can we be relevant again? Please?
Starting Lineup: aGKa Marcio Bribiesca aLBa Ha'nei Ighv aCBa Ermenegildo Maestrey aRBa Krysia Bailey aDMa Tinni Grímólfursson aCMa Travis Grimaldi aCMa Tercero Yturri aLWa Ana Crowcombe aRWa Marcus Young aSTa Lajos Latheleanódi aSTa Alois Chiliarch
Bench: aGKa Émîróînó Ônzántolöìra aGKa Eutropio Uvalle aLBa Miki Zinádi aCBa Trinidad Arochi aRBa Aristide Agostino aDMa Bun Faitayoh aCMa Derya Canizal aCMa Poncio Agredano aLWa Ebrima Sonko aRWa Svetislav Cirkovic aSTa Rodolfo Moneda aSTa Suaham Ararina
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Marcio Bribiesca     	27	FAR	GK	Standard         	 
 6	Ha'nei Ighv          	26	CMT	LB	Wingback         	 
 2	Ermenegildo Maestrey 	24	FAR	CB	Standard         	 
 4    Krysia Bailey         	34	EQS	RB	Fullback         	 
 3    Tinni Grímólfursson     24	GRF	DM	Destroyer        	-
-5	Travis Grimaldi      	27	CBP	CM	Standard         	-
-8	Tercero Yturri       	20	FAR	CM	Standard         	-
-7	Ana Crowcombe        	22	NPH	LW	Winger           	-
11	Marcus Young         	27	SNL	RW	Winger           	-
10	Lajos Latheleanódi   	25	SZO	ST	Defensive Forward	 
 9	Alois Chiliarch      	28	NPH	ST	Advanced Forward	-
12	Émîróînó Ônzántolöìra	28	RÜL	GK	Sweeper Keeper  	 
23	Eutropio Uvalle      	17	FAR	GK	Sweeper Keeper  	 
15	Miki Zinádi          	26	SZO	LB	Wingback        	 
13	Trinidad Arochi      	33	FAR	CB	No-nonsense     	 
14	Aristide Agostino    	29	TAN	RB	Wingback        	-
16	Bun Faitayoh         	19	BNJ	DM	Destroyer       	-
18	Derya Canizal        	26	SRS	CM	Standard        	 
19	Poncio Agredano      	25	FAR	CM	Standard        	-
20	Ebrima Sonko         	18	BNJ	LW	Winger          	-
17	Svetislav Cirkovic   	28	KRU	RW	Winger          	 
21	Rodolfo Moneda       	17	FAR	ST	Poacher         	 
22	Suaham Ararina       	27	SRS	ST	Advanced Forward	-
Background: Though Avenida Leal arrived comparatively late to the whole successful Avenida thing, they're arguably the second-best one historically. They're a club of working-class roots, much like La Nueva Avenida, though they were taken over by a Faroleran magnate relatively early on in their history. They're heavily tied to the wood industry, both because of the aforementioned working-class roots and the aforementioned magnate. 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 unusual at best, 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 exceptions.
Overview: With Rogerio Defigueroa gone to Mâ Âlâmëómë, things are not looking any better for Avenida Leal this season than they did the last. However, their utter lack of firepower—mostly down to club legend Nevaeh Cathar retiring one season too late—has spurred them on to splash some cash and sign two new strikers who both struck the sweet spot between talented enough and desperate for playing time. Ha'nei Ighv's their marqueé signing of the window, though the defense wasn't actually a problem to begin with. Overall, this team seems like it will have to content itself with mediocrity once again, but fans can at least be a tad hopeful now that it's clear that management is at least trying: they signed Grímólfursson and Crowcombe last season, too. Their derogatory nickname would sure come in handy in these dire times, is probably what they're thinking.
Key players:
# 5 — Travis Grimaldi — aCMa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 34 appearances, 7 goals, 15 assists, 7.72 average rating
An all-rounder with a lot of experience at the higher level, Grimaldi has been part of the Baker Park national team for around a decade now. What he brings to the table is simple: put him on the pitch, and you'll get, nine times out of ten, a solid 7+/10. His remarkable consistency does seem to be a double-edged sword, in the sense that you'll rarely see him play the other team off the pitch. This is a blessing in disguise for Avenida Leal, as it might very well be the reason they've managed to hang onto him for so long.
#11 — Marcus Young — aRWa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 37 appearances, 15 goals, 15 assists, 7.66 average rating
A starter for the up-and-coming Elephants, Marcus Young is a nimble, athletic winger with a knack for scoring free kicks. He has been a fixture on los Leales' right wing for a while now, and has not once looked out of place there. Much like Grimaldi in that he is very consistent, though his form does dip every now and then—possibly in exchange for the occasional game in which he tears apart the opposition. He's also remarkably selfless, which was a huge problem last season with Nevaeh Cathar misfiring shots left and right.
# 7 — Ana Crowcombe — aLWa — Age 22 — — Season 5: 29 appearances, 9 goals, 10 assists, 7.75 average rating
Diminutive, astonishingly nimble and very technical, Ana Crowcombe's debút season was filled with highs and lows. She managed to carve out chance after chance for herself, but went the entire season without putting on her shooting boots. Her skillset is better suited for playing on the wing, maybe, at least in the sense that the side can't afford to keep missing chances, so Orvananos will be playing her there from now on. Crowcombe is remarkable in that she's such an annoying little shit to defend against. Her knack for finding space and her dribbling are not quite unmatched in this league, but the list of players who can outmatch her in either of those areas is surprisingly small. How Belgrave failed to see her potential is anyone's guess, but their obsession with possession-style football might be a part of the story. Unfortunately, however, there might've been a bigger part of said story: she's also apparently very mentally fragile. To make matters worse, she now carries some mental (and physical) scars from last season.
Ones to watch:
# 8 — Tercero Yturri — aCMa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 36 appearances, 4 goals, 13 assists, 7.42 average rating
Endless stamina, youthful vigor, and a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty (and yes, he will cheat if given the chance) make Yturri a very interesting young prospect. With the ball on his feet... well, we've certainly seen better, but so long as he doesn't fancy himself to be the reincarnation of Alexsandr van Sorensen, things should be fine. An unusual player profile for a Farf midfielder for sure, but the talent is there nonetheless.
#20 — Ebrima Sonko — aLWa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Avenida Leal's approach to signing the three Banijans they thought they needed but actually didn't wasn't quite as successful as Dí Maozöxê's, although they followed a similar strategy: they tried to sign their players from very far-flung places. They sort of overdid it: Sonko hails from Enyogara, population nine thousand. He is no Lolong Bokate, and he clearly still needs a few more seasons training at a decent club before he can blossom into the winger that he can be. He's fast, strong and not half bad with the ball on his feet. His decision-making, on the other hand, is going to keep the training staff up at night.
#16 — Bun Faitayoh — aDMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
Hailing from the same town as Sonko (yes, really), Bun Fataiyoh is nothing like him: he's massive, intelligent and you would never, ever mistake him for a quick player. His role when playing for the youth squad is simple: find leg, break leg. Mostly figuratively but also not completely figuratively. If said leg belongs to a player who is good at kicking the ball around, better. If he can get the ball instead, then that's even better, but very much optional. There's no way he's displacing Grímólfursson at any point of his career, but maybe Orvananos will want to sub him in when facing top-tier opposition, in the hopes of taking out one of their best players.
Prediction: Management's trying, and there's a lot of things here that could go well for Avenida Leal this season—namely, their completely reworked frontline—but it's still hard to view them as anything but mediocre at the moment. Predicting anything better than 12th place would be pushing it.

Avenida Principal
Nickname: los Caballeros (the Knights)

Derogatory nickname(s): la Tercera Avenida (the Third Avenida)
Manager: Gregorio Fredeluces
Ground: La Gran Avenida (60000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: Avenida Leal (local and political), La Nueva Avenida (local), Avenida Victoria (local and political)
Major honors: 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: There are no expectations, only pain
Starting Lineup: aGKa Fermín Delcorro aLBa Shireen Tsuker aCBa David Xeniadis aCBa Ezequiel Zayas aRBa Emilio Frondarina aCMa Vínseslâdís t'Îswér aCMa Óliver Tijerina aTKa Adama Kusawande aLWa Alonzo de Anda aRWa Porfirio Guajaca aSTa Celio Pompa
Bench: aGKa Godofredo Armendez aGKa Alejandro Muis aLBa Ildefonso Mendozo aCBa Heather Little aCBa Gervasi Cabezadebaca aRBa Matías Buendía aCMa Jambaar Jasli aTKa Abdou Mih aOMa Tiburcio Lüè aLWa Casimiro Carrizosa aRWa Subieh Henau aSTa Conrado Saballos
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Fermín Delcorro     	26	FAR	GK	Sweeper Keeper    	 
 6	Shireen Tsuker      	30	NPH	LB	Fullback          	-
-2    David Xeniadis      	30	VDA	CB	Standard          	-
-4	Ezequiel Zayas      	30	FAR	CB	Standard          	 
 3	Emilio Frondarina   	33	FAR	RB	Fullback          	 
 5	Vínseslâdís t'Îswér 	28	RÜL	CM	Box-to-box        	 
 6    Óliver Tijerina     	34	FAR	CM	Playmaker         	-
-7	Adama Kusawande     	20	BNJ	TK	Takilante         	-
11	Alonzo de Anda      	35	FAR	LW	Winger            	-
10	Porfirio Guajaca    	27	FAR	RW	Winger            	-
-9	Celio Pompa         	29	FAR	ST	Advanced Forward  	-
12	Godofredo Armendez  	33	FAR	GK	Standard          	-
23	Alejandro Muis      	18	FAR	GK	Standard          	-
14	Ildefonso Mendozo   	29	FAR	LB	Wingback          	 
13	Heather Little      	23	CDG	CB	Standard          	 
15	Gervasi Cabezadebaca	28	FAR	CB	No-nonsense       	 
16	Matías Buendía      	31	FAR	RB	Wingback          	 
18	Jambaar Jasli       	21	BNJ	CM	Standard          	 
19	Abdou Mih           	21	BNJ	TK	Takilante         	-
20	Tiburcio Lüè        	18	FAR	OM	Advanced Playmaker	-
17	Casimiro Carrizosa  	28	FAR	LW	Winger          	 
22	Subieh Henau        	27	SRS	RW	Winger          	 
21	Conrado Saballos    	30	FAR	ST	Advanced Forward	-
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 downward spiral for abou... fifteen or so 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... hinty-hint: they're very right-wing. Curiously enough, Alex Terán's brand of maybe-right-wing, maybe-left-wing, very populist politics leading Farolera as President-for-life have left them... somewhat stranded, politically. They really don't know what to make of it, but they do push back politically whenever the chance arises, if only out of habit, because fuck La Nueva Avenida, and Alex Terán is their president.
Overview: We'll be bold and say it outright: Avenida Principal will have to contend with the possibility of getting relegated. The past few years have not been a fluke, the team's only been getting worse as the seasons have gone on, they've utterly failed to adapt to the S-FPL and the team that got promoted this year on the Farf side of things—Flying Jellyfish—look about a million times more ambitious in their transfer approach. They've got some good players here and there, but if La Querida retain their legal immunity, their fans will start thinking of the last few years as the good old days soon enough. Fredeluces does not know what to do with this team in terms of tactical set-up, so he's just gone for the most boringly standard Farf set-up he could think of, by the looks of it. Not exactly the best way to catch opponents by surprise, that one.
Key players:
# 2 — David Xeniadis — aCBa — Age 30 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists, 7.59 average rating
Ever since Martelli left the team, Xeniadis has been Avenida Principal's only truly good player. He's not about to set the world on fire, but he is a very solid centerback with a lot of experience. He's tall, strong, not slow and very roughless. If Avenida Principal don't concede even more goals than they already do, it's because of him. He is also remarkably fit, playing pretty much every game, every season, save for the odd suspension, which is rare since he tends to time his tackles very well.
#10 — Porfirio Guajaca — aRWa — Age 27 — — Season 5: no appearances
A fresh new signing, coming from Farf Lower Leagues team Flamagua, where he allegedly was playing really, really well. With Porfirio, it seems that what you see is what you get: a force of nature, making use of his strength and speed to force his way through the opponent's defense, never gracefully. When he gets a shot on goal, he never holds back. A brute, yes, but one with his fair share of skill, and one that could come in very handy for a team still reeling from losing Leandro Martelli, even if he is nothing like him.
# 9 — Celio Pompa — aSTa — Age 29 — — Season 5: 33 appearances, 22 goals, 5 assists, 7.33 average rating
Part of the furniture, this one. Specifically, he's that one chair that is sort of ok and very durable and sort of does its job but is kind of ugly and somewhat uncomfortable and you really wish he was better at heading. Celio is fast and he's okay at finishing. That's about it. Twenty-two goals in thirty-three appearances last season might sound good, but those are actually very mediocre numbers for someone who was the focal point of the attack throughout the entire season... even if, admittedly, his team is not exactly fantastic at feeding him chances.
Ones to watch:
# 7 — Adama Kusawande — aTKa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 21 appearances, 8 goals, 4 assists, 6.98 average rating
Without a doubt the most promising player in the squad, even if he's awfully inconsistent. Fredeluces is trying to turn him into a takilante, to moderate success. He certainly has the skillset for it: he's capable of running endlessly, will never shy away from a challenge, is very good at sniffing out chances and his finishing is not too shabby. Signed from Capitol City FC in Busukuma, Adama actually hails from La Olla, a part of Busukuma filled to the brim with Farves, so he's had little trouble adapting to the culture, both on and off the pitch.
#23 — Alejandro Muis — aGKa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Despite the section's name, Alejandro is not strictly one to watch, by virtue of being third goalkeeper. Nonetheless, if you're enough of a fanatic to watch the reserves play, you'll find he's a relatively talented goalkeeper who also happens to be over two meters tall. He could reach enormous heights, literally, as he hasn't stopped growing, and he could reach decent heights, figuratively, because he genuinely seems like a future S-FPL-caliber player, perhaps even one that could outgrow Avenida Principal.
#20 — Tiburcio Lüè — aOMa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Hailing from the city of Eterna, right in the middle of the Faroleran-Rulandese frontier, Tiburcio is about half-Rulandese. Unsurprisingly, he's also much more technical than any other young player Avenida Principal have produced in the last decade. When it comes to dribbling and picking out passes others can't, he's a natural. He's not good defensively, but does press a good bit. The one huge obstacle for him, however, is that he's lanky. Very lanky. This makes him very easy to just bully off the ball. Either he bulks up, or his future's suddenly looking far less bright than his talent might make you think.
Prediction: We're not quite at the point of predicting them getting relegated, but we're getting damn close. We think they'll finish 16th, but not fare convincingly better than Flying Jellyfish, who they will nonetheless best in their ensuing relegation battle.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:08 am

Busembe Timberwolves
Nickname: Timberwolves

Derogatory nickname(s): Beta Wolves
Manager: Bøb Übermanager
Ground: Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf’s Den (44000), located in Busembe, Kitara
Major rivals: Kitara AA (local)
Major honors: 2 RBSA Cups
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: They are utterly delusional, so they might very well be aiming to win the CL. They are not in the CL.
Starting Lineup: aGKa Okorie aLBa Charly Renard aCBa Chuks Uchie aCBa Eze Mbanefo aRBa Darin Nicolas aCMa Junkung Kambi aCMa Tessa Matfield aOMa Jaja Obasey aOMa Ernie Mabree aOMa Basile Langlois-Zuluka aSTa Abel Wesoloski-Okafor
Bench: aGKa Migil Muudey aGKa Soofe Jallow aLBa Orji Ikem aCBa Jamang Kinte aCBa Diamond Shard aRBa Otiya Obama aCMa Okello Ajek aCMa Bright Idea aOMa Kekoto Sey aOMa Calas Bakad aOMa Boto Colley aSTa Jeff Finte
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Okorie                	23	FPT	GK	Standard            	 
 3	Charly Renard         	27	QOD	LB	Wingback            	 
 4	Chuks Uchie           	29	BNJ	CB	Standard            	 
 5    Eze Mbanefo           	34	BNJ	CB	No-Nonsense         	 
 2	Darin Nicolas         	25	CMT	RB	Standard            	 
19	Junkung Kambi         	26	BUS	CM	Standard            	-
-8    Tessa Matfield        	27	SCT	CM	Playmaker           	-
18	Jaja Obasey           	26	BNJ	OM	Attacking Midfielder	-
10	Ernie Mabree          	29	SRZ	OM	Advanced Playmaker  	-
27	Basile Langlois-Zuluka	24	QUE	OM	Attacking Midfielder	-
12	Abel Wesoloski-Okafor 	20	BNJ	ST	Advanced Forward    	-
30	Migil Muudey          	21	BNJ	GK	Standard            	 
99	Soofe Jallow          	29	BNJ	GK	Sweeper Keeper      	 
 6	Orji Ikem             	26	BNJ	LB	Standard            	 
16	Jamang Kinte          	34	BNJ	CB	No-Nonsense         	 
15	Diamond Shard         	24	CRY	CB	Standard            	-
13	Otiya Obama           	18	BNJ	RB	Wingback            	-
21	Okello Ajek           	18	BNJ	CM	Destroyer           	-
44	Bright Idea           	29	CRY	CM	Standard            	 
 7	Kekoto Sey            	38	BNJ	OM	Enganche            	-
24	Calas Bakad           	19	BNJ	OM	Attacking Midfielder	-
14	Boto Colley           	30	BNJ	OM	Advanced Playmaker	 
 9	Jeff Finte            	32	CMT	ST	Poacher	                -
Background: Busembe are property of the Taeshani pizza conglomerate, Fadron Pizza, who have owned the side for their fair share of seasons now, but are looking to sell, presumably because the team is shit [Editor's Note: this is just the speculation from the writer of this piece]. 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 (if only we'd been warned about this!). They are a club that loves attacking, and their fanbase is in love with their popular manager, Bøb Übermanager, who is about as predictable as a quantum measurement. 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 sixth edition of the S-FPL. Also, their fans are possibly the most violent in Banija. In Banija. That part is very important.
Overview: By now decidedly the third worst team in Banija, everybody wonders how long the fans will be able to keep up the confident façade before conceding that they are, in fact, a shit team with nothing going for them except entertaining attacking football, which is only entertaining insofar as it is entertaining to watch them get blown out with embarrassing frequency. Bøb Übermanager, for all the credit he has amassed, must at some point start facing scrutiny, and the same goes for management. Scarcely any signings that could make a difference over, what, five S-FPL seasons? Things are looking ugly for them. If at any point a decent club gets promoted from the BSL (unlikely as that might seem), they might find themselves in deep trouble.
Key players:
#12 — Abel Wesoloski-Okafor — aSTa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 31 appearances, 25 goals, 0 assists, 7.50 average rating
Born and raised in Québec and Shingoryeo, but in a Banijan migrant neighborhood, Wesoloski-Okafor is every bit as Banijan as any other on this league... besides being whiter, as a half-Québecois, which might get him a few weird looks. At any rate, though, what matters is what he brings to the team when he's on the pitch: goals. Mostly just that, really, but that's how you win games. Twenty-five goals and zero (zero!) assists last season should tell you enough about his playing style. Everything that helps him score goals, he's very good at. Everything that doesn't, he either isn't good at or hasn't shown it yet. It's a good thing the team seems to be built to work around him nowadays, because if he had to be more collaborative, things could get ugly fast. Also, he's only twenty, so don't expect the Timberwolves to hold onto him for very long, because he's clearly NT-bound.
#10 — Ernie Mabree — aOMa — Age 29 — — Season 5: 35 appearances, 7 goals, 14 assists, 7.53 average rating
Though employed as a playmaker by Übermanager because the Equestrian might very well not know what he's doing, Ernie actually shines most because of his wicked left foot, which has netted him a rather surprising number of goals from long range, and his speed, which tends to catch opponents by surprise whenever he breaks away from his role as the team's main creative asset. He's a player with plenty of international experience, too, which always comes in handy.
# 8 — Tessa Matfield — aCMa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 33 appearances, 2 goals, 11 assists, 7.58 average rating
The other playmaker of the team, Tessa is much more naturally suited for the role, in the sense that her strengths clearly lie in her passing and vision. She's emphatically not fast, or indeed durable, but she lets the ball run for her, so to speak. She's been a fixture for the team for a long time, and is arguably one of the few players on the team who hasn't been on the shitty side of average since the start of the S-FPL. Being Schottic, she's not getting any caps for the time being, but what she loses in international experience she will gain in more resting time.
Ones to watch:
#13 — Otiya Obama — aRBa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Obama is a right-back that could very well be a right-winger based on his skillset and disposition: he really loves bombing down the flank. He is, unfortunately, rather ineffective when it comes to other aspects of the game, but boy is he good at bombing down the flank. He's a bit too young and not all that good at the moment, all things considered, so he'll probably have to wait and hope to get some playing time. In all likelihood, however, he'll at best get some symbolic playing time.
#24 — Calas Bakad — aOMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 2 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 5.84 average rating
An attacking midfielder that could almost fool you into believing he's a striker, Calas is like to surprise opponents by lurking deep and striking at just the right time. He is, however, also good at playmaking and dribbling his way into the box if needed be. Well, good is relative... but he does have some potential. Could wind up in a better team a few years down the line, even, especially considering he's supposedly got a very commendable work ethic.
#21 — Okello Ajek — aCMa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Appearances can be deceiving: while Okello is very short, he's not made it into the senior squad because he's a dribbling god, or even someone who has registered a successful take-on in his entire youth career. No, Okello actually shines—let him have this, ok?—as a pure destroyer. He'll look to break up play with his impressive speed and willingness to go for any challenge. Any challenge. It can get very ugly. Also, he doesn't stop running, and that's the kind of attitude any fan will like. Now, if he could only learn how to pull off those short, sideway passes to his teammates...
Prediction: 16th place seems about right for them. They are very bad and they will get worse as the seasons go, of that we're sure. However, there are four other teams who are, right at this very moment, even worse than them. Only two of them are Banijan, however, so they should watch their backs.

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 (37000), located in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Major rivals: Busukuma Force (local), Capitol City FC (local), Hoima Warriors (competitive)
Major honors: 1 Banijan Soccer League title, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: Stop the mediocrity once and for all and go back to playing like ~~the big clubs~~ the big club they are.
Starting Lineup: aGKa Hebron Yienya aLBa Melodic Ward aCBa Célestine Belrose aCBa Austin St-Onge aRBa Coriolan aCMa Aquila Hongo aCMa Nicolas Ajwang aOMa Omar Kah aLWa Clayton Wilson aRWa Sarjo Danso aSTa Okaka Akungu
Bench: aGKa Ildefonso Estronza aGKa Kohath Abuo aLBa Bouba Ouattara aCBa Balduin Friedel aCBa Blas Bobillo aRBa Hassan Kinteh aCMa Lama Keita aCMa Lafi Thiaw aOMa Hildegard von Krone aLWa Juma Bah aRWa Kekoto Jagne aSTa Auhasard
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Hebron Yienya      	22	BNJ	GK	Sweeper Keeper      	-
-6	Melodic Ward       	27	EQS	LB	Standard            	 
 3    Célestine Belrose  	28	EQS	CB	Standard            	 
 5	Austin St-Onge     	25	QUE	CB	Standard            	-
-2	Coriolan           	22	QUE	RB	Wingback            	-
13	Aquila Hongo       	18	BNJ	CM	Box-to-Box          	-
-8	Nicolas Ajwang     	22	BNJ	CM	Playmaker           	 
10	Omar Kah           	25	BNJ	OM	Advanced Playmaker  	-
-7	Clayton Wilson     	23	SRZ	LW	Winger              	-
-9    Sarjo Danso        	33	BNJ	RW	Inside Forward      	 
11	Okaka Akungu       	23	BNJ	ST	Deep-Lying Forward  	-
12	Ildefonso Estronza 	19	FAR	GK	Standard            	-
44	Kohath Abuo        	24	BNJ	GK	Standard            	 
22	Bouba Ouattara     	28	BNJ	LB	Standard            	 
15	Balduin Friedel    	35	NPH	CB	No-Nonsense         	-
-4	Blas Bobillo       	17	FAR	CB	Standard            	-
47	Hassan Kinteh      	35	BNJ	RB	Standard            	 
19	Lama Keita         	30	BNJ	CM	Destroyer           	 
33	Lafi Thiaw         	28	BNJ	CM	Standard            	 
24	Hildegard von Krone	27	HIN	OM	Attacking Midfielder	 
17	Juma Bah           	26	BNJ	LW	Winger 	                 
16	Kekoto Jagne       	28	BNJ	RW	Winger 	                 
27	Auhasard           	21	EQS	ST	Poacher	                -
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 thing. Ironically, they are one of four clubs in Banija that are owned by foreigners, as Québecois 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. In short, a business magnate's wet dream and a true football fan's worst nightmare.
Overview: When it comes to squad quality, Busukuma are as middle-of-the-pack as it gets in the Shango-Fogoa basin. They have a squad filled with solid, reliable players who will stop at nothing except ninth place or higher. They have few stand-out stars, if any, but also don't have any particularly weak links. Their playstyle is fairly boring by the league's standards, with ex-Hoima Warriors (the traitor!) Mark Grayson opting for patient, possession-based football and, perhaps counterintuitively, a lower defensive block. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If they manage to pull the style off, though, it has the potential to counter a lot of teams in this league, especially the Farf ones, so maybe watch out for that? In all likelihood, however, another season of semi-Myndaness awaits.
Key players:
# 2 — Coriolan — aRBa — Age 22 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, 6 goals, 11 assists, 7.57 average rating
In playing style, an honorary Farf, much like most Québecois players. Coriolan is most definitely not afraid to go flying forward, much to the Grayson's chagrin. However, he's good enough at it that he gets to keep doing it without getting his ass benched. He might very well have a third lung and legs of steel considering how he can stay fit throughout the season despite probably being the player with the most distance run in any given game. Is he a cyborg, maybe? That name sure sounds cyborgy. No last name? You're not fooling anyone, Coriolan.
# 7 — Clayton Wilson — aLWa — Age 23 — — Season 5: 34 appearances, 6 goals, 19 assists, 7.64 average rating
A very good argument for the nature side of the nature vs nurture divide, unless the Wilsons have the secrets for nurturing very talented footballers. Part of the famous Wilson family, Clayton's an odd winger in that he is much more adept at playmaking than doing typical winger things. The kid is very talented at picking out unexpected passes from the wing, and this playing style actually suits Grayson to perfection: Wilson is much better at recycling possession than your average than the average shit-for-brains Farf winger.
# 1 — Hebron Yienya — aGKa — Age 22 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 7.58 average rating
Thrust into the spotlight by Pam Scott when she called her up to an AOCAF Cup despite having played a grand total of zero minutes of professional football up until that point, Hebron has made the most of every opportunity she's been given. Pam Scott has a sharp eye when it comes to discovering young talent, and she's hit the bull's eye once again here. Despite not being quite as tall as one would want from a goalkeeper, Hebron makes up for it by having insane reflexes, astonishing jumping range and ovaries of fucking steel when it comes to coming out of her line. Only twenty-two and already one of the best goalkeepers in the league, don't be surprised when she takes over as Banija starting goalkeeper once Kouyaté hangs the gloves.
Ones to watch:
#13 — Aquila Hongo — aCMa — Age 18 — — Season 5: 2 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 6.60 average rating
An extremely self-assured slash overconfident box-to-box midfielder who, frustratingly, has more than enough talent to back it up. He chose number thirteen specifically because he claims he can't be jinxed. Appears to have gone well: he is likely to be starting regularly this season, despite only being eighteen! He'll put in a shift week in, week out, which won't be a problem because he's somewhat like Coriolan in that he doesn't seem to get tired. What's more, however, is that he's very timely and clean with his tackles, and is not half bad at shooting from afar. His playmaking could use some polishing, but Aquila can clearly get very far.
#12 — Ildefonso Estronza — aGKa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
It is very easy for Busukuma clubs to recruit Farf refugees! Whether it's worth it, we'll have to wait a few years to find out. Ildefonso is two-meters tall and pretty decent with the ball at his feet, but is otherwise unremarkable. With Yienya in goal, he won't be getting any minutes short of her getting suspended or hurt, but one has to wonder how long Busukuma can really hold onto her anyway. Ildefonso might very well be the club's next goalkeeper for a decade: he's got the potential for it, but he hasn't got the potential to do better.
# 4 — Blas Bobillo — aCBa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
A somewhat unfortunate surname if you're Faroleran and know what it means, bit Blas is actually anything but dim. Unlike most Farves, he doesn't excel when it comes to pace or agility, but he makes up for it with an uncanny ability to read the game despite being just seventeen. He's pretty damn huge, too, and a menace in the air. Not a complete lost cause when it comes to actually doing things with the ball, but don't expect him to dribble past the entire opposition etiher, or to make eye-catching passes. In short: a fine, slow, intelligent defender. Also, obviously a Farf refugee, just like Ildefonso.
Prediction: We've said it already: this is a solid, unremarkable team. It stands to reason, then, that they will have a solid, unremarkable season. The big question here almost seems like it's whether they'll finish tenth or eleventh—they look very unlikely to earn themselves a CL spot, but also look very unlikely to do so badly as to miss out on a ChC spot, which is what really matters. We'll go with 11th place.

Busukuma Force
Nickname: The Usurpers

Derogatory nickname(s): New Kids, Plastics
Manager: Mustafa Uster
Ground: Mugisha III Memorial Stadium (49000), located in Busukuma, National Capitol Region
Major rivals: Busukuma AC (local), Capitol City FC (local)
Major honors: 1 post-unification BSL title
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: Avoiding relegation would be fantastic, but they understand that they are very bad
Starting Lineup: aGKa Obuto Ooro aLBa Veli Seyfi aCBa Kadi Camara aCBa Alieu Jobe aRBa Ocan Jow aDMa Lallo Kouyaté aLMa Vanza-Vlont Bel aCMa Kamzuni Chinwemwe aCMa Cunix-Helek Uzo aRMa Araz Fernandez aSTa Moon II
Bench: aGKa Thomas Odek aGKa Reuben Oduya aLBa Karamo Ceesay aCBa Ogak Otieno aCBa Bala Touré aRBa Jehoram Jow aDMa Baturu Ndour aLMa Kabiru Mbose aCMa Elkahare Nahaxjos aCMa Amat Mbye aRMa Yankubah Kargbo aSTa Ernst Janniksson
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Obuto Ooro       	20	BNJ	GK	Standard              	-
-3	Veli Seyfi       	24	BUS	LB	Standard              	 
 5	Kadi Camara      	32	BNJ	CB	No-Nonsense           	-
-4	Alieu Jobe       	27	BNJ	CB	Standard              	-
-2	Ocan Jow         	24	BNJ	RB	Standard              	-
-6    Lallo Kouyaté    	29	BNJ	DM	Destroyer             	-
17	Vanza-Vlont Bel  	29	QUS	LM	Winger        	        -
-8	Kamzuni Chinwemwe	20	NYK	CM	Playmaker     	        -
14    Cunix-Helek Uzo  	27	QUS	CM	Standard      	         
11	Araz Fernandez   	32	AMH	RM	Inside Forward	        -
-9	Moon II          	18	QUE	ST	Poacher    	        -
12	Thomas Odek      	19	BNJ	GK	Standard   	         
99	Reuben Oduya     	33	BNJ	GK	Standard   	         
14	Karamo Ceesay    	30	BNJ	LB	Standard   	         
35	Ogak Otieno      	20	BNJ	CB	Standard   	         
26	Bala Touré       	24	BNJ	CB	No-Nonsense	         
13	Jehoram Jow      	20	BNJ	RB	Standard[/i] 	         
15	Baturu Ndour     	25	BNJ	DM	Regista  	         
22	Kabiru Mbose     	24	BNJ	LM	Standard 	         
16	Elkahare Nahaxjos	22	IND	CM	Playmaker	         
30	Amat Mbye        	23	BNJ	CM	Standard	         
27	Yankubah Kargbo  	26	BNJ	RM	Winger 	                 
17	Ernst Janniksson 	24	GRF	ST	Poacher	                -
Background: The expansion club. There's no way to get around that for this team, even though they were brought around nearly twenty seasons ago. There is a long and storied history, of over seventy years of Busukuma AC and Capitol City FC playing each other—one of Banija's fiercest derbies, even if Busukuma AC were long dominant. But then, the national league was formed. Up went Busukuma AC in year one, and instead of Capitol City FC joining upon expansion, it would be the Busukuma Force who would take their place as the Capitol's second club. Ergo, usurpers. They stayed up in the BSL for all fourteen seasons, although they could not qualify for the S-FPL upon formation. It took four seasons for them, but they've finally made it back to the top flight, to the bright lights of the S-FPL. They're most popular among transplants to the city from other parts of the Kingdom, rather than those who are actually from the Banijan capitol. In short, they're dirt. The lowest of the lowest dirt.
Overview: We're scraping the barrel here. Not a surprise: the teams the BSL sends our way are always inequivocally shit, and never last long. The Phoenix were an exception—an excruciatingly painful one, may we add—for lasting four seasons. Busukuma Force have very few things going for them, but one of them is attitude: they're willing to play offensive football even though it is very obviously going to backfire hilariously. A hundred and thirty-eight goals conceded last season! Minus ninety-seven goal difference! Why is this a plus? It's a plus in the sense that sticking to an identity might very well give the players that little extra something in terms of morale, in order to earn those twenty-something points they'll need for survival.
Key players:
# 6 — Lallo Kouyaté — aDMa — Age 29 — — Season 5: no appearances
The Usurpers are not here to play nice, and nobody embodies this better than Lallo Kouyaté. Considered the team's best player, he will frequently leave the fans (and neutral onlookers) thinking even they could've pulled off a pass that simple. Doesn't matter, Kouyaté's more than comfortable playing ping pong in midfield: he's a beast when it comes to recovering the ball, boasting some quite insane stats in that area. Unfortunately, there's also some stats padding there: it's easier to recover the ball when you've just lost it very stupidly. Kouyaté is also pretty much willing to die for any of his teammates, which makes him an ideal captani. In short, a solid if unimpressive player that a mediocre team like Busukuma Force is lucky to have.
# 4 — Alieu Jobe — aCBa — Age 27 — — Season 5: no appearances
Alieu Jobe has the strength and tactical adeptness needed to help Busukuma Force maybe not get completely trounced by the opposition they'll be facing this season. He's had a rather unremarkable career to date, but was an essential part of the team's BSL win last season. He is, however, very temperamental, so red cards are not out of the question, and neither are bust-ups with teammates, the manager or even fans.
#17 — Vanza-Vlont Bel — aLMa — Age 29 — — Season 5: no appearances
Bel is, let's not mince words, absolutely useless defensively. This does not stop Mustafa Uster from forcing them to put in a shift anyway. Who are we to question him? Still, it's plain to see where Bel's strengths lie: they're an absolute terror to defend against, at least when they're on a good day. Low center of gravity, an explosive first step and some pretty damn good dribbling. Unfortunately, they lack end product, so the decision to not play them as a full-on winger is somewhat justified. Still, if the Usurpers look inspired at any point, it will probably be because of Bel.
Ones to watch:
# 8 — Kamzuni Chinwemwe — aCMa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Nyowani Kitaran refugee with a lot of grit and a lot of skill, at least for his age. Kamzuni is without a doubt this team's diamond in the rough. He'll play like his life depends on it, and will look quite elegant when on form. Most of play will go through him as the team's designated playmaker, whether he likes it or not, so this season will be a baptism of fire of sorts. As an interesting tidbit: he's, for all intents and purposes, inelligible to represent Nyowani Kitara, as he publicly hold anti-KPWC views. Unsurprisingly, he's also very confrontational, both on and off the pitch.
# 1 — Obuto Ooro — aGKa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Starting in goal at twenty years of age makes Obuto very precocious. This does not mean he is a particularly exciting young talent: it just means Busukuma Force are fucked. However, he does show some promise, which is remarkable considering he's actually quite short. He can really jump and he's got enviable reflexes. Too bad height is a major factor in goalkeeping, and he's not growing any taller. Maybe some illegal injections discreetly applied while nobody's looking could turn him into a world beater, who knows?
# 9 — Moon II — aSTa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Pacy and rangy with a cannon of a shot, Moon II will be employed as a lazy poacher, partially because he has a knack for finding pockets of space but mostly because he is otherwise extremely unintelligent. Has the first touch of a sex offender, which is very inconvenient for a striker, but he's young and will no doubt improve... at least if the coaching staff is competent enough. He should also bulk up if he plans to remain a poacher.
Prediction: The Banijan relegation race will almost surely be a toss-up between them and the Boulders. We think the Usurpers will usurp them of their S-FPL spot and just about manage to stay afloat for one more season. Therefore, we think they'll finish in 18th place.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Thu Jan 20, 2022 2:11 pm

Dí Maozöxê
Nickname: lôs Rébélés (the Rebels)

Derogatory nickname(s): too many to count
Manager: Blâás Âgínsôgnó
Ground: Rülândéá Çölíséá (35000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: Mâ Âlâmëómë (local)
Major honors: 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 ★★★★★
Last season: 6th place
Fans' expectations: Beat Mâ Âlâmëómë on head-to-head to bring them down a notch; CL qualification would be nice, too
Starting Lineup: aGKa Donovan Velázquez aLBa Éskïr Bêrndèvôî aCBa Demba Kinteh aCBa Ali Faruq aRBa Lôrénsé Ìma aCMa Lésgöékëngüí Fwâás aCMa Henrik Martin aOMa Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó aLWa Lana Mensdóttir aRWa Lolong Bokate aSTa Taina Vääräniemi
Bench: aGKa Wils t'Ôàs aGKa Âlárî Âloré aLBa Lís Rüg aCBa Mohammed Saleem aCBa Rêgül Ênès aRBa Rôbé Wîjkár aCMa Drì Çôçô aTKa Çè Löjámangó aOMa Fêrisko Wísnèvüs aLWa Râínêrí Gúrzý aRWa Keaton Durbridge aSTa Jôs Sürréo
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Donovan Velázquez  	34	ETN	GK	Standard            	 
 6	Éskïr Bêrndèvôî    	25	RÜL	LB	Wingback            	-
-2    Demba Kinteh       	33	BNJ	CB	Standard            	-
-3	Ali Faruq          	30	ZRH	CB	Ball-playing        	 
 4	Lôrénsé Ìma        	23	RÜL	RB	Wingback            	 
 7	Lésgöékëngüí Fwâás 	21	RÜL	CM	Standard            	-
-5    Henrik Martin      	27	STL	CM	Playmaker           	-
10	Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó	19	RÜL	OM	Attacking Midfielder	-
-8	Lana Mensdóttir    	28	GRF	LW	Winger              	-
11	Lolong Bokate      	21	BNJ	RW	Winger              	-
-9	Taina Vääräniemi   	23	VAL	ST	Advanced Forward    	-
12	Wils t'Ôàs         	28	RÜL	GK	Sweeper Keeper      	 
23	Âlárî Âloré        	17	RÜL	GK	Standard            	 
13	Lís Rüg            	29	RÜL	LB	Wingback            	 
16	Mohammed Saleem    	30	FVA	CB	Standard            	 
17	Rêgül Ênès         	18	RÜL	CB	Standard            	-
21	Rôbé Wîjkár        	18	RÜL	RB	Wingback            	-
14	Drì Çôçô           	31	RÜL	CM	Playmaker           	 
15	Çè Löjámangó       	29	RÜL	TK	Takilante           	 
18	Fêrisko Wísnèvüs   	18	RÜL	OM	Enganche            	 
19	Râínêrí Gúrzý      	18	RÜL	LW	Inside Forward      	 
20	Keaton Durbridge   	31	DEL	RW	Winger              	-
22	Jôs Sürréo         	17	RÜL	ST	Advanced Forward    	-
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: the uranium mining industry is responsible for a ridiculous percentage of employment in Ruland. Dí Maozöxê 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 to a team, or indeed to anything.
Overview: Dí Maozöxê looked very solid last season. More solid than many expected after how they'd fared the season before. However, this is in no way, shape or form the squad that won two S-FPLs. This is not an entirely bad thing: they're undergoing a bit of a changing of the guard, and the new guard appears to be very talented. We're talking various potential internationals (or even current internationals) from across the Atlantian Oceanian southwest. If they do well enough to hold onto them, they could look very scary in a few seasons. For now, however, they are just one of the league's better teams, displaying some very entertaining, fast-and-loose attacking football, with one of the league's best and most insane managers at the helm, who might very well have a meltdown if Mâ Âlâmëómë have another season like the last one.
Key players:
# 2 — Demba Kinteh — aCBa — Age 33 — — Season 5: 32 appearances, 3 goals, 1 assist, 8.05 average rating
You will not find a player more experienced than Demba Kinteh in the whole league: he's a World Cup winner (at U18 and senior level), two-time S-FPL champion and captain for the Banija national team. He's been a world-class center-back for about a decade now! Despite his age, he doesn't seem to be slowing down, and is without a doubt the heart of lôs Rébélés' defense. He's physically imposing, tactically brilliant and impervious to pressure. In short, the complete package.
#11 — Lolong Bokate — aRWa — Age 21 — — Season 5: 37 appearances, 22 goals, 16 assists, 7.96 average rating
Recruitment master strokes don't get much better than this. Ever heard of Kigagana? It's a very rural part of Banija and nobody hails from there. Nobody, except, it seems, one of the best wingers in the league, who burst onto the scene last season, making his debút after signing from third-tier team Kigagana Mountaineers, winning the Golden Bib and getting into the Best Eleven. He is fast, he's got great technique and he sure as hell has got personality. Now an international for Banija, too.
# 5 — Henrik Martin — aCMa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 34 appearances, 6 goals, 24 assists, 7.85 average rating
Henrik does not have any clear weaknesses—ok, maybe he could be taller and stronger—and, on top of that, has one area of the game in which he absolutely excels: he's a bedazzling playmaker. Smart enough to know how to control the tempo, with good enough vision to see passes most players cannot and with the technique needed to pull off said passes. He splitsapart defenses on the regular, and carries out his defensive duties on top of that. Simply put, a player any team in the league would love to have.
Ones to watch:
#10 — Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó — aOMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 33 appearances, 12 goals, 9 assists, 7.06 average rating
Two seasons ago, Böávêntür looked like the best Farf prospect in a long while. He was arguably Dí Maozöxê's best player aged just seventeen! His dribbling was mesmerizing and so was his playmaking. In short, he was just oozing talent. Last season, he wasn't as brilliant, though he was still quite good! Still, fans are now pretty sure he's not Xíxì Êns' “regen”—even the fact some fans considered it possible is a bit insane—but the kid is still very much one to watch: he's shown what he's capable of before, and can certainly do it again. Also, no relation to the manager—at least that we know of.
#22 — Jôs Sürréo — aSTa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
Look, it's no secret that Dí Maozöxê have one of the best youth academies in the Multiverse. What's more, the staff in charge of it are usually very measured when it comes to estimating the potential of the players coming through it: they rarely, if ever, hype up a player who does not go on to become world-class. And, well... rumor has it that they are hyped up about Jôs. He is short (though not weak), but staggeringly fast and devilishly nimble, as well as very technically-gifted, if the rumors are to be believed. If he really is as good as they say he is, expect to see plenty of him throughout the season.
#21 — Rôbé Wîjkár — aRBa — Age 18 — — Season 5: 4 appearances, 0 goals, 1 assist, 6.75 average rating
We already got a small taste of what Rôbé has to offer last season, but it came in the form of forty minutes of football, total. He snatched one very nice assist, though! Physically, Wîjkár is a machine: he allegedly does not get tired, full stop (perhaps not completely literally, but still), and is fast and agile despite being on the taller side of average (as well as the stronger side of average) for a full-back. On top of that, as any Rulandese fullback, he's got technical ability to spare. Ìma will be looking over his shoulder throughout the season.
Prediction: For now, they must bide their time. However, with eight Champions' League spots, it's hard to see them missing out on the (therefore relatively unambitious) objective of Champions' League football. We believe they'll finish 7th, but don't be surprised to see them higher up the table if their youngsters hit their stride sooner than expected.

Flying Jellyfish
Nickname: you tell me

Derogatory nickname(s): Purple Poo
Manager: Ulrik Eriksen
Ground: Nystadion (30000), located in Framsteg, Fröndt
Major rivals: None
Major honors: None
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: For Pan Xilei to win her court case against La Querida
Starting Lineup: aGKa Albin Jurgensen aLBa Santiertairó Tirkkonen aCBa Drì Lsôs aCBa Wilhelm Suomalainen aRBa Osorij Arigosji aCMa Theodor Thorsen aCMa Thomas Heyerdahl aTKa Tobias Engdahl aLWa Lukas Pyykkönen aRWa Veli-Pekka Salikarí aSTa Artak Voskanyan
Bench: aGKa Agundí Ellefson aGKa Petri Backstrom aLBa Çè Dü Líj aCBa Villiam Vestergaard aCBa Barto Milosawljewić aRBa François-Marie Kiss aCMa Mattias Thorsell aCMa Jonatan Wisløff aOMa Ilimondí Hjortsberg aSTa Bo Borg aSTa Bertrand Haggenmacher aSTa Zivojin Loncarevic
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Albin Jurgensen       	20	FRÖ	GK	Standard            	-
-4	Santiertairó Tirkkonen	28	FRÖ	LB	Wingback            	 
 2	Drì Lsôs              	35	RÜL	CB	Ball-playing        	 
 3	Wilhelm Suomalainen   	25	FRÖ	CB	No-nonsense         	-
-6	Osorij Arigosji       	26	IND	RB	Wingback            	-
-5	Theodor Thorsen       	25	FRÖ	CM	Playmaker           	-
-8    Thomas Heyerdahl      	32	FRÖ	CM	Box-to-box          	-
10	Tobias Engdahl        	28	FRÖ	OM	Takilante           	-
11	Lukas Pyykkönen       	24	FRÖ	LW	Winger              	 
 7	Veli-Pekka Salikarí   	23	FRÖ	RW	Winger              	 
 9    Artak Voskanyan       	30	ISK	ST	Poacher             	-
12	Agundí Ellefson       	25	FRÖ	GK	Standard            	 
23	Petri Backstrom       	29	FRÖ	GK	Standard            	 
14	Çè Dü Líj             	19	RÜL	LB	Wingback            	 
15	Villiam Vestergaard   	18	FRÖ	CB	No-nonsense         	-
16	Barto Milosawljewić   	19	ZRH	CB	Standard            	-
17	François-Marie Kiss   	17	SZO	RB	Wingback            	 
20	Mattias Thorsell      	26	FRÖ	CM	Standard            	 
22	Jonatan Wisløff       	32	FRÖ	TK	Playmaker           	 
19	Ilimondí Hjortsberg   	27	FRÖ	OM	Attacking Midfielder	 
13	Bo Borg               	24	FRÖ	LW	Poacher             	 
18	Bertrand Haggenmacher 	22	FRÖ	RW	Poacher             	-
21	Zivojin Loncarevic    	19	KRU	ST	Advanced Forward    	-
Background: A vintage club, Flying Jellyfish are to date the only FFL founder club to have made it into the S-FPL! Their fans will be jubilant to be back trading blows with top clubs, both on and off the pitch. Also, their stadium (which is new, as its name suggests, because translated literally it means New Stadium) is frequently infested with, yes, flying jellyfish. Watch out. Their sting can really hurt. As for the club itself, it is, along with Fröndt Libertas, the only relevant club in the whole nation of Fröndt: they thus have a massive following there, as well as a massive advantage recruiting the admittedly not particularly talented Fröndti. Their ultras are very left wing, much moreso than Fröndt itself ie most of the more casual Flying Jellyfish fans. It can give rise to interesting situations.
Overview: Flying Jellyfish are the worst non-La Querida Farf team and, as such, have a nail-biting season ahead of them. On the pitch, they'll be struggling for survival, trying to leverage their new, very out there signings in order to outperform Avenida Principal. Off the pitch, they'll be financing Pan Xilei's court case against La Querida, of course. They know what they're up against: they've destined most of their transfer budget towards the second plan, which is why their signings have all been free agents, and mostly unknown free agents at that. Still, they've now got a World Cup winner in the squad! Drì Lsôs' experience could prove valuable in a relegation battle... even though it's been a year since he last set foot on a football pitch, and appears to have declined tremendously as a result.
Key players:
#5 — Theodor Thorsen — aCMa — Age 25 — — Season 5: no appearances
Flying Jellyfish's three-man midfield is without a doubt the core of the team, and their biggest strength. This is in no small part due to Theodor Thorsen: the Fröndti may be a bit of a slacker for a center-midfielder, but he can certainly make the ball do the running. Heyerdahl and Engdahl put in a double shift so Thorsen can work his magic, and it's moderately effective! Maybe if he gave more of a fuck or wasn't slow as a snail he'd be a Farf international—he technically kind of is, having featured in a Di Bradini Cup—but, unfortunately, he seems more than content staying at the level he's at.
#6 — Osorij Arigosji — aRBa — Age 26 — — Season 5: no appearances
The Indujan has plenty of experience playing in Chromatika. He is a surprisingly responsible wingback for a Farf, but makes up for it by kind of sucking at crossing the ball, which is decidedly unfortunate. Still, he very much won't stop running, and that's a big asset for a bad team like Flying Jellyfish. When it comes to a relegation battle, you need players with personality, and Osorij has personality to spare (and, even, to counteract Thorsen's complete lack of personality).
#10 — Tobias Engdahl — aTKa — Age 28 — — Season 5: no appearances
A very standard takilante, all things considered, but with the very inconvenient catch that he's somewhat injury-prone. For such a physically-demanding role, that's not ideal. One has to wonder how far he could've gotten if he'd managed to get away from Flying Jellyfish early on and had better luck with injuries. Still, the Tobias from this reality is not half bad, and will be one of the few players on this team regularly causing headaches to opposing defenses and midfields.
Ones to watch:
#1 — Albin Jurgensen — aGKa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Not a youth product, but instead one of the free agents without experience in professional football that they have decided to sign. Albin was playing for... some team called Fjellesund Låssmeder? Never heard of them, but it's impressive we even know. They play in Fjellesund's third tier, by the looks of it, and Fjellesund is—again, by the looks of it—a town close to the Fröndti-Indujan border. But we digress: Albin got signed because someone called up Flying Jellyfish's president saying they had a two-meter-plus tall goalkeeper who, despite his height advantage, looked somewhat agile. No risk, no reward, right? So Albin will be starting in goal this season. Sources close to the club say he has impressed in training, though! For however much impressing Flying Jellyfish's coaching staff is worth, at least.
#16 — Barto Milosawljewić — aCBa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
Surprisingly short for a center-back, Barto makes up for this considerable shortcoming by being like a wrecking ball: super strong, super fast. He still has to polish all other aspects of his game, but he does look like a potentially very good player in the future—he played for his country's U18 squad, so this is not baseless speculation. What should he focus on improving? First and foremost, his timing. He appears to have trouble not committing stupid fouls. His technique could use some polishing too, but it's much less of a concern.
#21 — Zivojin Loncarevic — aSTa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
A lanky but deceptively fast center forward with no technique to speak of, besides the technique needed to not misfire too badly in front of goal. Another of the out there signings the club has made this window, Zivojin actually hails from some town—we couldn't find out the name—in the middle of the Kruviši jungle. We're not really sure how they got their hands on this one, but he does seem to be banging them in reasonably often in training, as does appear to be considerably better than the players in the youth team, so he might very well have a lucrative career ahead of him. He definitely should start eating more, though.
Prediction: We're sorry, Flying Jellyfish fans (of which there are many outside Farfadillis, apparently!), but it seems like the team's going straight back down. They're worse than all other Farf teams without legal immunity, and we all knows La Querida is either not losing that court case or staying in the S-FPL in some other even more convoluted way. Their final placement is likely to be about 17th, owing mostly to the fact that the Boulders and Busukuma Force are very, very bad.

Hawabark Boulders
Nickname: Boulders

Derogatory nickname(s): Pebbles
Manager: Tackin Veli
Ground: Hawabark Olympic Stadium (17800), located in Hawabark, Buganda
Major rivals: Bunyoro RSC
Major honors: 2 post-unification BSL title, 1 IFCF Liga B Champions Trophy
Infrastructure: Ground ★★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: Avoid relegation or at least try very hard. Just hard works, too.
Starting Lineup: aGKa Giovanni Falco aLBa Nfansu Njie aCBa Yaxye Yalaxow aCBa Jereh Keita aRBa Kieran Docherty aLMa Ensa Ceesay aCMa Kendra Yisake aCMa Adriel Aoro aRMa Hufane Huruuse aSTa Akachi Orjee aSTa Djoka Tomanovic
Bench: aGKa Jonkong Gassama aGKa Bulxan Kowtame aLBa Eglantine Johansen aCBa Yahar Condé aCBa Kinti Ogunsola aRBa Seda Gul aLMa Antoine de Vries aCMa Kok Elmas aCMa Paavali Arghanarrhe aRMa Masane Kuyateh aSTa Musa Kakay aSTa Orak Ermis
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1    Giovanni Falco     	32	FPT	GK	Standard         	-
-3	Nfansu Njie        	26	BNJ	LB	Standard         	-
-5	Yaxye Yalaxow      	21	BNJ	CB	Standard         	 
 4    Jereh Keita        	30	BNJ	CB	Standard         	 
 2	Kieran Docherty    	34	BRE	RB	Standard         	 
13	Ensa Ceesay        	32	BNJ	LM	Winger           	-
-8	Kendra Yisake      	27	BNJ	CM	Box-to-Box       	-
10	Adriel Aoro        	29	BNJ	CM	Standard         	-
11	Hufane Huruuse     	20	BNJ	RM	Inside Forward   	-
-7	Akachi Orjee       	25	BNJ	ST	Defensive Forward	-
-9	Djoka Tomanovic    	20	KRU	ST	Poacher          	-
99	Jonkong Gassama    	32	BNJ	GK	Standard         	 
30	Bulxan Kowtame     	21	BNJ	GK	Standard         	 
23	Eglantine Johansen 	18	EFL	LB	Standard         	 
35	Yahar Condé        	29	BNJ	CB	Standard         	 
27	Kinti Ogunsola     	31	BNJ	CB	Ball-Playing     	 
47	Seda Gul           	30	BUS	RB	Standard         	 
19	Antoine de Vries   	36	XAN	LM	Winger           	 
33	Kok Elmas          	19	BUS	CM	Standard         	-
14	Paavali Arghanarrhe	17	FRÖ	CM	Playmaker        	-
77	Masane Kuyateh     	27	BNJ	RM	Inside Forward   	 
17	Musa Kakay         	33	BNJ	ST	Target Man       	 
12	Orak Ermis         	35	BUS	ST	Poacher          	-
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. The attention they get from being the S-FPL far surpasses any attention they'd gotten before. Their previous attempt to stay up in Season 4 was pitiful: to date the worst performance from a Banijan team. This is a team whose stadium is much more famous for hosting track and field meets than actual football. It is named after an event the city has never hosted. Seriously, how did they slip by? Is this the (tenth) best Banija has to offer?
Overview: Yeah... no. Simply no. This team just screams “No” and there's really no better way to put it. They have a grand total of one above-average player and one okay player and, uh, some genuinely respectable young talent that won't help them at all since they have to avoid relegation now, not six seasons down the line. They'll play negative football and hope for the best
Key players:
# 8 — Kendra Yisake — aCMa — Age 27 — — Season 5: no appearances
Honestly? Kendra here has a very good chance of impressing enough to nail a transfer to a mid-table club. She's your typical box-to-box midfielder, in peak physical condition. She's also a consummate professional who takes care of her body, doesn't go out drinking (not like mormons do, but you get the idea), very religious, goody two-shoes, etc. All of this is to say she's probably got like three more seasons of good football in her, and it's a bit of a waste that she has to waste away in what is, for all intents and purposes, not a real club.
#10 — Adriel Aoro — aCMa — Age 29 — — Season 5: no appearances
Yisake's partner in midfield is an older, even more boring version of himself. The two are rumored to be best friends—you tell me if you believe they're just that—often getting together to, I don't know, probably pray and play scrabble. Adriel's not quite as good as Kendra, and definitely doesn't have her insane workrate, but he can still defend very well and is half-competent going forward, which is more than can be said about the rest of this squad. He could, with some luck, convince some mid-table club to save him from languishing in this team, too, but he'll have it harder than his midfield partner.
# 3 — Nfansu Njie — aLBa — Age 26 — — Season 5: no appearances
Alright, we're gonna be honest here. When your third most important player is a bad full-back, you're in deep shit. Nfansu's a workhorse, but that's it. He'll run as much as you ask him to. He'll do his best to not let opponents through and be successful some of the time. He'll stay fit throughout the season, no matter how much you try to run him into the ground. The problem is he just doesn't know how to play football. Not literally, sure, but he lacks anything remotely resembling talent. There's a place for players like Nfansu in the sport, but the best league in the Multiverse is not it.
Ones to watch:
# 9 — Djoka Tomanovic — aSTa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Explosive pace and unparalleled lethargy make Djoka a poacher. Not a good one—not yet, at least—but still one that is good enough to start for the Boulders. He is fully expected to break the record for least distance run by someone not named Anartz Salayeta. However... there's certainly a lot to work with here. His finishing is not half bad, and is bound to only get better with age, plus he's pretty strong despite clearly not having the best work ethic off the pitch. An intriguing prospect, if nothing else. And yes, he's a refugee, too.
#11 — Hufane Huruuse — aRMa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Another confusing, intriguing prospect who will likely find himself completely out of his depth at this level at this point in time. Hufane's two-footed—something in common in Farfadillis but not at all in Banija—and very fast despite packing quite a lot of muscle. He can certainly turn into one of those wingers that just run forward, elegance be damned, and leave a couple of players on the floor in his wake. More of a hammer than a scalpel, is the idea. However, for now, he's just utterly clueless on the pitch, especially defensively, so his talents will remain relatively unexploited for a while yet.
#14 — Paavali Arghanarrhe — aCMa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
An astonishingly precocious midfielder with so much raw talent one has to wonder what the hell he's doing here. However, one does not have to wonder for too long: he has the frame of a quinceañera and the lungs of a stage four cancer patient. The fact that, despite that, he can actually kind of cut it at this level at the age of seventeen says a lot about his abilities. However, don't expect him to leave much of a mark for now, or indeed ever if he doesn't find a club that specifically tailors things for him to excel.
Prediction: The Boulders are not cut out for this level, full stop. They will sink like pebbles. Probably. They might not, since Busukuma Force is similarly terrible, but we do think the Boulders just about edge them in general how-are-you-even-here-ility. 19th place it is.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sat Feb 05, 2022 2:29 pm

Herzegovina City FC
Nickname: Trumpeteers

Derogatory nickname(s): Choir Boys
Manager: Omar Sanyang
Ground: Star Field (62600), located in Herzegovina City, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina Phoenix (local), Istria City FC (competitive)
Major honors: 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: Be crowned champions, once and for all
Starting Lineup: aGKa Gentle Breeze aLBa Birom Daramy aCBa Reniira Clevinger aCBa Pierre Wisniewski aRBa Festus Hera aCMa Tijan Sowe aCMa Eamon Mullins aOMa Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov aOMa Orji Uzoma aOMa Habib Fadika aSTa Jason Þórhallursson
Bench: aGKa Duwa Kinteh aGKa Jibril Ceesay aLBa Wanyanga Obote aCBa Momodou Kairaba aCBa Paoboy Diawara aRBa Uzsoy Aybar aCMa Oburu Oigo aCMa Ayira Onyango aOMa Zippy Doo aOMa Kadesh Opiyo aOMa Birom Sanneh aSTa Jason Obuo
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Gentle Breeze       	37	EQS	GK	Standard            	 
 3	Birom Daramy        	25	BNJ	LB	Fullback            	-
-5	Reniira Clevinger   	27	NPH	CB	Standard            	-
-4	Pierre Wisniewski   	25	VAL	CB	Standard            	 
 2	Festus Hera         	21	BNJ	RB	Wingback            	 
28	Tijan Sowe          	24	BNJ	CM	Box-To-Box          	 
 7    Eamon Mullins       	30	EUR	CM	Playmaker           	-
10	Vasiliy M. Kuznetsov	27	CMT	OM	Attacking Midfielder	-
11	Orji Uzoma          	26	BNJ	OM	Attacking Midfielder	 
18	Habib Fadika        	30	BUS	OM	Shadow Striker      	-
-9    Jason Þórhallursson 	29	GRF	ST	Complete Forward    	-
12	Duwa Kinteh         	34	BNJ	GK	Standard            	 
16	Jibril Ceesay       	32	BNJ	GK	Standard            	-
23	Wanyanga Obote      	19	BNJ	LB	Wingback            	-
19	Momodou Kairaba     	35	BNJ	CB	No-Nonsense         	 
24	Paoboy Diawara      	30	BNJ	CB	Standard            	-
22	Uzsoy Aybar         	18	BUS	RB	Fullback            	-
14	Oburu Oigo          	23	BNJ	CM	Standard            	 
24	Ayira Onyango       	21	BNJ	CM	Standard            	 
35	Zippy Doo           	24	FPT	OM	Attacking Midfielder	 
17	Kadesh Opiyo        	22	BNJ	OM	Attacking Midfielder	 
15	Birom Sanneh        	33	BNJ	OM	Enganche            	-
26	Jason Obuo          	20	BNJ	ST	Defensive Forward   	-
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 and taken a subsequent hit since the founding of the S-FPL. 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. Fans usually resort to accusations of heresy in order to thrash other teams' stadiums. This tends to leave Farves perplexed as far as the reasoning goes, but they can respect it.
Overview: On paper, the only squad that can really compete with the Trumpeteers' is Mâ Âlâmëómë's. In practice... well, they're first in the S-FPL's all-time league table, but they've consistently not been the best team in the league for five seasons now, and they have to rectify that. Not having Wolcott anymore hurts, yes, but they've still got at least one world-class player in each line. Time has to be running out for Sanyang at this point. He'll have to deliver silverware in some form or his job could be jeopardized: the team's lone S-FPL Cup since unification is hardly enough to satiate the club's thirst for glory. Can the Trumpeteers deal with the mounting pressure? Probably. Can they keep up with Mâ Âlâmëómë? That... does look a bit less likely. Nonetheless, if any Banijan team is going to break the Rulandese stranglehold on the league, it's probably this one.
Key players:
# 5 — Reniira Clevinger — aCBa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 36 appearances, 8 goals, 2 assists, 8.17 average rating
There are some players that are, simply put, plain unfair. Over two meters tall, very strong and not hopelessly clumsy despite that? Probably enough to make you a good player, even in this league. Add to that that Clevinger would be world-class even with the average center-back's physique and what you've got is, quite frankly, a monster. But not in a speciesist way. We like our Satyrs and half-Satyrs here. It's just, you know... it's got to be disheartening having to defend corners against Reniira.
#10 — Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov — aOMa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 34 appearances, 21 goals, 19 assists, 8.15 average rating
Sometimes a club has at their disposal not just one player who is, simply put, plain unfair, but two. This is one of those sometimes. Kuznetsov is a very versatile player who can clear the above-average mark in just about any relevant stat. The Trumpeteers usually employ him as a fairly traditional attacking midfielder who tends to drift wide, mostly relieving him of defensive duties besides pressing, but he is versatile enough to play anywhere up front, and Sanyang makes the most of this to try and get the upper hand over his opponents. The one problem? He's got nothing left to prove at the domestic level after those years with Kitara.
# 9 — Jason Þórhallursson — aSTa — Age 29 — — Season 5: 34 appearances, 29 goals, 15 assists, 8.01 average rating
Jason Þirdhallursson, as the fans affectionately call him, is at any given point the third-best player in the squad and the third-best striker in the league. Them's the rules. He's tall, fast and strong and, annoyingly, also highly skilled and fairly intelligent. If the universe didn't seem to conspire against him when it matters most, he'd likely be in the conversation for best striker in the Multiverse, at least when in form. Alas, he will have to content himself with "just" making every defense he faces pee their pants.
Ones to watch:
#23 — Wanyanga Obote — aLBa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 3 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 6.04 average rating
Wanyanga is a marauding left-back in the Farf mold. Perhaps sharing a league with their neighbors has begun infecting their tactics. Unfortunately, however, the Trumpeteers just don't seem to have that many exciting young prospects at the moment, and Wanyanga is very much a big fish in a small pond at the moment. Don't expect him to break into the starting eleven this season, even taking into account that the guy ahead of him is the team's weakest link. Still, one for the future! Maybe.
#26 — Jason Obuo — aSTa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 9 appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists, 6.78 average rating
Jason is young and looks like he could definitely become a key player for one of the more okay-ish teams in the league one day. He's extremely professional and seems to not mind pressure at all. The problem, of course, is that he is very slow and lacks technique whenever he's not aiming for the goal. An incomplete player that could turn out decent, but definitely not someone the fans want to see leading the line for years to come.
#22 — Uzsoy Aybar — aRBa — Age 18 — — Season 5: 1 appearance, 1 goal, 0 assists, 7.40 average rating
It's hard to gauge Uzsoy's true potential. Physically, he leaves a lot to be desired. However, he does seem wise beyond his years as far as tactics go, and is not half-bad with the ball. If the Trumpeteers feed him enough steroids he might just turn into a player worthy of a starting spot... someday, of course. For now, he is only eighteen, and only a mildly interesting young prospect.
Prediction: This is the second-best team in the league, hands down. Accordingly, we predict they will finish in 2nd place. There... really isn't much more to it than that. After last season, you'd have to be mad to predict them to finish above Mâ Âlâmëómë, but they're definitely better than the rest of the pack.

Hoima Warriors
Nickname: Warriors, East Side Dubs

Derogatory nickname(s): Commies
Manager: Faraba Sarr
Ground: Mavuto Field (75000), located in Hoima, Ankole
Major rivals: Busukuma AC (competitive)
Major honors: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: Be relevant again
Starting Lineup: aGKa Ebou Jagne aLBa Babou Karbgo aCBa Chewbacca aCBa Idi Dabo aRBa Jabril Sesay aCMa Bod Joó aCMa Momodou Jassey aOMa Indigo Zap aLWa Anja Ruthenbeck aSTa Lukas Boldfont aRWa Josef Lawerenz
Bench: aGKa Ethan Muga aGKa Sibideh Corr aLBa Kabiru Secka aCBa Andrija Divjak aCBa Odede Owour aRBa Kutobo Kamara aCMa Ucanok Serif aCMa Ilona Duerden aOMa Bobby Keene aLWa Mariam Ogoo aSTa Snow Pearl aRWa Isa Kujabi
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Ebou Jagne             	26	BNJ	GK	Standard      	         
 3    Babou Karbgo           	31	BNJ	LB	Standard      	        -
-2	Chewbacca              	26	QUE	CB	No-Nonsense   	        -
-4	Idi Dabo               	23	BNJ	CB	Ball-Playing  	        -
19	Jabril Sesay           	27	BNJ	RB	Standard      	         
 6	Bod Joó                	33	PAS	CM	Destroyer     	        -
14	Momodou Jassey         	27	BNJ	CM	Playmaker     	        -
10	Indigo Zap             	28	EQS	OM	Shadow Striker	         
 7	Anja Ruthenbeck        	32	NPH	LW	Inside Forward	         
 9	Lukas Boldfont         	33	NPH	ST	Target Man    	         
11    Josef Lawerenz         	29	EQS	RW	Winger        	        -
12	Ethan Muga             	20	BNJ	GK	Standard      	        -
53	Sibideh Corr           	28	BNJ	GK	Sweeper Keeper	         
46	Kabiru Secka           	25	BNJ	LB	Wingback      	         
35	Andrija Divjak         	18	KRU	CB	Ball-Playing  	        -
21	Odede Owour            	19	BNJ	CB	Standard      	        -
37	Kutobo Kamara          	31	BNJ	RB	Standard      	        -
33	Ucanok Serif           	20	BUS	CM	Playmaker     	        -
13	Ilona Duerden          	34	NPH	CM	Standard      	         
 8	Bobby Keene            	33	CBP	OM	Enganche      	         
31	Mariam Ogoo            	31	BNJ	LW	Winger        	         
17	Snow Pearl             	21	CRY	ST	Poacher       	         
22	Isa Kujabi             	27	BUS	RW	Winger        	        -
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.
Overview: As with most other big clubs, it feels kind of wrong to look at Hoima Warriors and say "Yup, downward spiral" because, hey, the league did get about twice as hard for them five seasons ago. They came into the S-FPL as reigning Banijan champions and failed to materialize that into anything besides a mediocre retirement for their most famous player and biggest legend. However, it is undeniable that the Warriors are not anywhere near a title race at this point, and CL qualification isn't quite in the bag either, even if nowadays an eighth-place finish suffices for that. The reasons are manifold, but the biggest one is that they just... lack the talent? They just haven't looked ambitious in the transfer market and in a league like this that is just asking for trouble.
Key players:
#14 — Momodou Jassey — aCMa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 36 appearances, 5 goals, 19 assists, 7.85 average rating
A starter for the Banijan national team, for whatever that might be worth nowadays. Momodou is a player who, while not excelling in his athleticism, can completely change the course of a game with just one well-placed pass. Don't count on it—if he did it willy-nilly he would be a superstar—but don't be surprised when the Warriors finally score a goal and oh, look, it was down to Momodou's playmaking again. Still, Momodou doesn't have any glaring weaknesses and would be a solid, dependable starter for pretty much any team in the league who isn't stacked in center-midfield, which makes him the best player on the team.
# 4 — Idi Dabo — aCBa — Age 23 — — Season 5: 35 appearances, 4 goals, 2 assists, 7.77 average rating
Yes, the Warriors do, in fact, have two Banijan national team starters on their squad, and manage to nonetheless be a middling team. Idi, however, is without a doubt their most valuable player: the sky is the limit for the twenty-three-year-old center-back who actually knows what to do with the ball at his feet and can read the game like he's been playing at this level for decades. He's not quite a world-beater at the moment, but he's got plenty of room to grow. It wouldn't be strange to see him snapped up by one of the better teams. I mean, seriously, the Kadongo Kamu have just two Banija-based starters and they both play for the Warriors? There's no way that's gonna last.
# 2 — Chewbacca — aCBa — Age 26 — — Season 5: 31 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists, 7.68 average rating
Huge, hairy, strong and out for blood. He'll amass red cards, victims and solid performances throughout the season. He's a vital part of the team's actually-good defensive backbone, and a player without whom the team is likely to collapse. Unfortunate, of course, because, as mentioned, he does tend to amass red cards. Still, a very solid defender that doesn't seem to have reached his peak yet. As the years go on and his reputation grows, he will only strike more fear into opposing players, so at the very least he's got that to look forward to.
Ones to watch:
#33 — Ucanok Serif — aCMa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 6 appearances, 0 goals, 1 assist, 5.96 average rating
A very average midfielder who is not pacey enough to not be a playmaker, but also happens to not be a good enough playmaker to justify playing time at the moment. The reason we're featuring him here is that, well... the Warriors don't really appear to have any exciting talents coming through their academy at the moment. If they do, none of them are old enough for us to know about them. Still, don't write off Ucanok: he could one day become a regular in an even worse S-FPL team, especially if he picks up some better habits like not-smoking and not-not-going-to-training-sometimes.
#21 — Odede Owour — aCBa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
Odede may not be tall, sure. He may not be strong. He may not be fast, or particularly tactically astute, for that matter. But he does have one thing going for him: he's not exceptionally bad in any of these things, either. He can aspire to become a serviceable center-back for a team that doesn't aspire to anything, like Mynda Electra. For now, however, he'll have to patiently wait and try to break into the Warriors' first team. Not a particularly difficult task, but also not one Odede looks likely to succeed in.
#12 — Ethan Muga — aGKa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Are my eyes lying to me, or is this a one-seventy cee-em slash five foot seven goalkeeper? Yeah, Hoima Warriors have lost the plot completely if this is the best their academy can offer. Sure, he's athletic. Great reflexes, knows how to time his runs. Whatever. He's still a midget of a goalkeeper, and at twenty he's not growing any taller. Maybe if he'd started out at a Farf club they would've been a bit more sly and given him some prohibited substance to make him grow and thus become world-class but, alas, it looks like Ethan will be a victim of his country's goody-two-shoesness.
Prediction: No longer a good team, not yet a bad team. A 10th place finish seems about right, with the typical plus-minus three that comes with that kind of prediction.

Istria City FC
Nickname: The Lions

Derogatory nickname(s): The Rich Kids
Manager: George Wangolo
Ground: Kabonero III Field (48000), located in Istria, Moravica
Major rivals: Herzegovina City FC (competitive), Rukunbi FC (local)
Major honors: 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: Champions’ League qualification at a minimum
Starting Lineup: aGKa Carlton Sandt aLBa Sohna Kolley aCBa Kawsu Marenah aCBa Demba Kouyaté aRBa Fafa Ngom aLMa Dembo Savaneh aCMa Oguta Achuka aCMa Farina Luhukay aRMa Linoan Waters aSTa Kate Huitema-Omeasoo aSTa Voska Avetisyan
Bench: aGKa Cherry Blossom aGKa Onindo Otiende aLBa Aries Kohler aCBa Didi Wukowić aCBa Xe Xuang aRBa Jajah Uchie aLMa Bunama Ngum aCMa Raila Odede aCMa Ogul Kirac aRMa Piretta Daramy aSTa Edmün Fân aSTa Servet Ornet
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1	Carlton Sandt       	22	SRZ	GK	Standard          	 
16	Sohna Kolley        	22	BNJ	LB	Wingback          	 
 3	Kawsu Marenah       	29	BNJ	CB	Standard          	 
35    Demba Kouyaté       	27	BNJ	CB	Standard          	 
 2	Fafa Ngom           	34	BNJ	RB	Standard          	-
-7	Dembo Savaneh       	20	BNJ	LM	Winger            	-
-8	Oguta Achuka        	23	BNJ	CM	Box-To-Box        	 
 6	Farina Luhukay      	31	NPH	CM	Playmaker         	-
11    Linoan Waters       	29	BRE	RM	Winger                 	-
10	Kate Huitema-Omeasoo	25	QUE	ST	Complete Forward  	-
-9	Voska Avetisyan     	29	NPH	ST	Advanced Forward  	-
12	Cherry Blossom      	21	EQS	GK	Sweeper Keeper    	-
33	Onindo Otiende      	19	BNJ	GK	Standard          	-
18	Aries Kohler        	34	NPH	LB	Standard          	 
 4	Didi Wukowić        	29	ZRH	CB	Standard          	 
 5	Xe Xuang            	31	CMT	CB	Standard          	 
47	Jajah Uchie         	30	BNJ	RB	Standard          	 
14	Bunama Ngum         	29	BNJ	LM	Winger            	-
15	Raila Odede         	19	BNJ	CM	Box-To-Box        	-
20	Ogul Kirac          	20	BUS	CM	Standard          	 
27	Piretta Daramy      	25	BNJ	RM	Inside Forward    	 
19	Edmün Fân           	18	RÜL	ST	Deep-Lying Forward	 
17	Servet Ornet        	36	BUS	ST	Poacher           	-
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. Nowadays, they are trailing Mâ Âlâmëómë by only seven goals in the all-time table. Istria City 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. Plus, with how toothless their fans are, what are they going to do about it? Write an op-ed?
Overview: Istria City have been struggling to get their squad to cooperate at the level it has to in order to mount a proper title challenge, but the raw material is there. Good-to-great players in every line and no clear weak links besides the full-backs but when was the last time anyone cared about full-backs? Point is, this is a team that looks like it is tantalizingly close to doing something, but seems to always come either short or very short. Can George Wangolo steer them towards achieving their potential? Eh, probably not, but with most of their players hitting their prime this might just be the season in which it happens.
Key players:
#10 — Kate Huitema-Omeasoo — aSTa — Age 25 — — Season 5: 31 appearances, 25 goals, 14 assists, 7.94 average rating
It's not a secret that Kate will one day take the league by storm. This season, it is looking particularly likely: she is sharper than ever and has never looked pacier or more lethal. She's also versatile enough to play as a right-winger when the situation calls for it—something which Wangolo will want to put to good use against better opposition, when a two-striker formation might be too risky. If she gets good service, don't be surprised if she ends up denying Latona Basilisk her fourth Golden Boot.
#11 — Linoan Waters — aRMa — Age 29 — — Season 5: 35 appearances, 15 goals, 14 assists, 7.68 average rating
If Linoan were not Nepharan, she'd probably have amassed about fifty caps by now. Alas, a Nepharan she is, so she'll have to content herself with just being a very consistent, very reliable winger who—wait, what's that? She lived for three years in Brenecia as a child? And she's amassed almost fifty caps for the Patriots? Huh. Well, Linoan Waters is a very consistent, very reliable, very incisive winger who will cause damage to any defense who dares underestimate her just because she's not that technically skilled. Pace and passion are more than enough sometimes.
# 9 — Voska Avetisyan — aSTa — Age 29 — — Season 5: 33 appearances, 20 goals, 18 assists, 7.72 average rating
As an Iskandrian, Voska has her work cut out for her when it comes to achieving worldwide fame, but she can at least aim to be one of the best strikers in the lea—come again? Oh, so the one that never set foot in Nephara before age twenty-something is the one that does have caps for the Cormorants? Ok, ok, let's roll with that. Voska does not aim to be elegant. This is good, because she is not: she relies more on her physicality than anything else. She will occasionally play as a target woman and focus on feeding Kate chances, but don't be surprised if at times she becomes the attack's focal point, especially against teams whose defenses can be bullied off the pitch.
Ones to watch:
# 7 — Dembo Savaneh — aLMa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 24 appearances, 7 goals, 10 assists, 7.50 average rating
Lightning pace and the willingness to put in a good shift, as well as some actual talent, make Dembo one of the hottest prospects in the league. Aged just twenty, he's part of the newer generation of Banijan internationals that have yet to disgrace the nation by failing to qualify for the World Cup. Lolong Bokate he may not be, but Dembo is still a player most other teams in this league would love to have at their disposal, despite his relatively mundane playstyle. Sometimes simple is good.
#33 — Onindo Otiende — aGKa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
Not better than Carlton Sandt by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, he is younger, but that won't remain true for long with how Sarzonian time works. Onindo, in all likelihood, will have to eventually seek a move elsewhere. He's got some talent, so it could work! For one, his reflexes are great. That's about it, actually, but it's probably good enough to eventually succeed in some other league. Sorry, Onindo: looks like Istria City blew all of their recruitment budget on Dembo.
#15 — Raila Odede — aCMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 4 appearances, 0 goals, 2 assists, 6.55 average rating
Much like Onindo, Raila is nowhere close to starting regularly for this team and probably never will be. Unlike Onindo, however, he is not a goalkeeper, so he can get some playing time in the meantime, before signing for a much worse team and being forgotten to history, but not before making some serious bank with the increasingly ludicrous wages the S-FPL teams are rumored to be paying. Life could be worse, Raila, life could be worse.
Prediction: Let's go crazy with at least one prediction. To be clear, we're serious here: we think Istria City can finish as high as 3rd place, and that is precisely the prediction we're going with. Why? Well, they've got plenty of professional, talented, consistent players and have underperformed their underlying stats for a few seasons now. One regression to the mean and its consequent impetus later and you could even see them challenging for the title... maybe. Mâ Âlâmëómë are still very scary, unfortunately.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Mon Feb 07, 2022 1:00 pm

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 (52400), located in Jinja City, Hangaza
Major rivals: Aissa United FC (local)
Major honors: 2 Banijan Soccer League titles, 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: CL qualification, maybe challenge for the title if they get off on the right foot
Starting Lineup: aGKa Hebron Rao aLBa Radeka Lind aCBa Dominik Antosch aCBa Riccardo Rastelli aRBa Faraba Singateh aLMa Casimir Ronayne aCMa Burama Kaba aRMa Junior Ngoba aOMa Heike Schoß aSTa Olara Otiende aSTa Ülì Èsàsè
Bench: aGKa Jumu Kaba aGKa Otiya Oluoch aLBa Oneka Amondi aCBa Adlai Akech aCBa Sarjo Jallow aRBa Ishmael Rosenstein aLMa Angel Wings aCMa Spïr Nórásër aRMa Alanso Kah aOMa Kebba Kargbo aSTa Madison McClain aSTa Eli Aero
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Hebron Rao              24      BNJ     GK      Sweeper Keeper          -
-4      Radeka Lind             23      NPH     LB      Wingback                -
15      Dominik Antosch         30      NPH     CB      Standard                 
13    Riccardo Rastelli       32      AUD     CB      Standard                 
 2      Faraba Singateh         31      BNJ     RB      Fullback                 
 7      Casimir Ronayne         30      NPH     LM      Winger                   
10      Burama Kaba             23      BNJ     CM      Standard                -
23      Junior Ngoba            30      CBP     RM      Winger                  -
-8    Heike Schoß             25      VAL     OM      Advanced Playmaker      -
14      Olara Otiende           24      BNJ     ST      Target Man               
11      Ülì Èsàsè               26      RÜL     ST      Poacher                 -
12      Jumu Kaba               31      BNJ     GK      Standard                -
99      Otiya Oluoch            19      BNJ     GK      Standard                -
-2      Oneka Amondi            31      BNJ     LB      Fullback                 
35      Adlai Akech             25      BNJ     CB      Standard                 
34      Sarjo Jallow            32      BNJ     CB      No-Nonsense              
18      Ishmael Rosenstein      37      SVB     RB      Wingback                 
17      Angel Wings             22      EQS     LM      Winger                  -
33      Spïr Nórásër            19      RÜL     CM      Box-To-Box              -
81      Alanso Kah              32      BNJ     RM      Winger                   
22      Kebba Kargbo            35      BNJ     OM      Attacking Midfielder     
 9      Madison McClain         35      CDG     ST      Deep-Lying Forward      -
11      Eli Aero                19      BNJ     ST      Defensive Forward       -
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 on the sporting side of things.
Overview: A bit of a heterogeneous squad, this one. Half the starting eleven ranges from very good to best-in-the-Multiverse-at-their-position, while the other alf seems to be along for the ride. Well, it's not quite that bad: all of their starters would walk into any lower-midtable team's starting eleven, but the fact remains that they are a team of contrasts. Since it is generally better to have a lot of above-average players than a bunch of mediocre ones with the odd superstar—especially when your best player is a full-back—Alexander Bumba will have his work cut out for him if he is to try and get the Black Mambas their first S-FPL title.
Key players:
# 4 — Radeka Lind — aLBa — Age 23 — — Season 5: 36 appearances, 6 goals, 14 assists, 8.06 average rating
As far as playstyle goes, Radeka is an iconoclast (in this league, of course). A full-back who mostly defends? And does it better than anyone else in the league? No, seriously, her defensive stats are insane, and she's not toothless going forward either: she just chooses her battles much more wisely than the average Farf full-back. Without a doubt one of the best players in the league, and it's evident enough even though she is, we'd like to emphasize, a standard full-back.
# 8 — Heike Schoß — aOMa — Age 25 — — Season 5: 32 appearances, 9 goals, 26 assists, 8.00 average rating
Heike's a smart, elegant playmaker who will not hesitate to carefully cut a defense apart with a (non-Farf) surgeon's precisoin. With her, sometimes one pass is all it takes. And yes, that's twenty-six assists last season that you're looking at. She's somewhat lacking in the goalscoring department, unfortunately, but makes up for it by being arguably the best playmaker in the league, with Fletcher and Muhaburu (when he cares enough) the only others who are able to enter the conversation. This is not to say she's weak in the goalscoring department: she's just so good at creating chances that Bumba has made her focus on it rather obsessively.
#23 — Junior Ngoba — aRMa — Age 30 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, 6 goals, 18 assists, 7.87 average rating
Not actually Banijan, despite the name! Junior is a passionate winger with a lot to contribute both on defense and attack. An impressive work rate, good teamwork and a healthy dose of being-good-at-football make him one of the team's best players. He is very consistent, to boot. Not quite a natural goalscorer, sure, but that's not what he's here for. Having a solid seven-out-of-ten right flank every single game (despite Singateh getting up there in years) is something not every team can enjoy. In essence: almost one hundred caps for the Parker national team don't lie.
Ones to watch:
#11 — Eli Aero — aSTa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 6 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist, 6.89 average rating
We got a glimpse of Eli last season, so we know exactly what to expect: a tireless striker who will keep on pressing no matter what. Sure, he may not be a standard striker in the sense that his finishing is not sharp, his off-the-ball skills are limited to pressing, he isn't good at dribbling and he isn't particularly tall or strong, and yes, he is very ugly. Yes, sure, there are also some rumors that his girlfriend cheats on him with one (and/or more) of his teammates. However, there is one thing about Eli that stands above all: he just gives it his all, every time. That's the kind of attitude you need in a title-winning squad.
#99 — Otiya Oluoch — aGKa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
How many Banijan goalkeepers without much potential who won't be seeing any playing time can I write about? My boss seems to think the answer is "more". Otiya is... you know the drill. He tries to stop the opponent from scoring. He is decent at it, but he's third-string goalkeeper, young, and extremely unlikely to feature at any point throughout the season. He could, or could not, one day be a solid player for, say, the Timberwolves or Mynda Electra, but there's also a chance he just picks up a job as an electrician at twenty-five and calls it a day.
#33 — Spïr Nórásër — aCMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
One point for nurture in its battle against nature! Spïr, despite being Rulandese, is not particularly good at doing things when he has the ball. This is, of course, because he moved to Banija at the age of three and has therefore never been exposed to the Rulandese way of playing football. Still, Spïr does look promising: he sure is very good at getting the ball, even if he doesn't know what to do with it, and his work rate and endurance are remarkable. He's even got a fairly decent shot in him, which might come in handy every now and then.
Prediction: A squad that can get far just as easily as it can sink to the depths of mid-table, mostly as a result of its aforementioned heterogeneity. Like englightened centrists, we will predict them to finish in 7th place. This feels almost criminal. This league is insane. How is a team like this seventh-best?

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 (47000), located in Sisonka, Kitara
Major rivals: Busembe Timberwolves (local)
Major honors: 1 Champions' League, 1 S-FPL title
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fans' expectations: To not have their CL win retroactively rendered void for whatever reason. That's really all they care about.
Starting Lineup: aGKa Burama Kinteh aLBa Ebrahima Jallow aCBa Keira Anbient aCBa Ralph Winter aRBa Morgana Kolaj aCMa Oumil Guiss aCMa Ubul Kuruc aOMa Sergius Atieno aOMa Ozkaya Tarhan aOMa Oikilde Fusul aSTa Nightingale
Bench: aGKa Haran Omolo aGKa Kay Bernsen aLBa Ediresa Darboe aCBa Alfan-Harta Waz aCBa Joseph Kagame aRBa Fujanej de Nololesur aCMa Ballista aCMa Noah Urbansson aOMa Pateh Fadika aOMa Oboyo Okombo aOMa Dodavah Okungu aSTa Sarafina Iyasu
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Burama Kinteh           26      BNJ     GK      Standard                 
19    Ebrahima Jallow         33      BNJ     LB      Standard                -
15      Keira Anbient           28      CMT     CB      Standard                -
22      Ralph Winter            25      VAL     CB      Ball-Playing            -
-2    Morgana Kolaj           32      NPH     RB      Standard                 
 7      Oumil Guiss             26      BNJ     CM      Standard                -
-8      Ubul Kuruc              29      PAS     CM      Box-To-Box              -
14      Sergius Atieno          20      BNJ     OM      Attacking Midfielder    -
10      Ozkaya Tarhan           25      BUS     OM      Attacking Playmaker      
11      Oikilde Fusul           26      QUE     OM      Attacking Midfielder     
 9      Nightingale             30      EQS     ST      Advanced Forward        -
12      Haran Omolo             20      BNJ     GK      Standard                 
23      Kay Bernsen             26      COR     GK      Standard                 
27      Ediresa Darboe          30      BNJ     LB      Standard                 
35      Alfan-Harta Waz         37      QUS     CB      No-Nonsense              
 3      Joseph Kagame           21      BNJ     CB      Standard                -
-4      Fujanej de Nololesur    20      IND     RB      Wingback                -
37      Ballista                29      EQS     CM      Standard                 
34      Noah Urbansson          36      GRF     CM      Destroyer                
33      Pateh Fadika            28      BNJ     OM      Attacking Playmaker     -
47      Oboyo Okombo            19      BNJ     OM      Shadow Striker          -
27      Dodavah Okungu          21      BNJ     OM      Advanced Playmaker       
17      Sarafina Iyasu          37      BNJ     ST      Poacher                 -
Background: 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 at the time, but they then went on and won the CL too for good measure. This gives them a big nouveau riche vibe, especially among their Banijan brethren. They used to be snorted at derisively when they claimed to be the "sixth member of the Power Five" (as stupid as that sounds from a mathematical point of view). 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. This, alone, does not a big club make but... well, let's just say the Blue and Whites have the upper hand when it comes to chants.
Overview: Kitara fans helpfully understand that those two seasons of unprecedented success are a thing of the past and unlikely to repeat. They had their fun, it was a blast, and now they get to be a good, much more respectable team for the foreseeable future. It is maybe a strange existence, but a very respectable one. They've got a good squad, but most of the key players from their Champions League-winning run are gone, and they have not been successfully replaced. To be clear, this is still a good team, and there's every chance Ivanovich will get a lot out of it, as arguably the best manager in the league, but the fact remains that their squad is at least one tier below the true contenders, at least on paper.
Key players:
#15 — Keira Anbient — aCBa — Age 28 — — Season 5: 36 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 7.85 average rating
Tall, pretty damn strong, with great positioning and unmatched consistency and professionalism. A very mundane center-back, yes, but a very, very good one at that. Experience at the highest level, a starter for the Anomalies, a great understanding with her partner at club level and, finally, a name that just screams world-class talent. Nobody is quite sure what her relation to Keira Andisori is, but there has to be one. How else could you explain two different people having the same given name?
#22 — Ralph Winter — aCBa — Age 25 — — Season 5: 37 appearances, 5 goals, 1 assist, 7.84 average rating
One of the secrets to Kitara's success if their center-back pair. Well, it's not quite a secret: it is pretty unanimously agreed to be the best center-back pair in the league (although cetner-back pairs are hard to come by in Farfadillis). Winter is more versatile than Keira, but is similar in being a standard defender with mundane defensive abilities that help him defend very well. He's, interestingly enough, exactly as tall as Keira. This is very bad news for other teams hoping to score from set pieces.
# 8 — Ubul Kuruc — aCMa — Age 29 — — Season 5: 34 appearances, 8 goals, 14 assists, 7.79 average rating
Very few players in this league even approach the presence that Ubul has in midfield. The Pasargan is consistently (figuratively) harassing the opposing midfielders, who are not quite used to midfielders putting in such raw defensive shifts. Ubul does not stop there, however: he scores and assists fairly often for a midfielder tasked with keeping the defensive balance. In short, he lacks true weaknesses and pretty much any team in the league would love to have him.
Ones to watch:
#14 — Sergius Atieno — aOMa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 15 appearances, 2 goals, 5 assists, 7.35 average rating
Kitara fans were all very surprised when they saw Sergius force his way into the starting eleven last season, because nobody was touting him as anything other than a forgettable academy player. This, of course, means somebody should get fired because it shouldn't take you an injury crisis to realize you've got a world-class player in the making in your academy. Sergius is physically imposing, but he shines most when it comes to dribbling. He could afford to improve his off-the-ball movement and his selfishness, but his physicality and raw talent are more than enough to justify his starting spot.
#47 — Oboyo Okombo — aOMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
I will not tempt fate by saying that Okombo doesn't look like a particularly exciting prospect, seeing as that's exactly what I would've said about Atieno a season ago if I'd been given the chance. I will, instead, say that whatever he might excel at is deceivingly difficult to notice at first glance, and that as a result it might be difficult to tell just how good he can really be. At first glance, one would suspect he is just a mediocre attacking midfielder with no future in this league, but looks can be deceiving! Or not. Maybe the team that can't notice when their players are good is also bad at recruiting good players to begin with, so they don't have any others.
# 4 — Fujanej de Nololesur — aRBa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Another refugee-turned-okay-footballer, Fujanej could reasonably get a few minutes of playing time if Morgana Kolaj continues to decline and gets injured or suspended. Unlike Jinja's Spïr Nórásër, Fujanej is a point for nature, not nurture: despite his playstyle being a pretty awkward fit for Ivanovich's set-up, and despite having come through the academy of a team that doesn't value marauding wing-backs, Fujanej is as Farf a wing-back as they come. Pacey, technical, monstrously irresponsible defensively. Not really a player fans should get excited about, but he could turn out decent. Still, it would feel strange if he didn't just sign for a Farf club eventually, where he'd fit in much better.
Prediction: A good squad with a very solid defense, a very good midfield and, uh, a striker that is definitely a football player. This is a good team, sure, but this is also a good league. 9th place is the prediction we'll be going with here, and we don't feel like we're underestimating them, as crazy as that might sound. That said, Ivanovich has proved us wrong many times already...

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 (60000), located in Victoria Lago, Farolera
Major rivals: Avenida Victoria (local), Avenida Principal (local), Avenida Leal (local), Mâ Âlâmëómë (sporting)
Major honors: 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: Mount a title challenge
Starting Lineup: aGKa Ramón Olabarría aLBa Agapeto Chayra aCBa Vyacheslav Khavarin aRBa Ézo Gicquel aDMa Kaia Larriet-Cortes aCMa Óceane Chastain aCMa Rashica Horvath aOMa Thalassa Fletcher aLWa Mitch Louws aRWa Soter Duraniona aSTa Horacio Bastanchury
Bench: aGKa Régulo Ramos Rivas aGKa Sajaa Geyubaya aLBa Josué Degaray aCBa Furia de Jesús aRBa Ebou Fafubadi aDMa Fernand Way aCMa Sieb Bosbooms aCMa Humberto Negroncolón aOMa Iago Balbina aLWa Têrçêr Avoya aRWa Pribislav Loncarevic aSTa Xandra Vermouth
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Ramón Olabarría         26      FAR     GK      Standard                 
 6      Agapeto Chayra          22      FAR     LB      Wingback                 
 2      Vyacheslav Khavarin     29      FAR     CB      No-nonsense              
 4      Ézo Gicquel             26      KOR     RB      Fullback                 
 3      Kaia Larriet-Cortes     22      CMT     DM      Deep-Lying Playmaker     
 7      Óceane Chastain         25      SVG     CM      Standard                -
-5    Rashica Horvath         32      NPH     CM      Destroyer               -
10      Thalassa Fletcher       28      NPH     OM      Advanced Playmaker      -
11      Mitch Louws             22      TLI     LW      Winger                   
 8      Soter Duraniona         23      ASG     RW      Winger                  -
-9    Horacio Bastanchury     27      FAR     ST      Advanced Forward        -
12      Régulo Ramos Rivas      18      FAR     GK      Sweeper Keeper          -
23      Sajaa Geyubaya          18      BNJ     GK      Standard                -
17      Josué Degaray           18      FAR     LB      Wingback                -
14      Furia de Jesús          27      FAR     CB      No-nonsense              
15      Ebou Fafubadi           22      BNJ     RB      Fullback                 
20      Fernand Way             33      NPH     DM      Standard                 
18      Sieb Bosbooms           21      KOR     CM      Playmaker                
19      Humberto Negroncolón    18      FAR     CM      Playmaker                
13      Iago Balbina            22      FAR     OM      Attacking Midfielder    -
16      Têrçêr Avoya            18      FAR     LW      Winger                  -
22      Pribislav Loncarevic    18      KRU     RW      Inside Forward           
21      Xandra Vermouth         30      NPH     ST      Defensive Forward       -
Background: The most successful of the Avenida clubs, and the second-most successful club in Farfadillis. 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 very 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, so their squad looks stronger than, well, possibly ever. Also, they've recently been acquired by Grupo Taxhvan, a shady Tequiloan organization which definitely doesn't launder money. This means an even better squad!
Overview: Last season saw La Nueva Avenida manage to stay in the fray. The fray meaning, of course, the teams that were nowhere near Mâ Âlâmëómë but were quite close together in terms of points. Bizarrely, perhaps, they actually didn't score much, their defense often carrying them instead. Thjorgias Pickton will look to build upon this perhaps surprising defensive foundation and tweak a few things up front in order to have a well-oiled machine that can finally win a league title for once. Fans are tired of watching Mâ Âlâmëómë always come out on top.
Key players:
#10 — Thalassa Fletcher — aOMa — Age 28 — — Season 5: 30 appearances, 14 goals, 22 assists, 7.95 average rating
Some players just exude arrogance. By accident! Thalassa is, by all accounts, not someone you'd fantasize about slowly torturing to death if you've met her off the pitch. Try making the defenders she faces believe that, though. She's a fantastic playmaker and a very elegant one at that: she makes the impossible look effortless. Perhaps it is effortless for her. She's also a danger in front of goal in her own right and, like a true Nepharan, does not shy away from putting in a defensive shift in the form of pressing whenever Thjorgias asks her to. Without Thalassa, this team would be completely different... and much worse, obviously.
# 9 — Horacio Bastanchury — aSTa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 33 appearances, 28 goals, 15 assists, 7.78 average rating
"Run fast and shoot" is a tried-and-true, timeless strategy that has been used by countless strikers throughout the history of this sport. Horacio is one such striker, and he employs the strategy well enough to have an S-FPL Golden Boot to his name and to start for la Vherderoja. He is also a great locker room presence and does not shy away from passing to a better-positioned teammate if the opportunity arises, which allows him to rack up more assists than one might think. Don't think of him as good at playmaking, though: his talents very much lie in running fast and shooting.
# 5 — Rashica Horvath — aCMa — Age 32 — — Season 5: 34 appearances, 4 goals, 9 assists, 7.86 average rating
Calm and collected, Rashica does not hesitate to cut down an opponent when it is needed, and it is precisely that kind of tempo-killing move that this league generally lacks. Of course, on top of that, she's an extremely well-rounded defensive midfielder with a very good pass in her to add an extra dimension to her game, something which was not needed to make her one of the best in the league. Getting up there in years, sure, but she's still got it.
Ones to watch:
#17 — Josué Degaray — aLBa — Age 18 — — Season 5: 3 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist, 7.09 average rating
Exquisitely technical, it's almost a shame that Degaray is a wing-back. He could definitely make it anywhere up front and be exactly as good, or perhaps even better. Very fast and nimble, although on the short side and quite easy to bully off the ball, Josué could... perhaps afford to be a bit smarter. Nonetheless, he is without a doubt one of the league's hottest prospects at the moment.
#12 — Régulo Ramos Rivas — aGKa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Régulo is very fast and has an impeccable sense of timing for getting off his line as a sweeper keeper. He's also quite technical! Which might make one wonder why he isn't a striker... Anyway, the Faroleran really shines when his team plays über-offensively, which is not a bad thing in this league. Not quite a future world-class player, but if La Nueva Avenida don't feel like splashing too much cash on a goalkeeper, he looks like a solid option for the future.
#16 — Têrçêr Avoya — aLWa — Age 18 — — Season 5: no appearances
Blistering pace? Check. Mesmerizing dribbling skills? Check. Dumbfoundingly-good first touch? Check. A right foot that could have any meaningful impact on the game besides letting him run? No? Oh, ok. At least one hundred healthy, hopefully interconnected neurons? Ah, fuck.
Prediction: This is a very solid squad with a coherent-ish playstyle and a lot of players that are known to not crumble under pressure. They don't even have weak weak links! Let's go with 4th place, but let's make it clear that they could finish as high as second and we wouldn't bat an eye. Winning the title outright seems a bit less plausible, but wouldn't exactly be shocking, either.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Feb 20, 2022 5:18 pm

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 (8000), located in Pacifista, Farolera
Major rivals: La Armonía (local), La Pacifista (local)
Major honors: 4 Pacifistan state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★
Fans' expectations: Yeah, right.
Starting Lineup: aGKa Marc Cotoneaster aLBa Régulo Elizarraras aCBa Ab Hoes aCBa Abraám Riverón aRBa Daniel Zihark aCMa Pan Xilei aCMa Mario Girón aOMa Sugoi Mendia aLWa Josephine Leonhardsdóttir aRWa Mo Moss aSTa Anartz Salayeta
Bench: aGKa Amata Ayisa aGKa Plinio Uria aLBa Bakary Suyantany aCBa Nicodemo Estebes aRBa Bârrtoló Küáándökrás aDMa Sebastián Ripol aCMa Alexandra Price aCMa Felipe Velázquez aOMa Alkalo Jasae aLWa Pan Sifei aRWa Dasige Marier aSTa Ou Ye
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Marc Cotoneaster        29      NPH     GK      Standard                 
 4      Régulo Elizarraras      29      FAR     LB      Wingback                 
 2      Ab Hoes                 30      AUD     CB      No-nonsense             -
-3      Abraám Riverón          17      FAR     CB      No-nonsense             -
-5      Daniel Zihark           39      NPH     RB      Fullback                -
-6      Pan Xilei               24      YZH     CM      Box-to-box              -
-8    Mario Girón             32      FAR     CM      Playmaker                
 7      Sugoi Mendia            32      ASG     OM      Attacking Midfielder     
10      J. Leonhardsdóttir      27      GRF     LW      Winger                  -
11      Mo Moss                 28      SNL     RW      Winger                  -
-9    Anartz Salayeta         27      ASG     ST      Poacher                 -
12      Amata Ayisa             19      BNJ     GK      Standard                 
23      Plinio Uria             29      FAR     GK      Standard                -
14      Bakary Suyantany        20      BNJ     LB      Fullback                -
15      Nicodemo Estebes        18      FAR     CB      No-nonsense              
16      Bârrtoló Küáándökrás    28      RÜL     RB      Wingback                 
20      Sebastián Ripol         16      FAR     DM      Regista                  
18      Alexandra Price         34      BRE     CM      Playmaker                
17      Felipe Velázquez        19      FAR     CM      Box-to-box               
22      Alkalo Jasae            19      BNJ     OM      Shadow Striker           
19      Pan Sifei               23      YZH     LW      Winger                  -
21      Dasige Marier           19      YZH     RW      Winger                  -
13      Ou Ye                   27      YZH     ST      Poacher                 -
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 because their on-the-pitch performances are... improvable.
Overview: La Querida's make-or-break moments this season will likely all happen in rooms full of suited-up, filthy rich, obnoxious lawyers in some international court thing. Their legal battle against one of their key players, Pan Xilei, is ongoing, and nobody knows what can happen: if La Querida win, then they lose their status as international waters and, presumably, their immunity to relegation, so they might actually want to lose this one. If they lose, however, there's no telling what might happen: it is rumored that La Querida is being tried as a person, not a legal entity, so we could be seeing the club behind bars—whatever that might mean—pretty soon. Either way, there's one thing we know for sure: we will be watching them play comically dreadful football while all of this unfolds. And yes, the away kit is an homage to the fact that they... yeah, the whole thing I just explained.
Key players:
# 9 — Anartz Salayeta — aSTa — Age 27 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, 11 goals, 0 assists, 7.01 average rating
Affectionately nicknamed "tronco" by fans, Anartz Salayeta is two meters tall and slower than the passage of time when you're approaching the speed of light and/or you're making small talk with that guy you sort of know but really wish you hadn't made eye contact with before all of this unfolded. La Querida's plan for scoring goals is simple, and every bit as effective as one would expect it to be: send long balls to this massive striker, then hope for the best. He scores surprisingly often and has even gotten the odd cap for Astograth. Definitely a player that could maybe cut it at a better club, even taking into account his unorthodox playstyle, but he appears to like his status as a larger-than-life figure in Pacifista.
# 6 — Pan Xilei — aCMa — Age 24 — — Season 5: 27 appearances, 3 goals, 8 assists, 6.89 average rating
A key player in more senses than one, Pan Xilei, even when arguably forced to play against her will, is one of the best players on this team. She really puts in a shift and is much better on the ball than anyone else on the squad. However, her style of play has been getting increasingly more aggressive lately, to the point that she amasses red cards at a rate no other midfielder does. Nobody knows what exactly might be causing her to lash out, but it is rumored that management is doing anything possible to have her at ease, out of the goodness of their hearts.
#11 — Mo Moss — aRWa — Age 28 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, 2 goals, 6 assists, 6.85 average rating
Mo Moss, much like the other two players in this section, should probably be playing for a better team. Nobody quite knows what it is that makes him want to undergo the torture that is playing for La Querida for, what, a half-decade now? Still, the South Newlandian is impeccably professional. A smart winger—those are hard to come by in Farfadillis—with a commendable work ethic who tracks back—however futile that might be—and has a bit of an attacking presence despite the whole team being utterly shit.
Ones to watch:
#21 — Dasige Marier — aRWa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
Dasige is a Yue winger who looks suspiciously similar to a youth player La Querida used to have in their ranks a year or two ago, Tôsgo Marîr. Even plays in the same position. However, there's no mistaking his accent and customs: he clearly hails from wherever Pan Xilei hails. This means they could become best friends and, maybe, hopefully, he could convince her to drop that lawsuit already. As a player, if Dasige is anything like Tôsgo—although we have no reason to believe he should be—then he is a pacey winger who is a total workhorse with a knack for the unexpected, regardless of whether that means an idiotic red card or the goal of the season. He is also very one-footed, except sometimes when... tackling. Rumored to also be taking on a role as a bit of a big brother with the younger players. Overall, a great locker room presence.
#14 — Bakary Suyantany — aLBa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 10 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, 5.98 average rating
Bakary could, in fact, turn out to be a decent player one day. He is a defensive full-back who defends pretty well when given the chance, especially considering he plays for La Querida. If some other club takes a gamble on him, they might just find themselves with a respectable full-back to just drop into the starting eleven and forget about for the entire season. That said, it's rare for clubs to make gambles on forgettable full-backs, so Bakary has his work cut out for him.
# 3 — Abraám Riverón — aCBa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
Ok, first things first: this guy, at the moment, sucks. Like, he is irredeemably bad for a league like this one. However, he is seventeen and La Querida think he has potential so they'll just feed him to the wolves and see what happens. In all fairness, it's not like their survival has any chance of depending on whether one of their two centerbacks is not actually disastrously bad. Abraám actually does have a few things going for him that might make one think he has some potential: he is tall and pretty fast despite that, even if hardly nimble. He's got quite a good jumping range and could be a threat in the air if he learns to actually have any sort of presence in the box first. He's also, supposedly, a decent guy all around, so he's presumably not gonna throw away whatever little potential he might have on sex, drugs and/or creative writing.
Prediction: Well, 20th place. I'm not sure why you're even bothering to read this section.

Mâ Âlâmëómë
Nickname: lôs Vhêrdês (the Green ones)

Derogatory nickname(s): Too many to count
Manager: John Spartan
Ground: Rülândéá Çölíséá (35000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: Dí Maozöxê (local), La Nueva Avenida (sporting)
Major honors: 2 S-FPL titles, 14 Farf Freitball Ligá titles, 3 Atlantian Oceania Champions' League titles, 1 Challengers Cup, 3 Rulandese state league titles
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Fans' expectations: Destroy all competition
Starting Lineup: aGKa Rogerio Defigueroa aLBa Lôpë Âlelé aCBa Alarabi Labeaga aRBa Travis Coffey aDMa Kurtis Mikoliunas aCMa Esther Axelrod-Conway aCMa Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí aOMa Dimitri Keldoulis aLWa Asztrik Biró aRWa Lavanya Naqvi aSTa Latona Basilisk
Bench: aGKa Corann Ghillis aGKa Drö Âloré aLBa Fekati Abdi aCBa Lihonhegeí Puumalainen aRBa Karrafa Babuwaruma aDMa Lüí Lîço aCMa Cheney Deal aCMa Liam Sæthre aOMa Habib Sisawo aLWa Sâlömão Sümándã aRWa Ezalta Arambauzá aSTa Bye Galleh Gaye
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Rogerio Defigueroa      23      FAR     GK      Standard                 
 4      Lôpë Âlelé              24      RÜL     LB      Wingback                 
 2      Alarabi Labeaga         28      ASG     CB      No-nonsense              
 3      Travis Coffey           26      EUR     RB      Wingback                 
 8      Kurtis Mikoliunas       25      BRE     DM      Destroyer               -
-6      Esther Axelrod-Conway   28      ZWZ     CM      Standard                -
-5    Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí          30      RÜL     CM      Box-to-box              -
10      Dimitri Keldoulis       33      NPH     OM      Attacking Midfielder    -
-7      Asztrik Biró            19      PAS     LW      Winger                  -
11    Lavanya Naqvi           33      SRS     RW      Winger                  -
-9      Latona Basilisk         30      NPH     ST      Complete Forward        -
12      Corann Ghillis          35      BRE     GK      Standard                 
23      Drö Âloré               25      RÜL     GK      Standard                 
13      Fekati Abdi             38      BNJ     LB      Fullback                 
14      Lihonhegeí Puumalainen  27      FRÖ     CB      No-nonsense              
19      Karrafa Babuwaruma      18      BNJ     RB      Fullback                -
16      Lüí Lîço                18      RÜL     DM      Regista                 -
20      Cheney Deal             30      BRE     CM      Standard                 
18      Liam Sæthre             21      VAL     CM      Standard                -
15      Habib Sisawo            19      BNJ     OM      Advanced Playmaker      -
17      Sâlömão Sümándã         23      RÜL     LW      Winger                   
21      Ezalta Arambauzá        29      FER     RW      Winger                   
22      Bye Galleh Gaye         18      BNJ     ST      Poacher                 -
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, Amokachi, Coss, Zsase, Rainsford, Gosforth, Campbell, Zubiri, Shrike, Tzâín, Röènôùjýâ, Na'Kale, Söh, Townsed, Tijgers Landhuis, Wçêíl, Killanen, Soria Luna, Fejzuli... 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 originally 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 correctly.
Overview: Well, a few seasons ago fans were worrying over the fact they'd managed to go three seasons trophyless. On top of that, their bitter rivals had won two out of three S-FPL titles up to that point. Fortunes have changed for the better for Mâ Âlâmëómë, however, who appear to be inevitable. They have, let's not mince words, the best squad in the league by a decent margin, and a very good manager to boot. They're on two league wins in a row and they absolutely steamrolled the league last season. The departure of Fejzuli will be felt, sure, but he's been replaced by a Brenecian international who has every chance of having his starting spot usurped by Liam Sæthre, unless the Vanorian steals Keldoulis' instead. In short, this is the team to beat... unfortunately for all of the other teams.
Key players:
# 5 — Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí — aCMa — Age 30 — — Season 5: 29 appearances, 15 goals, 30 assists, 8.55 average rating
We will likely not see a season as dominant as Çí Xôrí's Season 5 for a long, long while. The one-club man just dominated game after game, amassing stupid numbers for a box-to-box midfielder in the process. He appears to have finally left his inconsistency behind: now, it seems, it's only the world-beater Çí Xôrí turning up for games. Few players can boast to have technique approaching his. His vision is arguably even better. He has a high-ish work rate and is decent defensively. He makes things happen, knows how to control the tempo (a skill he only recently picked up playing for la Vherderoja. Expect to see him grabbing games by the throat on the regular. If his form doesn't drop, there just isn't an answer to Çí Xôrí available. At least, not a reliable one.
# 9 — Latona Basilisk — aSTa — Age 30 — — Season 5: 27 appearances, 35 goals, 19 assists, 8.48 average rating
A controversial goal machine. Controversial because her ego is massive and—while entirely justified based on her performances—tends to lead her astray at least once a season, usually in the form of some stupid suspension. However, when she's not missing games due to injury, suspension or misfiring because of black magic (that last one was just one season, to be fair) there's no striker in this league that can compete with her in terms of sheer output, which is at the end of the day what strikers are judged by. Her one weakness is that she, uh, lacks a certain proclivity towards working with and alongside others, but that's hardly a problem if she keeps scoring more than one goal per game every season. She's looking for her fourth Golden Boot (third in a row) and second Golden Ball: the former seems very likely and for the latter she's at worst second-favorite.
# 6 — Esther Axelrod-Conway — aCMa — Age 28 — — Season 5: 36 appearances, 12 goals, 16 assists, 8.09 average rating
A center-midfielder that can do it all, but stands out for her tactical brilliance. Even the simplest passes she makes sometimes have a clear, deeper purpose. She can defend, she can set up her teammates and, as if that wasn't enough, has a knack for scoring pokers every now and then. Yes, this slightly-defensive center-midfielder tends to score in multiples of four, for whatever reason. She's perhaps a bit easier to bully off the ball than some of her teammates, but you really have to grasp at straws to say anything negative about her. She's just a brilliant player to have and would fit into any team in this league without problem. I mean, she's already a key player for the best one...
Ones to watch:
# 7 — Asztrik Biró — aLWa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 30 appearances, 15 goals, 15 assists, 7.50 average rating
One of the hottest young prospects in the league, Asztrik may not be as technical as his right-flank counterpart (but who is, really?), but he makes up for it by having pace to spare and the ability to turn half an inch of space on the left flank into a tricky cross. Low crosses, crosses with just the right spin, straight-to-the-head crosses. Near-post, far-post. You name it, Asztrik can do it whenever it's necessary, and he has the sense to know when to go for each option. Aged just nineteen, it's really anyone's guess just how far he can get: he's already started making inroads internationally, making the Pasargan squad.
#16 — Lüí Lîço — aDMa — Age 18 — — Season 5: 2 appearances, 0 goals, 1 assist, 7.00 average rating
An extremely intelligent player, very much in the mold of Esther Axelrod-Conway, and a possible understudy for her. Lüí is also very technical and has a keen kinaesthetic sense: you'd be surprised by how hard he is to bully off the ball despite the fact that he is emaciated and pocket-sized. Unfortunately, he's far from a complete package precisely because of this kind of thing: he has to compensate for the fact that he seems to be well below average at any and all physical attributes relevant to the game. As a regista, he can mostly get by, but it's a very awkward position to be in which is likely to severely limit him throughout his career.
#15 — Habib Sisawo — aOMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 5 appearances, 1 goal, 2 assists, 7.20 average rating
Not quite as intelligent or technical as Lüí, sure, but Habib makes up for it by not flying out of the stadium if he tries to take on a decently-bulky player. Snapped up from Hawabark Boulders' youth academy on a free transfer (which was, let's be honest, a massive dick move), Habib does appear to be having trouble adapting to life in Lìbêrêtè. Even though his life is more or less safe as a Mâ Âlâmëómë player, there are rumors he will be seeking for a way out as soon as possible, at least in the form of a loan. Maybe if he does well enough he can then break into the starting eleven and forget about the putrid smell, unsafe streets, use of daylight's saving time and extreme political instability.
Prediction: Much like the team before this one, it is kind of strange that you even feel the need to read this section. Predicting them to finish anywhere but 1st would make us look like fools with a ninety percent chance.

Mynda Electra
Nickname: Foresters

Derogatory nickname(s): Villagers
Manager: Ifeatu Jaja
Ground: Electra Stadium (41000), located in Mynda, Aksum
Major rivals: None
Major honors: 1 RBSA Cup, 1 Kabaka's Cup
Infrastructure: Ground ★★★ / Training facilities ★★★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fans' expectations: Utter forgettability (in the form of ChC qualification)
Starting Lineup: aGKa Tore Delgado aLBa Ismaela Diouf aCBa Chononso Uchi aCBa Adin Wasawo aRBa Helek-Evela Mal aCMa Abbas Guiss aCMa Chinaza Madu aOMa Zion Izuchukwu aOMa Lars Putnam aOMa Salathiel Oero aSTa Cathal Turner
Bench: aGKa Somayina Adiwour aGKa Kazak Karatay aLBa Efe Sahan aCBa Dust Devil aCBa Akuchi Chydee aRBa Hambani Chisoni aCMa Katota Chayambaso aCMa Wasa Kah aOMa Adaeze Obasee aOMa Arthur Trudell IV aOMa Savatije Radakovic aSTa Elisehba Ochanda
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Tore Delgado            30      DAR     GK      Standard                 
 3      Ismaela Diouf           34      BNJ     LB      Standard                -
-4      Chononso Uchi           25      BNJ     CB      Standard                -
-5      Adin Wasawo             20      BNJ     CB      Ball-Playing            -
-2    Helek-Evela Mal         28      QUS     RB      Standard                 
15      Abbas Guiss             32      BNJ     CM      Destroyer                
19    Chinaza Madu            29      BNJ     CM      Standard                -
11      Zion Izuchukwu          21      BNJ     OM      Advanced Playmaker      -
10      Lars Putnam             30      CBP     OM      Shadow Striker           
17      Salathiel Oero          23      BNJ     OM      Attacking Midfielder     
 7      Cathal Turner           32      COS     ST      Target Man              -
12      Somayina Adiwour        19      BNJ     GK      Standard                -
33      Kazak Karatay           29      BUS     GK      Standard                 
13      Efe Sahan               27      BUS     LB      Wingback                 
35      Dust Devil              28      EQS     CB      Standard                 
48      Akuchi Chydee           33      BNJ     CB      No-Nonsense              
47      Hambani Chisoni         21      BUS     RB      Wingback                 
 8      Katota Chayambaso       22      BNJ     CM      Playmaker                
12      Wasa Kah                23      BNJ     CM      Standard                 
31      Adaeze Obasee           31      BNJ     OM      Attacking Midfielder     
39      Arthur Trudell IV       34      XAN     OM      Shadow Striker          -
27      Savatije Radakovic      19      KRU     OM      Advanced Playmaker      -
-9      Elisehba Ochanda        20      BNJ     ST      Deep-Lying Forward      -
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 eight hundred thousand, 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. They are also generally notorious for not being particularly remarkable in any sense. Just having things to say about them is hard. [Editor's note: this is just the heavily-censored opinion of the writer of this piece]
Overview: Good defense, okay midfield, okay attack. Consistent at being consistently unremarkable, on and off the pitch. Few if any dramas to speak of most of the time; Ifeatu Jaja must be at least somewhat pleased with his man-management skills. Their football is and has always been, yes, very uninspiring and, by this league's standards, way too defensive. Still, they are not quite the worst team in the league in that regard either. This is a team that is happy to be here, feels safe from relegation and aspires to nothing. A money-making machine, yes, but not one willing to risk relegation over a misguided attempt to climb the ranks by splashing the cash.
Key players:
# 4 — Chononso Uchi — aCBa — Age 25 — — Season 5: 30 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 7.45 average rating
Capped for the Kadongo Kamu, yes, but mostly as a result of the desperation induced by failing to make World Cup 89. Chononso is, don't get me wrong, a very solid center-back who likely has a good career in the league ahead of him. The thing is he just lacks that something that world-class players have. He's physically gifted, tactically astute, an aerial menace, not too bad on the ball… but the spark is just not there. In a way, I suppose we should've expected this from Mynda's best player.
# 5 — Adin Wasawo — aCBa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 29 appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists, 7.40 average rating
Chononso's understudy and, without a doubt, a much better prospect. At age twenty he's already arguably the second-best player on the team. He's a player very much in Chononso's mold, but worse overall, better on the ball and much more reckless. Might that be the spark Chononso lacks? Adin is clearly a very passionate guy, for better or worse. Having one of the worst disciplinary records last season (with all the competition that there is for that in this league!) makes that much clear. However, one can't help but feel that Adin would not make a lot of important clearances without his all-in attitude. Overall, a very intriguing prospect.
#11 — Zion Izuchukwu — aOMa — Age 21 — — Season 5: 26 appearances, 7 goals, 15 assists, 7.22 average rating
A lazy-ish playmaker with a great eye for picking out the passes others can't and a good, but not great, ability to pull off those passes. He's not a lost cause when it comes to defensive contribution—Mynda is a defensive team, so he just wouldn't fit in otherwise—and he can be an exciting player to watch on a good day. He is definitely the one truly entertaining player on this team. He overdoes it with the dribbling quite often, but it livens things up a bit and occasionally gets an opposing player carded. Young and with his whole career ahead of him, Zion could actually get quite far. Far enough to leave this team!
Ones to watch:
#27 — Savatije Radakovic — aOMa — Age 19 — — Season 5: 5 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists, 6.85 average rating
A player much like Laborious Hawk in that he's about 190cm/6ft2, an attacking midfielder and has a completely extraordinary drive to be the best in everything he puts his mind to. The similarities stop there, fortunately for the Vanorian legend. Savatije is slow and unimposing and no amount of training appears to be doing the trick there, while he's about a million light-years away from Laborious Hawk in terms of, well, everything important for an attacking midfielder. Worry not, though, Mynda fans: he is still a fairly good playmaker and a consummate professional. He could grow into one of the team's many good-but-not-great players.
# 9 — Elisehba Ochanda — aSTa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 10 appearances, no goals, 7 assists, 6.84 average rating
Of course the one female young prospect on this team has to be a sexist stereotype: Elisehba Ochanda is a very selfless striker, at times appearing to be almost entirely focused on setting up her teammates. She's usually subbed in for one of the attacking midfielders, instead of Cathal Turner, before promptly becoming something a bit of a personal assistant for the Cosumarite. Very unfeminist of Mynda. They could at least tell her to get a few red cards to balance things out, but no: her pressing's pitiful and, to date, has produced a grand total of zero studs stuck in an opposing player's leg. Much like Radakovic, Ochanda could turn out to be a good-but-not-great player.
#12 — Somayina Adiwour — aGKa — Age 19 — — Season 5: no appearances
Ok so… this one is probably the hardest yet. Substitute goalkeeper again, but now this guy is Mynda Electra's substitute goalkeeper. To say anything about him, I'd have to go through the torture that must be watching Mynda's youth and reserve teams. Thank you, but no, thank you. This guy could be the next (male) Aranea Provost for all I care. I'm done.
Prediction: Ugh. 14th, of course.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Feb 20, 2022 10:01 pm

René Skaé
Nickname: les Ezrenels (the Colonels)

Derogatory nickname(s): Barabara (intended to imitate uneducated mumbling)
Manager: Louis-Étienne Hevesi
Ground: Grand René Skaé (25000), located in René Skaé, Szoirsia
Major rivals: Torrhe del Viento (local)
Major honors: 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 early on, then regress to the mean but nab a CL spot in the process
Starting Lineup: aGKa Samuel Orr aLBa Camille Auguste aCBa Ljuba Buczvarov aCBa Nadezhda Odling aRBa Darijen Vesele aCMa Marvin Cole aCMa Lőrensz Ziczi aTKa Rebecca Laskaris aLWa Lajos Éwanjé-Épée aRWa Tulaki Rauogba aSTa Eötrenois Rigozsoldos
Bench: aGKa Géza Gaudin aGKa Miklós Basset aLBa Auguste Szibácz aCBa Ndongo Kirti aCBa Mihály Lemaître aRBa László Gérard aLMa Bansang Basie aCMa Pickering Sionne aTKa Archard Ezaa Robé aLWa Anwar Dawit aRWa Bence Boissonade aSTa Dénes Robineau
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Samuel Orr              20      TLI     GK      Sweeper Keeper          -
-7      Camille Auguste         35      SZO     LB      Fullback                 
 2      Ljuba Buczvarov         26      SRS     CB      Standard                 
 3      Nadezhda Odling         30      CMT     CB      Standard                -
-4    Darijen Vesele          31      STL     RB      Wingback                -
-5      Marvin Cole             21      EUR     CM      Box-to-box               
 3    Lőrensz Ziczi           28      SZO     CM      Playmaker               -
-8      Rebecca Laskaris        24      NPH     TK      Takilante               -
11      Lajos Éwanjé-Épée       29      SZO     LW      Inside Forward          -
10      Tulaki Rauogba          26      TUR     RW      Inside Forward          -
-9      Eötrenois Rigozsoldos   21      SZO     ST      Advanced Forward        -
12      Géza Gaudin             29      SZO     GK      Standard                 
23      Miklós Basset           18      SZO     GK      Standard                 
13      Auguste Szibácz         18      SZO     LB      Wingback                 
14      Ndongo Kirti            18      BNJ     CB                               
15      Mihály Lemaître         25      SZO     CB      Standard                 
16      László Gérard           18      SZO     RB      Wingback                 
19      Bansang Basie           18      BNJ     LM                               
20      Pickering Sionne        29      CMT     CM      Standard                 
22      Archard Ezaa Robé       29      SZO     TK      Takilante                
17      Anwar Dawit             32      BNJ     LW      Winger                  -
18      Bence Boissonade        18      SZO     RW      Winger                  -
21      Dénes Robineau          17      SZO     ST      Complete Forward        -
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. They 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.
Overview: Scylla Perish, Nephara's AFC Rochford's best player, one-time Second Division (so, third tier) Jade Ball winner, is probably the most hated person in Szoirsia. Ever since the establishment of the S-FPL, René Skaé fans had been eagerly waiting for the return of their biggest legend, the one and only Faragó rue Cazade. Well, he fell in love, had kids and never looked back. He might even struggle to deal with desert temperatures nowadays, with how long he's been away. So, with rue Cazade never making his triumphant return à la Xíxì Êns, the team will have to make do with their very solid team in which rue Cazade might struggle to fit in nowadays since he's thirty-seven. But anyway. Expect them to do what they frequently do: bedazzle neutrals with their fiery brand of beautiful, attacking football for about ten matchdays before, for some mysterious reason, crashing and burning to the ground.
Key players:
# 4 — Darijen Vesele — aRBa — Age 31 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, 6 goals, 13 assists, 7.60 average rating
It must be hard being Darijen Vesele. You are the best right-back in the league. Indisputably! So much so, that you're probably the only player to have made every S-FPL Best Eleven since the league's formation, although nobody can be bothered to actually check. This means your team plays you in every single game because they cannot afford to give you a rest, and your team also happens to play every other game in the middle of the desert. Anyway, you know the deal with Darijen: he will terrorize anyone playing on his flank and look defensively solid while doing it. Getting up there in years, but his decline should still be a year or two away, even if he relies a lot on his physicality (specifically, his ability to amass kilometers/miles run like a madman).
#10 — Tulaki Rauogba — aRWa — Age 26 — — Season 5: 28 appearances, 12 goals, 14 assists, 7.62 average rating
A consistently solid attacking midfielder who's been the Szoirsians' main attacking piece for a long time now. He can do it all and do it well. He was not his usual self last season, and it showed in how René Skaé tumbled down the ranks. Still, expect the Turorian to probably return to his usual self this season, although we will have to see how he will adapt to his new role as an inside forward. He certainly has the dribbling needed for it, as well as just good old general versatility. Expect Hevesi to employ him anywhere up front if he finds it fit to.
# 8 — Rebecca Laskaris — aTKa — Age 24 — — Season 5: 30 appearances, 9 goals, 10 assists, 7.73 average rating
rue Cazade won't return? Just sign that spent her youth warming the bench for him. Rebecca appears to have learned a lot from being under rue Cazade's shadow for who-knows-how-long, since she did not struggle to adapt to the takilante role Hevesi handed her. Her pressing is arguably better than rue Cazade's (back in the day, even), although she is, you guessed it, not a generational talent. Still, a young-ish player with lots of potential, fitting in at a role vital yet scarce for many Farf teams? Yeah, rue Cazade not making a heroic comeback might've been a good thing, after all.
Ones to watch:
# 1 — Samuel Orr — aGKa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 38 appearances, no goals, no assists, 6.46 average rating
No, René Skaé, signing a Licentian you heard was good and just expecting him to adapt seamlessly to 1) arguably the best league in the world and 2) the Szoirsian desert was not a good idea. He did not perform well, and René Skaé suffered for it. However, he does not seem the least bit bothered by it, and looked like he was improving massively towards the end of the season. Could he wind up René Skaé's starting goalkeeper long-term? There are signs pointing towards it, other than the fact that management will be incensed if they feel like they've misspent money. This could—should—be his breakout season if he doesn't want the pressure to pile on.
#18 — Bence Boissonade — aRWa — Age 18 — — Season 5: 10 appearances, 3 goals, 5 assists, 6.96 average rating
Oh God, this guy. One of the most frustrating yet. There's a decent chance Farves will have to wait a good decade or so before a winger with his combination of pace and raw, breathtaking talent. However, there is a non-zero chance he lacks a frontal lobe entirely, because he couldn't be a dumber player if he tried to. Sure, he'll dribble past two or three players, but half the time nothing will come of it because he did something dumb like head for the corner flag in the process. However, he's so good he sometimes makes it work anyway, but there's no doubt this guy would have no ceiling if he was better than a La Querida player at choosing what to do and when to do it. Also, not exactly the most professional lad, rumor has it. Overall, a potential world-beater who will, most likely, end up a wash-up.
#21 — Dénes Robineau — aSTa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
Relatively little is known about Robineau, since he's only seventeen and hasn't made his professional debút yet. However, it has been said that René Skaé's management have been intentionally hiding him away, in a way. If you've watched him in the Szoirsian youth leagues (why?!) then you know he's pretty much got everything a forward could want: technique, pace, strength, finishing, aerial presence, off-the-ball skills… sure, he's not exactly a selfless player, but would you be if you were head and shoulders above everyone else in your league? Going from Szoirsian amateur youth football to one of the best leagues in the Multiverse will be quite the jump for a seventeen-year-old. If he pulls it off, well, that's probably the striker position settled for la Vherderoja for a long while… He's got Farf international and also-exciting young prospect Eötrenois Rigozsoldos starting ahead of him, though, so he'll really have to take his chances.
Prediction: This is a very good team, but they failed to look like one last season, and we have to take that into account. A 10th place finish is our risky prediction here, but anything below that should count as a bit of a shock.

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 (10000), located in Lìbêrêtê, Rülândéá
Major rivals: None
Major honors: 1 Farf Freitball Ligá, 3 Farf Torde Ligá titles, 1 Rulandese state league title
Infrastructure: Ground ★ / Training facilities ★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Fans' expectations: More Astograthians
Starting Lineup: aGKa Juan Mamani aLBa Tipi Izotzubia 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 Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá
Bench: aGKa Pär Tjova aGKa Básilió Fórténté aLBa Jênâár Röwé aCBa Pâb Ýuó aRBa Bazkoare Echegoyenberry aCMa Yaunzuria Urgoiti aRMa Ioritz Larregay aTKa Rübéãn Vödí Trevêlèý aLWa Audrey Pearson aRWa Ion Akeniolaza aSTa Wilsêkïl Lâlâw aSTa Tzeme Galdiano
-       Name                    Age     Nat     Pos     Main role               Ability-
-1      Juan Mamani             26      HUA     GK      Standard                -
-6      Tipi Izotzubia          20      ASG     LB      Wingback                -
-2      Gëngüdó Pìgülôçô        26      RÜL     CB      No-nonsense              
 4      Lînó Çíwâ               33      RÜL     RB      Wingback                -
-3    Erin Kang               32      QUE     CM      Box-to-box              -
-5      Baraxil Muhaburu        28      ASG     CM      Roaming Playmaker       -
-7      Tè Xüwân                22      RÜL     TK      Takilante                
 8      Sam Roshanak            33      STB     LW      Winger                   
11      Çè Sêwansé              28      RÜL     RW      Winger                  -
-9      Aire Epherra            36      ASG     ST      Advanced Forward        -
10    Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá      35      RÜL     ST      Advanced Forward        -
12      Pär Tjova               31      SVJ     GK      Standard                 
23      Básilió Fórténté        16      RÜL     GK      Sweeper Keeper           
13      Jênâár Röwé             18      RÜL     LB      Wingback                 
14      Pâb Ýuó                 26      RÜL     CB      Standard                 
15      Bazkoare Echegoyenberry 33      ASG     RB      Fullback                -
16      Yaunzuria Urgoiti       20      ASG     CM      Box-to-box              -
18      Ioritz Larregay         31      ASG     RM      Winger                   
20      Rübéãn Vödí Trevêlèý    20      RÜL     TK      Takilante               -
17      Audrey Pearson          17      TMB     LW      Winger                  -
19      Ion Akeniolaza          22      ASG     RW      Winger                   
21      Wilsêkïl Lâlâw          26      RÜL     ST      Poacher                  
22      Tzeme Galdiano          24      ASG     ST      Advanced Forward        -
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… Their xenophobia has limits, though: Astograthians are considered honorary Rulandese from their (even more twisted than usual) ethnonationalistic perspective.
Overview: A team brimming with talent that has put up with season after season of congested gestures but nonetheless seems to rise to the top-ish of the table without much problem. However, none of their best players are getting any younger (ok, sure, none of their players are getting any younger, but you get the point) and it's not at all clear that they'll pull off recruitment masterstrokes like they did with Kang, Muhaburu and Epherra (seriously, betting your goalscoring on a thirty-six-year-old?). Still, for now, they are a formidable team that could surprise everyone any season now. Fêrm Égéré likes to run his players into the gound in pursuit of ever-more-vertiginous football; one has to wonder what past seasons would've looked like if he'd been more passive and not made players like Muhaburu run (and drink) themselves into the ground.
Key players:
# 5 — Baraxil Muhaburu — aCMa — Age 28 — — Season 5: 28 appearances, 11 goals, 20 assists, 8.05 average rating
Most players would not be able to sustain Muhaburu's lifestyle and make it in the third division of some no-name country. Then again, Muhaburu isn't most players… in many ways! Some good, some bad. Let's start with the good: on his day, he's arguably the best player in the whole league. Terrible work rate for a center-midfielder (and it seems to only get worse with the years), yes, but also unmatched passing range and vision, as well as very good dribbling and a knack for the unexpected. He also doesn't feel pressure, full stop. So, with that aside, onto the bad… well, you probably don't want your best player to potentially fulfill the criteria for alcohol dependence, or to be the kind of player who thinks that's actually kind of cool. He's a larger-than-life figure in Lìbêrêtê, which does not help things at all.
# 9 — Aire Epherra — aSTa — Age 36 — — Season 5: 32 appearances, 33 goals, 4 assists, 8.03 average rating
Wine has nothing on burly, manly, macho Aire over here. Nobody knows what made him take so long to finally hit his stride but, despite becoming a top player in his thirties, he is showing few signs of slowing down for now. Of course, a goal a game is not sustainable at his age—although he will vehemently disagree if you bring it up—but it's just very hard to argue with the results as long as the goals keep coming. Arguably not the best influence for the younger players of the squad, but then again Epherra's got nothing on Muhaburu in that regard. Also, yes, that is (a little more than) eight goals for every assist last season that you're seeing in the info bar.
# 3 — Erin Kang — aCMa — Age 32 — — Season 5: 35 appearances, 14 goals, 19 assists, 8.11 average rating
Unlike the other two key pieces of this Rülândéá Kôstä team, Erin is a model professional. Being a box-to-box midfielder, we might expect her to slow down as age starts to hit, but at least she appears to be focusing on her club career for now. As for her talents on the pitch: she's very Québecois (or Farf!) in that her strengths lie in her offensive skillset, but she actually offsets this with her admirable work rate and endless stamina. It's not rare to see her sprint across the pitch all game only to pull off a game-winning pass with the precision of someone who's just been subbed in.
Ones to watch:
# 6 — Tipi Izotzubia — aLBa — Age 20 — — Season 5: 30 appearances, 3 goals, 12 assists, 7.59 average rating
A very tall, very strong, very fast full-back who does not shy away from tough challenges or reckless adventures going forward. Originally signed on only because he was Astograthian, despite having no verifiable experience playing football, Tipi was one of the highlights of last season for tâ Kôstä. His performances even earned him a Bronze Bib and a call-up to the Astograthian national team. However, he is rumored to be a polarizing presence in the locker room, apparently avoiding all other Astograthian members of the squad entirely. Some kind of self-hating racism of sorts maybe?
#16 — Yaunzuria Urgoiti — aCMa — Age 20 — — Season 5: no appearances
Management does not want to be left reeling when Erin Kang inevitably ages into mediocrity. To that end, they have signed an Astograthian box-to-box player. They even managed to get the sex right, which is pretty rare for an Astograthian player. She's not quite Erin on the ball, but her work rate is just flat-out insane. She's twenty, so she can overdo it—sometimes less is more—but that's something she'll learn with experience. Off-the-pitch, she's got the ambition needed to make it at this level, but you already knew that: she's an Astograthian woman who's been capped and has just signed for a team based in one of the most infamously dangerous corners of the Multiverse.
#17 — Audrey Pearson — aLWa — Age 17 — — Season 5: no appearances
One of the top prospects in the Multiverse in her whole age group, arguably. Tumbra have been churning out a lot of talented footballers lately, and Audrey is among the best. At least, that's what her agents told the president of the club. She's a fairly traditional left-winger, but that's actually perfect for her because the starting left-winger is an old Starblaydi (the Starblaydi, remember, age very fast). Pace? Check. Crossing ability? You bet. A knack for scoring goals? Probably. Does she track back? Ok, no. Will she ever? Well, she's young, but she's going to spend some key formative years playing in Farfadillis so… anyway, probably a top talent, but you can't really be sure at seventeen.
Prediction: A solid team that would not look out of place in the race for the title, at least if Mâ Âlâmëómë suffer some sort of injury crisis. Unfortunately, this league is just stacked with good teams, and it seems like we have to predict them to finish in 8th place. Hey, that'd still mean a CL spot, at least.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Mon Feb 21, 2022 10:38 pm

-Season 6-

Matchdays 1-7

MATCHDAY 1
La Querida 1–13 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Hawabark Boulders 1–6 Herzegovina City FC
Busukuma Force 0–3 Istria City FC
Flying Jellyfish 1–1 La Nueva Avenida
Busembe Timberwolves 0–5 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Principal 1–1 Jinja City FC
Mynda Electra 0–7 Rülândéá Kôstä
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–1 Kitara AA
Avenida Leal 1–5 René Skaé
Busukuma AC 1–0 Hoima Warriors

The runaway, two-time defending champions, Mâ Âlâmëómë, opened the season against probably the singular worst top-flight team in all of Atlantian Oceania, La Querida. Is there a better way to kick things off as a defending champion? Absolutely not. A celebration of their achievements, and of their establishment, over time, as the biggest team in the Basin. They looked the part too, smashing 13 goals past La Querida to start the season. Even former World Cup champion Fekati Abdi, the 38 year old fullback who has, shockingly, scored in a World Cup Final, came off the bench and scored in this demolition of La Querida. His excessive celebration of Mâ Âlâmëómë's 13th goal was not the story, however. The story was the triple hat trick, as Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí, Latona Basilisk, and Lavanya Naqvi each scored 3 goals in this contest. In another mismatch to start the season, Herzegovina City welcomed the Hawabark Boulders back to the S-FPL with a 6-1 stomping. Making their own statement of intent as the pressure builds onto Omar Sanyang to deliver silverware to the Moravican capitol.

But two teams everyone expected to be at the top of the table blew out two teams that were expected to be at the bottom of the table. Shocking. What else happened on the S-FPL's opening weekend? Istria City FC were excellent on the road, going down to Busukuma and defeating the Force by a score of 3-0. KHO, their lead striker, had a tough experience with the Quebecois national team, ultimately getting to miss the torturous experience of a Cup of Harmony with the Independent Athletes. She was happy to be playing club football again, opening her account for the season with a 5th minute bicycle kick, as the Lions cruised to a 3-0 victory. Ultimately, the games this weekend were a wild mix. You had some truly massive blowouts- a 6-1, a 5-0, and a 7-0 game to match the scores that we already mentioned. Quite a few big blowouts, as clearly, some teams were ready for the start of the league campaign, while others decisively were not ready.

A weekend where 5 of the games were decided by a 5 goal margin, and a 6th was a 3-0 road win. The other 4? Low scoring games. A trio of 1-1 draws, as well as a 1-0 win on the Sunday nightcap. Nothing truly special about any of the 1-1 draws, although the Flying Jellyfish earning a point against La Nueva Avenida was quite a surprise. The Sunday nightcap saw Busukuma AC take on the Hoima Warriors. Two rivals who both would say that they have underperformed in this league, ever since the S-FPL was formed. Mark Grayson's new team was successful against his hold team, as a 77th minute goal from Clayton Wilson was enough to get Busukuma AC all three points on this day.

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

The best game of week 2, of course, was the 12 goal, tantalizing affair between Rülândéá Kôstä and Ausharmuj Marusi. It's rare you get an evenly matched affair where 12 goals are scored, but this was one of them. The teams were simply trading goals, back and forth, for the lion's share of the match. It was one of those games where you think Muhaburu could vye for a first team Galactico nomination. The 28 year old Astograthian was simply picking apart the defense of la Sindica. A player who had a stunning 20 assists last year opened his assist account on this day. He landed three assists to fully earn his man of the match honors, all three of them to the senior citizen strike pair up top, Émérí Dü Ârusânìrá and Aire Epherra. The visitors were just as good on the day, however, with players like Joaquim Martell and Leandro Martelli also doing all sorts of damage. It would be Muhaburu who would put this contest away late, however, with a goalkeeper who had gone up for a stoppage time corner kick getting shown up, as Muhaburu struck home from midfield to win the game.

No other game this weekend was as exciting as that one. But plenty of other games were just as important. Mâ Âlâmëómë, who scored 13 goals last week, experienced their first major road bump in their quest for a threepeat, with the Hoima Warriors somehow earning a 1-1 draw in Lìbêrêtê. Hoima's strength is in their central midfield, with Momodou Jassey, who regularly started throughout Qualifying and started a couple of matches in the World Cup Finals, pairing well with the veteran Pasargan midfielder, Bod Joó. They are able to control the center of the park effectively, which in front of some talented defenders, can frustrate a squad like Mâ Âlâmëómë. Dí Maozöxê had yet another massive victory, following up their 5-0 win over the Timberwolves with a 7-1 win over Avenida Principal. Can't ask for a better start to the season than that, right? Busukuma AC, of all teams, surprised people. Mark Grayson's doing a decent job there- a 4-1 road win over René Skaé? Even getting Coriolan to do a backflip while celebrating a goal? A fun time.

Mynda Electra find themselves as the only team to not score a goal through two weeks of play. They got blown out 7-0 at home last week, which got them booed off of their home field after the game. A 3-0 loss to Jinja City, while expected, did not do the team any favors. The Flying Jellyfish earned themselves another point against much more talented opposition, this time holding Istria City to a point, in Istria. But the most shocking result of the weekend was La Querida earning a point. A team like Hawabark absolutely needs all three points against La Querida, because points are hard to come by in this competition. Cant' even beat La Querida? Their return to the S-FPL might be quick.

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

La Querida lost 13-1 in the first game of the season, at home. About as part of a start to the season you can have, right? But, have they looked.. Not half-bad the last two weeks? Earning a home draw against the Boulders. And only losing 1-0 to the Busukuma Force this week. They were probable seconds away from earning the draw. However, La Querida will La Querida- Abraám Riverón tried to clear a cross from Araz Fernandez, and he accidentally headed the ball into his own net in the 5th minute of stoppage time. A team that bad is not gonna be afforded with something called luck. Cursed. Mâ Âlâmëómë got back to their winning ways, with a 4-0 takedown of the Hawabark Boulders. It's only been 3 games, of course, but does Hawabark need to be worried? Freshly promoted teams tend to struggle, but they couldn't even beat the Flying Jellyfish.

The Flying Jellyfish, for the third consecutive week, earned a 1-1 draw with a team that was much stronger than them. They've gotta be stronger than La Querida, don't they? At very minimum. Points are points, however, and most importantly, helping the good ol' goal differential. This match saw a frustrated Omar Sanyang, who is Herzegovina City's manager, literally punt a water bottle after Jason Þórhallursson's late penalty was saved. Sanyang basically must earn a trophy this year, or he's gone- a Shango-Fogoa Cup trophy three years ago is not going to cut it at Banija's most successful club. Draws like these... Can't happen if he wants to keep his job. Meanwhile, the Busembe Timberwolves, who are in the process of being sold by Fadron Pizza, once again were on the wrong side of an ass kicking, falling 5-1 to Istria City FC. More on their sale later- but is that affecting players performances?

Busukuma AC, who had gotten off to such a promising start, fell for the first time this season, losing 2-1 at home to the Kitara Athletic Association. It's hard to score a bunch of goals against a team that carries both Keira Anbient and Ralph Winter, both of whom start and compete at the highest level for Chromatika, and Valanora, respectively. The Hoima Warriors completely bottled it in the Sunday night showcase, losing by a stunning score of 5-0, at home, against René Skaé. When you're getting blown out so badly that even a player like Darijen Vesele is taken out of the game with a half hour remaining, you know you had an embarrassing performance. Plenty of questions to be asked in Banija's 5th largest city. And, of course, Mynda Electra remains the only team in the league to not score so far this season, having been outscored 14-0 in 3 weeks. Not good for Ifeatu Jaja, is it? Dude's seat must be getting warm rather quickly.

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

A major Farf contest on Friday night to open things up, with Mâ Âlâmëómë playing host to René Skaé. Unfortunately, in very un-Farf like manner, they played out to a rather boring 0-0 draw. Why did that happen? The terrible weather. The stadium was hit with what looked like "a monsoon". No actual stadium damage, but the water logged pitch was in some of the worst shape you've ever seen. Passes were dyign on the ground, nobody could run, just an all-out disaster. They tried to be their normal attacking selves, but that simply was not happening on the day. Meanwhile, the 0-0 draw in Sisonke was more of what you'd expect from a 0-0 draw. The pitch in fine shape. But a rather defensive battle from Kitara and Hoima. Not much attacking going in either direction in that match.

The biggest gap on the pitch this weekend was Herzegovina City's 6-1 against the TImberwolves. It was one of those matches where Sanyang's charges show you why they've been the most consistent team in the S-FPL ever since this league was formed. When you have top-shelf talent like Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov and Jason Þórhallursson, with Clevinger manning the back line, a lot of good things can happen. In sync, they look like they are truly the best team in the sport. Kuznetsov picks apart the best of defense, and those 3 superstars are why the team are considered favorites every year. If only they could finally deliver on that promise and bring a trophy to Herzegovina City, right? Meanwhile, for Dí Maozöxê, their form is nearly unstoppable. A fourth straight blowout victory, as they have been blasting absolutely everybody out of their path. A team with two starters on the Banijan national team are bulldozing absolutely everybody in their paths. But Böávêntür Âgínsôgnó stole the show on this night, with a 2 goal, 2 assist performance that will continue to bring the brightest lights to the Rulandese teenager.

What else happened this weekend? Istria City FC earning a nice win, and the Flying Jellyfish turning their run of draws against potential title contenders, into a well-rounded, three goal win in a visit to La Querida. The Hawabark Boulders continue to struggle in their return to the top flight, sitting at just 1 point after a 2-0 home loss to the Busukuma Force. The Force are making some noise this season, potentially pushing for a lower-level IFCF spot rather than hanging within the relegation zone? And, of course, speaking of the relegation zone- Mynda Electra finally scored a goal! It just took them 4 weeks. The goal was enough for a point, but their slow start to the season has many worried. A team like Mynda deep in the relegation zone? Not where they want to be.

MATCHDAY 5
Busukuma Force 0–5 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Flying Jellyfish 0–3 Hawabark Boulders
Busembe Timberwolves 5–1 La Querida
Avenida Principal 0–9 Herzegovina City FC
Mynda Electra 3–3 Istria City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–0 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Leal 1–0 Dí Maozöxê
Busukuma AC 3–3 Jinja City FC
Hoima Warriors 1–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
René Skaé 0–1 Kitara AA

And just as narratives are established, they are blown up- are we right? We mentioned how the Busukuma Force are potentially making strides towards the IFCF. But after an encouraging couple of weeks, Mâ Âlâmëóme brought a 5-0 shellacking on them to bring Busukuma's "other" side down to Earth. The worst part about it is that the two-time defending champions scored all 5 goals in the first 30 minutes, and then coasted for the final hour. Which meant, of course, they probably could've scored 15. There's nothing quite like getting picked apart like that so early. Even John Spartan, the Euran manager, told reporters after the match that he did not "expect the game to be that easy." Massive disrespect to the Force. Of course, if you defend like that... You probably deserve that.

Another narrative. Hawabark struggling? Just four games in folks! But this team blew out the Flying Jellyfish, who were also establishing a strong narrative for themselves. Changing things up a little bit towards the bottom of the table. Not the only surprising result of the day in a day that was full of them. Mynda Electra, the team that couldn't buy a goal, suddenly lighting it up, scoring three times, each time from 1 goal down, to earn a 3-3 home draw against Istria City FC. First really decent offensive performance of the season? Herzegovina City beating Avenida Principal wasn't a surprise- but the 9-0 scoreline was. When even a dude like Birom Sanneh comes off the bench and scores, you know you were in for a long day. And lastly, Dí Maozöxê, who had won their last four games by at least four goals each, suddenly fell to Avenida Leal on the road. It was bound to happen eventually- right?

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

Mâ Âlâmëómë showed why they are the two-time defending champions, and why many would pick them to repeat with the league title. Their come from behind win against Kitara AA showcased everything that is right with John Spartan's men. Even against that elite centerback pairing from Kitara AA, both of whom are Champions League winners. Travis Coffey, consistently pushing forward, scoring the goal to equalize in the 81st minute. Never losing belief, never losing shape- even if they left it late. And the young Pasarga international, Asztrik Biró, just four minutes afterward, scored the winner. The teenager was ecstatic, of course- scoring a volley winner is bound to get anyone excited. But this type of skill, this type of grittiness, they are a team that is never out of a game, and therefore, always stand as this league's favorites for glory.

Where else to look? Istria City FC, who, quietly, hasn't lost yet this season, picked up their fourth win at home, against Ausharmuj Marusi. They scored twice at the polar ends of the match. Linoan Waters opened the game with a goal in the 6th minute, to give the Lions an early 1-0 lead. And then it would be Voska Avetisyan, in the 88th minute, who would put the visiting team's chances to bed. A solid victory by Istria City, who are sliding their way towards the top of the table. Their archrivals, Herzegovina City, were emphatic in their win. The Trumpeteers always like to come in loud and announce themselves. In a way, perfectly fitting their team nickname. Taking poor Mynda Electra to the cleaners.

Dí Maozöxê has simply two ways to play. Their first, is that they can deliver your team their biggest loss in the history of this league. And their second? A tight, defensive, 1-0 loss. For the second straight week, they fell into the latter category, as Busukuma AC upset them. Omar Kah provided the goal for the visitors, while Hebron Yienya saved a Taina Vääräniemi penalty to keep the home team out of the back of the net.

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

A lot to talk about here, am I right? First- let's cut straight to the chase. La Querida won?? They stunned the league and beyond by downing an already struggling Mynda Electra, at Electra Stadium, by a score of 1-0. Their first ever league road win since the creation of the S-FPL- although nobody will bother fact checking that one. The goal itself, was brilliant, with Pam Xilei drilling a brilliant free kick in the 53rd minute. She even shed a tear- although that was maybe for herself, as opposed to the joy of goalscoring. While the La Querida fans who had made the trek to Aksum suddenly got ready to party into the night, things were getting ugly in Mynda. There's nothing that will poison the mood around a S-FPL club more than by losing to La Querida. Especially at home? Disgusting. Tetsuyuki Yoshido, the Damukuni executive who runs the team, was so disgusted that he walked into the locker room and fired Ifeatu Jaja himself, on the spot- even before press conferences. The move does makes sense though. They're the only Banijan team to not have won a game in this young season, and it is a cardinal sin to lose to a team like La Querida.

While Mynda Electra goes on a head coaching search, there were other games in the league, although none as talked about a s the one we just mentioned. Herzegovina City, who had been in such great form recently, came out flat against la Sindica and deservingly fell by a score of 3-1, away from home. The Hawabark Boulders, out of nowhere, are putting together a decent run of matches, with their massive 5-0 victory over Avenida Principal on the road. Avenida Principal, meanwhile, do need to get their shit together. It's only 7 games in, yes- but they've got a worse goal differential than a team who lost their opening match by a score of 13-1? La Querida, somehow, is markedly better than Avenida Principal after 7 games. La Querida not only has a win, but has a goal differential of -19, which compares to Prinicipal's differential of -26. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but- this season is young as we've already fired a manager. Imagine what the Farf fans will do to Gregorio Fredeluces if Prinicipal falls to La Querida?

Istria City FC, like we have said, are quietly off to an excellent start of the season. A 7-1 road win against Avenida Leal have put the Olympian suddenly in quite a comfortable position. They're sharing the ball, all sort of people are scoring- a hell of a job. But they could not even compare to Mâ Âlâmëómë, who had their second double digit win of the season. Defeating the Flying Jellyfish 10-0 was another way for Mâ Âlâmëómë to show their dominant identity over the league's other clubs. Interestingly enough, Busukuma AC downed La Nueva Avenida, showing yet another team with a surprisingly strong start to Season 6.

S-FPL Table               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë             7    5   2   0    35    3  +32    17
 2 Istria City FC          7    5   2   0    24    7  +17    17
 3 Herzegovina City FC     7    4   2   1    28    7  +21    14
 4 Busukuma AC             7    4   2   1    14    8   +6    14
 5 Dí Maozöxê              7    4   1   2    24    4  +20    13
 6 Rülândéá Kôstä          7    3   3   1    22   11  +11    12
 7 Kitara AA               7    3   3   1     8    5   +3    12
 8 René Skaé               7    3   2   2    17   10   +7    11
 9 La Nueva Avenida        7    3   2   2    16    9   +7    11
10 Jinja City FC           7    2   3   2    13   13    0     9
11 Flying Jellyfish        7    2   3   2    10   17   −7     9
12 Hawabark Boulders       7    2   2   3    11   14   −3     8
13 Hoima Warriors          7    1   4   2     6   11   −5     7
14 Ausharmuj Marusi        7    2   1   4    10   19   −9     7
15 Busembe Timberwolves    7    2   1   4    13   23  −10     7
16 Busukuma Force          7    2   1   4     5   15  −10     7
17 Avenida Leal            7    2   0   5     7   23  −16     6
18 La Querida              7    1   2   4     6   25  −19     5
19 Mynda Electra           7    0   2   5     5   24  −19     2
20 Avenida Principal       7    0   2   5     5   31  −26     2

Three Quick Observations about the early days

#1 One Coach Fired already? These team's aren't messing around

We have, especially on the Banijan side, seen teams willing to wait around on a manager, and generally prefer to make managerial decisions at season's end, unless they absolutely have to. But Mynda Electra's start to the season was utterly shocking. The same goal differential as La Querida? Only scoring in 3 of 7 games so far? Just 2 points and in last place in the table? Ifeatu Jaja has been there for some time, so it's not like he's brand new. But with generally mediocre results, and then a hellacious start to the season, Mynda had no choice but to fire him. But way for the league's most boring team to bring the drama, eh? An executive firing him in front of players in the locker room. Same executive showing up to the post-match to announce the news.

Now, it's still early, and Jaja has a brandishment on his record that nobody else does- having lost to La Querida. But there are other places, considering the high stakes for staying in this league, that may want to consider following their example. Look at Avenida Principal. They are in serious chance of getting relegated. Look at Hoima. Underperforming. With the first one of the season already happened, it becomes easier for other teams to do so.

#2 Offensive Firepower is what separates the league's haves from their have-nots

I mean, this is just explicitly stating what we already know, right? This was a big reason why Ifeatu Jaja now finds himself without a job. This league is about scoring huge amounts of goals, preferably in bunches. If you can't hang, you've gotta go. But look at the teams towards the top of the table- besides Busukuma AC. Mâ Âlâmëómë are averaging 5 goals a game, scoring 13 goals in their season opener, and 10 goals in their most recent match. Istria City FC is at the 3.5 goals per game pace, while Herzegovina City sit tight at the four goals per game pace. Dí Maozöxê sits in fifth, and Rülândéá Kôstä sixth. Why do betting odds have them as higher title contenders than Busukuma AC, who sit in fourth?

It is simple. Mark Grayson, while doing well with what he has been given, needs to turn them into a more high-octane side. Kitara AA scoring just over one goal per game is simply not going to cut it, not when the dog days of the middle of the season come around. 2 goals per game, is probably better than expected. But he's going to rely heavily on dudes like Omar Kah and Clayton Wilson if they really want to launch a title challenge. If you've got a side with true top line firepower, that's the only way you can do enough to really compete for the trophy.

#3 The Busembe Timberwolves sale- what's the deal?

So Fadron Pizza, the Taeshani corporate owners, have finally officially announced their long-rumored sale of the club. The situation, of course, is simple- Fadron Pizza is getting out of business in Banija, and it does not see the value of owning a S-FPL team when they no longer operate within the Shango-Fogoa Basin.

It is a seminal moment for the Banijan clubs- the Timberwolves were the first team ever bought by foreign ownership, and now they are being sold again. Sitting in a strong stadium, with six consecutive seasons as members of the S-FPL, they look to be a strong investment. "This will be a good measurement of exactly how much club values have risen due to the formation of the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, as well as reflecting Banija's population and economic growth." Said a Professor at Kizza I College in Busukuma. "Fadron Pizza Is going to get a hell of a lot more money for this team than what they paid for it, and so from that perspective, it was a success. The league is clearly welcoming of foreign ownership as well, which means that the price will surely go up in bidding as many show their interest in the team."

With new ownership in route, that means everybody, coaches and managers, are playing for their jobs. A club in an interesting situation. They call their archrival "little brother", but that archrival, who are Kitara AA, has both a S-FPL title and a Champions League title. The Timberwolves, obviously, have neither. Will new ownership push them up the food chain? Or will they forever accept being behind Kitara AA as their new normal?

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 10:59 am

-Season 6-

Matchdays 8-13

MATCHDAY 8
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0–5 Rülândéá Kôstä
Jinja City FC 4–0 Kitara AA
Dí Maozöxê 0–1 René Skaé
La Nueva Avenida 3–0 Hoima Warriors
Istria City FC 1–1 Busukuma AC
Herzegovina City FC 3–0 Avenida Leal
La Querida 0–7 Ausharmuj Marusi
Hawabark Boulders 1–0 Mynda Electra
Busukuma Force 1–3 Avenida Principal
Flying Jellyfish 0–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Atlantian Oceania Champions League Opening Round- First Leg
Mâ Âlâmëómë 4-2 APOIC Greens(EJA)
FK Metropola Borograd(STL) 2-3 Herzegovina City

The Atlantian Oceania Champions League is upon us! Mâ Âlâmëómë, the league's champions, join Herzegovina City in the first round of AO's pre-eminent club cometition. Another opportunity for Omar Sanyang to get that all-important trophy. Mâ Âlâmëómë would come at home against the APOIC Greens. Mâ Âlâmëómë showed why they were the #1 team in the #1 association in the multiverse, as they raced out to a 4-0 lead at halftime in this home match. While APOIC Greens certainly made it interesting, they didn't do enough to make it anything more than that. Especially with that away goals consigned to history, right? Meanwhile, had to fight away from home in Siovanija & Teusland. But they're just so deep. Reniira Clevinger headed home the winner off of a set piece in the 87th minute, silencing the home fans and giving the Trumpeteers an advantage as the competition returns to Moravica.

But back to league play! What happened right here at home? That same Mâ Âlâmëómë had a Rulandese derby against Rülândéá Kôstä. A slightly tired squad? Yes. A team like Mâ Âlâmëómë, however, was not about to rotate the squad for an important league game. But maybe they should have. Mâ Âlâmëómë were stunned at their home field, falling 5-0 to Rülândéá Kôstä. Rülândéá Kôstä fans were shocked, and yet, so happy. It had everything. A howler from Rogerio Defigueroa, to concede the opening goal. A bicycle kick from Baraxil Muhaburu. Just complete domination. Shit talking Rülândéá Kôstä fans were taking over the city. When pissed off Mâ Âlâmëómë fans poured over the stadium's fencing in the 87th minute, the remainder of the game was called off and declared complete as the rioting started. Farf authorities didn't record the number of deaths, but one person on the ground said "double digits" for sure.

What else happened this weekend? Herzegovina City actually responded well after their tiring midweek. A lot of squad rotation here, showing that Omar Sanyang considers the AOCL a priority. He's gotta get that big time trophy to save his job, am I right? But despite a rotated squad, they still dominated Avenida Leal at home, by a score of 3-0. It was Zippy Doo scoring twice that unleashed things for the Trumpeteers. Jinja City FC pounded Kitara AA at home, by a score of 4-0. Mynda Electra's first game under an interim manager did not go well, as they immediately lost, 1-0, to the Hawabark Boulders. They did lose to La Querida. Are they gonna get relegated?

MATCHDAY 9
Busembe Timberwolves 2–8 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Avenida Principal 1–3 Flying Jellyfish
Mynda Electra 5–1 Busukuma Force
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–1 Hawabark Boulders
Avenida Leal 3–3 La Querida
Busukuma AC 3–3 Herzegovina City FC
Hoima Warriors 1–5 Istria City FC
René Skaé 1–1 La Nueva Avenida
Kitara AA 3–3 Dí Maozöxê
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–3 Jinja City FC

La Querida getting yet another point! We're only 9 matchdays into a 39 game season. Otherwise, we have all the time in the world for things to change. But is it possible that La Querida doesnt' finish bottom of the table? They aren't consistent, which nobody expected them to be. But they aren't consistently awful, either. Yet another point earned, just two weeks after their first win of the season. And Avenida Principal are still as poor as can be, falling at home to the Flying Jellyfish. Althoguh they did win one in Busukuma last week- but there is coming into place a threeway battle for last in this league, at least on the Farf side. La Querida, Avenida Principal, and Flying Jellyfish.

Mynda Electra, in their second game under interim management, seemed to once again explode going forward. It was the blowout from nowhere- a 5-1 drubbing of the Busukuma Force. That leaves a lot of questions to ask of the Force, who are trying their best to stay up, but we can ask those later. Mynda Electra finally have their first win of the season, and they couldn't have looked better doing so. Meanwhile, Mâ Âlâmëómë landed an 8-2 drubbing onto the Busembe Timberwolves, who are in the midst of a sale. Not a good look as they try to get cash from the highest bidder. In Banija, there were also two big games between two big teams. Herzegovina City went down to the nation's capitol to take on Busukuma AC, and the two teams battled to a 3-all draw. A game where Herzegovina City led 3-2 late, but Aquila Hongo hit a shot from probably 30 yards, in a stunning stoppage time equalizer for Busukuma. A stunning way to take a point in a game where, probably, they deserved none. Istria City FC also traveled to Hoima, but they walked out with a 5-1 shellacking of the Warriors. Kate Huitema-Omeasoo tore them apart, scoring three goals to power her club to the blowout win.

Take a look at those three Sunday draws, however. René Skaé- drawing 1-1 at home against La Nueva Avenida. Probably one of the weirdest draws you've ever seen, in the fact that both goals in the game were scored in the first 10 minutes of the contest! Horacio Bastanchury opened the scoring for the visitors with a 4th minute header, while Rebecca Laskaris equalized for René Skaé in the 10th minute. Most thought, after that, it'd be a prototypical, high-scoring Farf match- but that was not to be, as the finishing from both sides was abysmal for the rest of the match. Dí Maozöxê travelled to the home of Kitara AA and were able to eke out a 3-3 draw. While Kitara AA was better for the majority of the match, Keira Anbient's 70th minute injury with a 3-1 spelled trouble for the home side. But Taina Vääräniemi scored in the 82nd to make it 3-2, and Bokate earned the point by scoring a free kick to make it 3-3. Rülândéá Kôstä also had a 3-3 draw, them at home against Jinja City, in a game where their 36 year old #9 Aire Epherra scored a hat trick.

MATCHDAY 10
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0–5 Jinja City FC
Dí Maozöxê 1–5 Rülândéá Kôstä
La Nueva Avenida 4–1 Kitara AA
Istria City FC 5–3 René Skaé
Herzegovina City FC 1–5 Hoima Warriors
La Querida 0–4 Busukuma AC
Hawabark Boulders 0–3 Avenida Leal
Busukuma Force 1–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Flying Jellyfish 3–1 Mynda Electra
Busembe Timberwolves 0–0 Avenida Principal

As you read the above scores, you rub your eyes. Mâ Âlâmëómë lost by how much? At home? That's right. Alexander Bumba's men sent a shockwave through the league's two-time defending champions, as Mâ Âlâmëómë fell by a score of 5-0 to the Black Mambas. Heike Schoß scored twice in the first half to give her team a 2-0 lead at the break, and then the rest of the team went to work. Everything went wrong for the home team. Ülì Èsàsè, Junior Ngoba, and even Madison McClain off the bench all put their names on the scoresheet as they shocked the double champions. This.. the second time in 3 weeks where Mâ Âlâmëómë lost 5-0 at home? What a strange stat- you wouldn't expect that from anyone in any domestic league around the world, especially the double-defending champions from arguably the strongest league in the multiverse. Mâ Âlâmëómë players had to be ushered out of the stadium by security guards, as singing Jinja City fans echoed far into the night.

Istria City FC and René Skaé played to what was certainly the weekend's most exciting contest. An 8 goal fest at Kabonero III Field had all sorts of wild swings. Interestingly enough, the game in Istria was dominated by René Skaé in the early going. After just 20 minutes, Tulaki Rauogba and Lajos Éwanjé-Épée had each scored from the wings to give their team a 2-0 lead. But Wangolo is trying to prove Istria City's consistency, and hell, are they doing well. In the span of 60 minutes of gameplay, they were able to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 5-2 blowout victory, by scoring five consecutive goals. How did they do it? That powerful front 4 just went off. All four of them scored a goal, with Savaneh, Waters, KHO, and Voska Avetisyan all putting their names on the scoresheet. Waters, specifically, had a hell of a game, where he just ripped the visitors apart down the right wing. KHO scored the fifth and final goal as she continues to make her bid for the golden boot award. René Skaé had a consolation goal to make it 5-3 late.

What about the other 8 games? Blowouts everywhere. Rülândéá Kôsta getting another massive win in Lìbêrêtê, this time winning 5-1 against Dí Maozöxê. La Nueva Avenida wrecked Kitara AA, winning 4-1 over them. Another shocking one was Herzegovina City getting their asses handed to them. A 5-1 loss to the Hoima Warriors, at home, was just disastrous. But that was a harsh scoreline, admittedly. When it rains, it pours, right? A 74th minute red card from Pierre Wisniewski in a 2-1 game sent them down to 10 men, and their defenses collapsed completely. Busukuma AC and Avenida Leal had clean sheet victories on the road against La Querida and the Hawabark Boulders, respectively.

MATCHDAY 11
Avenida Principal 1–6 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Mynda Electra 1–4 Busembe Timberwolves
Ausharmuj Marusi 6–3 Flying Jellyfish
Avenida Leal 3–3 Busukuma Force
Busukuma AC 2–0 Hawabark Boulders
Hoima Warriors 4–0 La Querida
René Skaé 0–3 Herzegovina City FC
Kitara AA 3–3 Istria City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 0–5 La Nueva Avenida
Jinja City FC 1–1 Dí Maozöxê

Mâ Âlâmëómë are back, flying ahead of the crowd with a 6-1 road victory against Avenida Prinicipal. While the win was impressive, they've shown some dangerous inconsistency the last few games. Seesawing between blowout home losses and blowout road wins? While they've got the firepower to blast any team into the Sun, they are also capable of getting railroaded by any team in this league, most unfortunately for them and their fans. As they embark on a title challenge, it will be on John Spartan to see if he can corral the team enough to get enough legitimate consistency out of them to try and win their third league title in a row.

Towards the bottom of the table, there were more blowouts. The Busembe Timberwolves, trying to climb themselves into an IFCF berth, won a game in Mynda by a score of 4-1 at the Electra Stadium. There's a lot of focus on who their potential buyers will be, with heavy interest both from Sanford and Chromatika, as well as rumored domestic interest as well. But players are focused on what they can control, and that is their performance on the pitch. They are outmatched most of the time, but Bøb Übermanager knows that he is coaching for his job. Will a new owner take kindly to him? Maybe, maybe not. Wins like this, though, help his case. Ausharmuj Marusi won a game, 6-3, against the Flying Jellyfish, in your prototypical massive blowout Farf fashion. 9 goals- just a thrilling match. Busukuma AC almost dropped two points at home against Hawabark, but a pair of late breakthroughs, by Clayton Wilson and Omar Kah, got the capitol squad a 2-0 home win. They've gone unbeaten in their last 8, winning 4 and drawing 4. Look at that consistency, eh?

Herzegovina City recovered from their home shellacking last week, by taking down René Skaé away from home. Kuznetsov scored twice, as the Chromatik superstar starred for Banija's biggest club on this day. Kitara AA and Istria City FC also battled out to a tough 3-3 draw. Istria City took three one goal leads on the day, and all three times, could not hold them as Ivanovich's men were simply ready for the challenge at hand. And in the nightcap, of course, Rülândéá Kôstä got blown out at home, because that's simply how things seem to work out here. Win by 4 last week on the road, lose by 5 this week at home.

MATCHDAY 12
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5–1 Dí Maozöxê
La Nueva Avenida 4–0 Jinja City FC
Istria City FC 0–5 Rülândéá Kôstä
Herzegovina City FC 2–2 Kitara AA
La Querida 1–10 René Skaé
Hawabark Boulders 2–7 Hoima Warriors
Busukuma Force 0–1 Busukuma AC
Flying Jellyfish 2–4 Avenida Leal
Busembe Timberwolves 1–3 Ausharmuj Marusi
Avenida Principal 0–3 Mynda Electra
Atlantian Oceania Champions League Opening Round-Second Leg
APOIC Greens(EJA) 1-2 Mâ Âlâmëómë (Mâ Âlâmëómë win 6-3 on aggregate and advance to the quarterfinals of the Atlantian Oceania Champions League)
Herzegovina City 4-1 FK Metropola Borograd(STL) (Herzegovina City win 7-3 on aggregate and advance to the quarterfinals of the Atlantian Oceania Champions League)

And now, for the second leg of these IFCF Champions League ties! With Mâ Âlâmëómë's comfortable 2 goal win a few weeks ago in the first leg of this competition, and the talent gap between the two sides, Mâ Âlâmëómë heavily rotated their squad for this midweek fixture. A gamble, as a 2 goal lead isn't impossible to overcome, but John Spartan knew what he was doing. Got his regular starters some rest, some youngsters playing time, and those youngsters came through with a 2-1 win. It was a gamble that paid off, as Liam Sæthre's 33rd minute opening goal in Jabal Akhdar seemed to kill any chance that the APOIC Greens had at a comeback. They ended up winning 2-1 on the day, winning in both legs to reach the Quarterfinals. Herzegovina City, on the other hand, still had everything to play for against the Siovanijan champions. But Omar Sanyang's men were excellent on the day. A packed house at Star Field witnessed the Trumpeteers nearly run their opponents out of the stadium, with a 4-1 win ensuring that the S-FPL put both of our entrants into the AOCL Quarterfinals. Both teams will be favorites in the Quarters, with Herzegovina City taking on the Creston Wolves from the Cordian Isles, while Mâ Âlâmëómë have drawn Likewell Kirk from Demot.

That squad rotation from Mâ Âlâmëómë in the AOCL was a good decision, as they took on their groundshare partners and despised archrivals, Dí Maozöxê, on the weekend with a well-rested full-strength XI. A motivated, buoyant, and well-rested Mâ Âlâmëómë is a scary opponent for any team in the multiverse. I don't care where you play or who you are. Mâ Âlâmëómë are a little bit of Jekyll and Hyde right now, aren't they? But Mâ Âlâmëómë were not about to lose to their archrivals, as they demolished Dí Maozöxê by a score of 5-1 in the Rülândéá Çölíséá derby. There was almost an onfield fight in the match when, after scoring the goal that made it 4-0 in the 37th minute, Latona Basilisk walked right up to Lôrénsé Ìma, who had given her what had looked like an ice hockey check just a few moments prior, a muscle flex straight in his face. Absolutely domination. It's clear at this point that they don't play like this every week- but when Mâ Âlâmëómë gives us this kind of form, they are a team that can win anything and everything that are put in front of them.

What else happened on the weekend? 9 other games. Some curious blowouts. La Nueva Avenida destroying Jinja City FC, winning 4-0 at home, with doubles from both Horacio Bastanchury and Thalassa Fletcher. In an even more surprising result, the other terribly inconsistent side of the S-FPL, Rülândéá Kôstä, won a game 5-0 on the road against Istria City. The Lions got booed off of the field by their own supporters, so poor their performance was on the day. The other, really intense game of the weekend, was the Busukuma derby. It's great for a capitol city derby to be back, is it not? The Force took on Busukuma AC in what was a surprisingly fierce matchup. 9 yellow cards and three red cards in this match, as Nicolas Ajwang got marching orders from the referee for Busukuma AC, while Cunix-Helek Uzo and Alieu Jobe were both giving marching orders for the Force. When Coriolan scored the stoppage time winner, it probably brought the most energy you've ever seen from Busukuma AC fans. Righteously made fun of for being the Basin's most boring fan base, the team that surprisingly sits near the top of the table went wild with the game-clinching goal. Coriolan earned himself a yellow for throwing his shirt off, but he did not care as the Quebecois right back leapt straight into the crowd.

MATCHDAY 13
Mynda Electra 5–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–0 Avenida Principal
Avenida Leal 0–5 Busembe Timberwolves
Busukuma AC 3–1 Flying Jellyfish
Hoima Warriors 6–1 Busukuma Force
René Skaé 6–1 Hawabark Boulders
Kitara AA 10–0 La Querida
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–3 Herzegovina City FC
Jinja City FC 1–0 Istria City FC
Dí Maozöxê 4–2 La Nueva Avenida

You've seen enough of Mâ Âlâmëómë to know their inconsistency. Especially over the last six weeks. Sometimes, they look like the best team in the multiverse, clear favorites to win a third straight league title and the favorites to win both Champions Leagues. And at other times... They look like a painfully average, mid-table club. This was one of those other times. Mynda Electra, entering the week firmly in the relegation zone as the league's worst Banijan team, while Mâ Âlâmëómë entering the week top of the table. Mynda Electra, a team that lost to La Querida at home and who have an interim manager because of it, beat them. That same Mynda Electra team scored a historic win over Mâ Âlâmëómë, winning the game by a score of 5-3. Mâ Âlâmëómë led in the game 3-2 in the 63rd, when Basilisk had scored what she thought was the go-ahead goal. Zion Izuchukwu, who has been quiet for a lot of this season, exploded over the final half hour, scoring the equalizer, and then assisting twice more in the final 30 minutes to Savatije Radakovic and Cathal Turner. What happens when you get a huge upset win? That's right- a good, old-fashioned, field storming.

That left plenty of opportunity for other teams to take advantage and take the top spot in the table 1/3rd of the way through the season. And who would be that team to take advantage? Oh, right- none other than Busukuma AC. Taking on the Flying Jellyfish, they notched their fourth consecutive win by putting them away in a rather pedestrian manner, a 3-1 home win. And the capitol team who hasn't lost in their last 10 league matches finds themselves with 28 points, and in sole possession of first place. Raise your glass to Mark Grayson, eh? He continues to be remarkably effective as Banija's longest serving club manager. The Busembe Timberwolves notched themselves a key win, with their 5-0 road win putting them into an IFCF berth- for now, anyways. It helps Fadron Pizza as they try to maximize the value return that they get from when they bought the club all those years ago.

Istria City FC was also in a position to take advantage, as a win would have put them joint top of the table with Busukuma AC, as they both could have been at 28 points. But the Lions were not ready. Jinja City had a masterclass of a defensive plan, containing KHO almost entirely as she only got one shot off on goal. Olara Otiende scored the game's only goal on the counter-attack, as Jinja City took all three points at home against the Lions, by a score of 1-0. Towards the top of the table, there was nothing to choose between Herzegovina City and Rülândéá Kôstä, as neither team could gain an advantage in a 3-3 draw. At the bottom of the table, Mynda Electra's win, combined with a 6-1 loss by the Busukuma Force, moved the Force to the Banijan relegation zone. Behind them, Avenida Principal and La Querida sit at six points each. La Querida having a legitimate chance to finish not bottom of the league? They've only earned one point since their first win of the season on Matchday 7, of course- but anything can happen, right? Meanwhile, there's an increasing gap between Principal and any other Farf teams at the bottom of the table.

S-FPL Table               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Busukuma AC            13    8   4   1    28   13  +15    28
 2 Mâ Âlâmëómë            13    8   2   3    57   22  +35    26
 3 Istria City FC         13    7   4   2    38   21  +17    25
 4 La Nueva Avenida       13    7   3   3    35   15  +20    24
 5 Herzegovina City FC    13    6   5   2    43   20  +23    23
 6 Rülândéá Kôstä         13    6   5   2    43   23  +20    23
 7 René Skaé              13    6   3   4    38   21  +17    21
 8 Ausharmuj Marusi       13    6   3   4    31   25   +6    21
 9 Jinja City FC          13    5   5   3    27   21   +6    20
10 Hoima Warriors         13    5   4   4    29   23   +6    19
11 Dí Maozöxê             13    5   3   5    34   21  +13    18
12 Kitara AA              13    4   6   3    27   21   +6    18
13 Busembe Timberwolves   13    5   2   6    26   35   −9    17
14 Flying Jellyfish       13    4   3   6    22   33  −11    15
15 Avenida Leal           13    4   2   7    20   39  −19    14
16 Hawabark Boulders      13    3   3   7    16   33  −17    12
17 Mynda Electra          13    3   2   8    20   36  −16    11
18 Busukuma Force         13    2   3   8    12   34  −22     9
19 Avenida Principal      13    1   3   9    10   47  −37     6
20 La Querida             13    1   3   9    10   63  −53     6

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? We will take a stab at sorting through what's real and what is not.

#1: The title race- is it legitimately wide open? Status: Legitimate Reaction

As we are only one third of the way through the season, there is still, of course, plenty of time for things to course correct. But where we stand, right now? Nobody has broken away from the pact. It seems clear that Mâ Âlâmëómë are still the betting favorites to go for the threepeat, even though they sit in second place. When they are on, they are on, and are capable of blowing out anybody they play. Look at the underlying statistics- scoring over four goals per game? A +35 goal differential after just 13 games? That's just historically dominant. You don't put up those kind of numbers unless you've got some serious talent. But yet... They're maddeningly inconsistent. Just look at the last six weeks. They've played 8 games- 6 in the league, two in the AOCL. They won their two AOCL games. They have league 3 wins by 5+ goals. Mixed in are two 5-0 losses at home, as well as losing by 2 to the worst Banijan team in the league, Mynda Electra.

If they figure it out, they are the favorites. But they are not consistent. And because of that lack of consistency, plenty of other teams can make a title challenge. Busukuma AC, surprisingly, sit at the top of the table. Winners of four in a row and havent' lost in their last 10. But they have questions, too. Although they are stout defensively, do they have the offensive firepower to make a challenge in this league, where offense is king? "Defense wins championships" has never applied in the Shango-Fogoa Basin. Teams like Istria City and Herzegovina City have the offensive talent, and depth, to actually make a legitimate title challenge. But can they? Herzegovina City, in particular is feeling the pressure- if Sanyang doesn't win a trophy for the Trumpeteers this season, his position is untenable. La Nueva Avenida, as well, are capable of a title run as one of the biggest clubs in Farfadillis. At this point in the season, the title race is as wide open as it has been in years.

Speaking of Busukuma AC, however..

#2: Busukuma AC are favorites to win the league. Status: Overreaction

We've gotta be consistent with what we just said above, right? But despite being winners of four in a row, in first place, and displaying that type of consistency we have just talked about, we do not think that they have the capability of truly winning the league title this year. Or, in fact, challenging even for a spot in the top four, which would put them directly into the group stages of next year's Champions League. Why? We glossed over it above, but we'll talk about it again- they lack firepower up front. Their defense has been excellent this season, allowing a league low 13 goals through 13 games. And they are built well for it. Hebron Yienya is getting national team looks. Celestine Belrose was a starter on Kitara AA at centerback when they won the Champions League. With Coriolan as the engine that flips defense into offense at lightning speed, they are a well built side, and play to their strengths.

They've also got some decent talent in the central midfield. But they are lacking up top. Sarjo Danso has been there for so long, but he's getting up there in years. He's aging, he's slowing down, he's not able to create enough. Okaka Akungu is young, but as a deep-lying forward, he doesn't fit well with Danso. The spacing when attacking is not too great for Busukuma AC, and while Mark Grayson has overcome it so far, it's not something he'll be able to gloss over for an entire season. Their best hope? Qualify for the Champions League, and have that accomplishment convince their owner to spend some good money on re-enforcements up top to challenge next season. But although they are top of the table, they are just 10th in goals for. Which means we must call them out for what they are- a paper tiger.

#3: La Nueva Avenida have the strongest defensive foundation in the league. Status: Over Reaction

This is, truly, one of the wildest things you've ever seen. The second-largest club in Farfadillis, like Herzegovina City, is trying every which way to earn a trophy. Omar Sanyang knows that his job all but depends on bringing silverware to Herzegovina City, and the two-time AOCL winners in Farolera are desperately searching for a trophy as well. They had a strong defensive foundation last year, and this year... Have improved it? The second fewest goals allowed, with 15, the only club besides Busukuma AC who have conceded less than 20 goals in 13 games.

It's hard to say who have the strongest defensive foundation. With Clevinger on side for Herzegovina City, they are an easy choice to have in that category. Or Busukuma AC, considering their play style. This does not mean that their strong defensive start is irrelevant. In fact, it can form the backbone behind their title challenge, and their thirst for a league title in the S-FPL era. But even though they've got some strong players back there, and a destroyer by the name of Rashica Horvath who protects them immensely, this is still a team built around their ability to attack and fly forward. Don't worry, Faroleran fans- your favorite team is in no danger of becoming the club version of the Ko-oren national team.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Wed Mar 02, 2022 8:00 am

-Season 6-

Matchdays 14-19

MATCHDAY 14
Istria City FC 1–0 Dí Maozöxê
Herzegovina City FC 2–1 Jinja City FC
La Querida 1–9 Rülândéá Kôstä
Hawabark Boulders 1–2 Kitara AA
Busukuma Force 1–5 René Skaé
Flying Jellyfish 0–1 Hoima Warriors
Busembe Timberwolves 3–1 Busukuma AC
Avenida Principal 0–1 Avenida Leal
Mynda Electra 1–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1–1 La Nueva Avenida

Well, we'll start with the current league darlings, Busukuma AC. Winners of four in a row and sitting squarely at the top of the table, they had taken a Sunday afternoon trip to Busembe, to take on the Timberwolves. But despite being the league leaders and their defense being the league's nastiest, it would be the for-sale Timberwolves who would get the big upset win. The young Abel Wesoloski-Okafor starred for the Timberwolves, scoring twice and continuing his now season and a half long run of not even recording a single assist. It's clear that Wesoloski-Okafor is the club's greatest asset, and the young striker, who even recorded a couple of starts at World Cup 90, is going to force his way out of the club. Ernie Mabree hit a strike from long range as well, which completed the 3-1 win for the Timberwolves.

The biggest rivalry in Farfadillis took place this weekend as well on Sunday night, with Mâ Âlâmëómë taking on La Nueva Avenida at home on Friday night. The Farf national rivalry went about exactly as you'd expect. Blood pressure dialed up to an 11, harshly physical tackling, and moderate amounts of violence in the stands. For most of the game, there wasn't a ton of goal-scoring, as the players got carried away with the ferocity of this rivalry. And it makes sense- not only do these teams hate each other, but with Busukuma AC's loss earlier in the day, this game was for a chance to go top of the table. In a match that was 0-0 for 87 minutes with some terrible finishing, the teenage whiz kid from Pasarga, Asztrik Biró, scored a wonderful winner, chipping the goalkeeper. While his celebration, in typical Pasargan fashion, was muted, more of making a mean-mug face than anything, everybody around him went crazy. But los Novanos only trailed for a few minutes. 2 minutes into 7 minutes of stoppage, Horacio Bastanchury, simply outsprinted the entire Mâ Âlâmëómë defense to a long ball from Rashica Horvath, and thumped home hard. The crowd turned into stunned silence, Bastanchury gave the double bird to the home fans(and will face a one-match suspension for it), and neither fanbase left feeling very good about themselves, as it was a draw.

8 more games! What else of note happened this weekend? Herzegovina City FC took on Jinja City FC in a hard fought game, with the Trumpeteers coming out as 2-1 winners. But despite it being a one goal game, the scoreline honestly flattered the visiting Jinja City side. Herzegovina City scored both of their goals in the first half, and in the 84th minute, Jason Þórhallursson missed a penalty that would have made it 3-0. Jinja City's lone goal was scored basically on the final kick of the match, and even that was an own goal off of a terrible clearance by backup Herzegovina City RB Uzsoy Aybar. It was a rough day to be a fan of either club in the nation's capitol, as René Skaé blasted the Busukuma Force at their own stadium, by a score of 5-1. Mynda Electra put some space between themselves and the Force at the bottom of the table, with Mynda earning a 1-0 win over Ausharmuj Marusi. Avenida Leal won the Victoria Derby by a score of 1-0 over Avenida Principal as well.

MATCHDAY 15
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–7 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Avenida Leal 0–0 Mynda Electra
Busukuma AC 1–0 Avenida Principal
Hoima Warriors 1–1 Busembe Timberwolves
René Skaé 3–5 Flying Jellyfish
Kitara AA 6–0 Busukuma Force
Rülândéá Kôstä 4–1 Hawabark Boulders
Jinja City FC 7–1 La Querida
Dí Maozöxê 5–1 Herzegovina City FC
La Nueva Avenida 1–0 Istria City FC
Atlantian Oceania Champions League Quarterfinals- First Leg
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0-1 Likewell Kirk(DEM)
Creston Wolves(COR) 0-2 Herzegovina City FC

The first leg of the Quarterfinals of the AOCL was this week! So early in the season for a quarterfinal, right? And yet, here we are. Mâ Âlâmëómë taking on Likewell Kirk, Demot's champions, at home. And now, the thing about the AOCL, is that the competition itself is definitely prone to some massive upsets. And this year, Atlantian Oceania's Champions League has delivered. Likewell Kirk delivered the upset of the year, knocking off the tournament's favorites in Farfadillis, by a score of 1-0. The two-time defending Demot champions against the two-time defending S-FPL champions, and they won the day. Mâ Âlâmëómë kept up the pressure all day, and bombarded them. 64% possession, 22 shots(8 on goal), 2.4 xG. And yet, not once putting the ball in the back of the net. An early counter-attacking goal by Likewell Kirk's #9 in the 17th minute allowed them to simply pack it in, and defend for their lives, which they did. 36% possession, 3 shots(1 on goal). Likewell Kirk's goalkeeper making 8 saves was the difference. The team's travelling fans partied well into the night. Meanwhile, Herzegovina City's trip to the Cordian Isles was much less fraught. The 2-0 victory was punctuated by Jason Þórhallursson's goals on either side of halftime. But there's always a price, right? Reniira Clevinger pulled her hamstring in the tie, and that means she'll be out for probably 4-6 weeks. They were the decided favorites in this tie, so the injury probably doesn't mean a ton for the AOCL. But for their league hopes? That's utterly disastrous.

And now, of course, time for the league. Mâ Âlâmëómë were pissed off after losing during the midweek to Likewell Kirk, and they took their anger out on Ausharmuj Marusi. They smashed Ausharmuj by a score of 7-1, with some emphatic celebrations after each goal. Imagine emphatically celebrating your 7th goal of a game against a clearly overmatched opponent? That's how the sport works in this league, especially when a team like Mâ Âlâmëómë is playing while pissed off. And Herzegovina City also had the opposite result of their midweek AOCL game, but in a bad way. They had to rotate their squad since they played their first-choice XI during the midweek, and of course, they paid the price. Their visit to Lìbêrêtê was shambolic, as with no Clevinger, their ability to defend effectively disappeared, and Dí Maozöxê absolutely crushed them by a score of 5-1. Many of their regular starters did not play yes, but a 5-1 road loss is a 5-1 road loss. Dominated in every phase of the game, by every imagination of the word dominated.

The Busukuma Force, who are already the last place Banijan team in the table, took another step backwards as Kitara AA sliced them apart, by a score of 6-0. They are trying to avoid relegation, as it is notoriously difficult to get back into this league once you've fallen out. But losing 6-0, even if away from home, is not the way to get there. Busukuma AC got back to their winning ways, by defeating Avenida Principal at home by a score of 1-0. Rülândéá Kôstä did themselves some favors as they try to climb towards the top of the table, with a 4-1 win over the Hawabark Boulders. And in the big Sunday nightcap, Istria City FC fell to La Nueva Avenida on the road by a score of 1-0. No Bastanchury, no problem, as the Licentian Isles winger, Mitch Louws, was the hero on the day for los Novanos to give them all three points.

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

Another day, another blowout win for Mâ Âlâmëómë? You betcha. Maybe they're gaining that consistency- although that loss to Likewell Kirk still sticks out like a sore thumb. But it was a bad day to be a fan from the Moravica in Banija, as both of their teams took on the two biggest teams from Farfadillis, and both of the Banijan teams lost. Mâ Âlâmëómë crushed Istria City FC by a score of 5-1, to deliver the big city club their second consecutive loss. A blowout that nobody saw coming, as Latona Basilisk's hat trick was the difference on the day for Mâ Âlâmëómë. Herzegovina City FC also took on La Nueva Avenida at home. The match honestly went better for Herzegovina City than Istria City's match did for them, but not by much. A tie between two massive clubs, both desperate for silverware, was decided by Thalassa Fletcher in favor of La Nueva Avenida, when she simply sprinted past Momodou Kairaba, who is trying, and failing, to take Clevinger's place for a few weeks. La Nueva Avenida, with those back to back wins against very talented opposition, have shown themselves to probably worthy of the silverware that they so desperately long for.

What about elsewhere? Busukuma AC finally showed their critics that they do have the ability to score goals in bunches, like the other title contenders in this league. When you have teams like Mâ Âlâmëómë, La Nueva Avenida, Istria City, and Herzegovina City(who aren't even that good this season- more on that later!) who are capable of scoring in bunches, if you want to win a trophy here, you better be capable of doing that too. Busukuma AC can defend with the best of them- but so can La Nueva Avenida! But there have been doubts on Busukuma AC's ability to generate offense, and build out their goal differential. Well, at least for one week, they've put those concerns to bed. The 4-1 blowout victory on the road, with a Clayton Wilson double leading the way, has really shown that they can put goals past their opponents. Is this just a flash in the pan? Or can they do this consistently as they suddenly find themselves in the thick of a title race?

Let's have some surprise towards the bottom of the table, shall we? Avenida Prinicipal absolutely crushed the Hoima Warriors, who are, quietly, having actually quite a strong campaign so far. Well, were anyways. Right in the thick of things for a Champions League spot, getting blown out 5-0 by a team that is trying desperately somehow to avoid relegation. It was one of those days- Adama Kusawande, who is wildly, put in an excellent shift. His best game of the year so far, with Celio Pompa doing the lion's share of the finishing on the day. La Querida, after such a promising start to the season, is now back to its normal ways, getting blown out every week. They've lost 8 of 9 and have looked worse in every one. At least this week, they scored four times, with Pan Xilei scoring three of the team's four goals. However, the Yue midfielder, after clinching her hat trick, to reveal an undershirt that read "kidnapped, please save me" that went viral on social media. She was, naturally, immediately yanked off the pitch after that, even though she had drawn the scores level at 3. La Querida then proceeded to concede 5 goals in the next 25 minutes, to show exactly how rough of a club they are.

MATCHDAY 17
Avenida Leal 3–7 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Busukuma AC 1–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Hoima Warriors 2–1 Mynda Electra
René Skaé 5–0 Avenida Principal
Kitara AA 5–3 Busembe Timberwolves
Rülândéá Kôstä 5–1 Flying Jellyfish
Jinja City FC 1–1 Busukuma Force
Dí Maozöxê 6–0 Hawabark Boulders
La Nueva Avenida 14–0 La Querida
Istria City FC 1–1 Herzegovina City FC

14 players played in La Nueva Avenida's home game against La Querida. Not surprising- 11 starters and 3 substitutes. What was surprising, was how all 14 of those players each scored exactly once in this match. With Pan Xilei nowhere to be found for La Querida on this matchday, La Nueva Avenida were going to have their way with them. The score was 9-0 at halftime, and honestly, if La Nueva Avenida had wanted to, they probably could've scored twice. This game was flat-out embarrassing, even for La Querida, which is saying something. The ultimate sign of disrespect? La Nueva Avenida earned a penalty kick in the 3rd minute, when Mo Moss took down Bastanchury inside the box. And Pickton, with supreme confidence brought his goalkeeper up to take the penalty, for shits and giggles. And the otherwise unremarkable Ramón Olabarría buried the penalty to start the scoring for los Novanos, which really never stopped. All of their starters scored, with Josué Degaray, Têrçêr Avoya, and Ebou Fafubadi getting goals off the bench.

What else happened around town? Busukuma AC squeaked out to a 1-0 win, at home, over Ausharmuj Marusi. Mâ Âlâmëómë blew out Avenida Leal away from home, by a score of 7-3. Busukuma's #9 would insert himself in this one, with Okaka Akungu scoring the goal to give the capitol side all three points. Is this a team that truly can be carried all the way to a title, in this league, off the back of its defense alone? Mark Grayson's surely trying, and as we reach the halfway point, look at where they are in the table. In the thick of the title chase. Who would've guessed that Busukuma AC could even do that? Still, it's not possibly sustainable, is it?

The last true big match was the Moravican derby, with Istria City taking on Herzegovina City. Herzegovina City has really been struggling this season- they are closer to mid-table than they are to top of the table. And early season favorites struggles are putting even more pressure on Omar Sanyang... Even as the managers cruises through international competition, at least so far. The AOCL is going quite well, but domestic play is a real struggle. And as for Istria City- well, letting a team like freaking Busukuma AC fly ahead of you in the table? Ridiculous. The two fierce rivals met at Kabonero III Field in Istria, and both sides left unhappily after a 1-1 draw. KHO scored the lone goal for Istria City, while Kuznetsov scored the goal for the visiting side from Herzegovina City.

MATCHDAY 18
Mâ Âlâmëómë 6–3 Herzegovina City FC
La Querida 0–7 Istria City FC
Hawabark Boulders 0–3 La Nueva Avenida
Busukuma Force 1–1 Dí Maozöxê
Flying Jellyfish 3–1 Jinja City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 3–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Principal 3–1 Kitara AA
Mynda Electra 3–4 René Skaé
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–3 Hoima Warriors
Avenida Leal 0–1 Busukuma AC
Atlantian Oceania Champions League Quarterfinals- Second Leg
Likewell Kirk(DEM) 1-2 Mâ Âlâmëómë (2-2 AET) (Likewell Kirk advance 3-2 on aggregate to the AOCL semifinals; Mâ Âlâmëómë are eliminated from regional competition)
Herzegovina City FC 5-0 Creston Wolves(COR) (Herzegovina City advance 7-0 on aggregate to the Atlantian Oceania Champions League semifinals)

And now, for the AOCL Quarterfinal second leg! Herzegovina City, playing at home against the Creston Wolves of the Cordian Isles. With the Wolves having already lost 2-0 on their home pitch, throwing everybody forward in a last ditch effort to try and turn the tie around, got absolutely burned on the other end. Herzegovina City simply sat back and countered at will, scoring five times to win 7-0 and reach the semifinals. But the tie of the day was not that one- it was Mâ Âlâmëómë's trip to Demot. Having lost 1-0 at home already, there was pressure for them to score in Demot. Fortunately, their first goal happened quickly, with Latona Basilisk leveling the tie with a 13th minute header. But once again, a game dominated by Mâ Âlâmëómë had Likewell Kirk's defense playing just well enough to keep them out of the back of the net, and allowing them to counter at will. In the 2nd minute of first half stoppage time, a counter was ended brilliantly by the Demot side to score a goal, to make it 1-1 on the day and 2-1 to Likewell Kirk for the tie. Putting Likewell Kirk under a tremendous amount of pressure, Lavanya Naqvi scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute, which sent the match to extra time. It seemed as if Mâ Âlâmëómë was on the verge of a winner, but once again, Likewell Kirk's counter-attacking won the day. A counter attack in the second half of extra time forced a tremendous diving save by GK Rogerio Defigueroa, to force a corner kick. But Lôpë Âlelé lost his man on the ensuing corner kick, and the Likewell Kirk center back headed in the winner in the 111th minute. 3-2 to Likewell Kirk on aggregate after extra time. The upset- clinched. Likewell Kirk will get a chance to call themselves the honorary champions of the Shango-Fogoa Basin too, as they drew Herzegovina City FC for the semifinals. The first leg of that, of course, won't take place for 13 weeks, as the AOCL takes a pause because of fixture congestion issues.

The S-FPL's two AOCL sides then took part in competition against each other, with Mâ Âlâmëómë hosting Herzegovina City. Mâ Âlâmëómë, frustrated once again over their elimination in the region's primary club competition, took their frustration out on Herzegovina City, by beating them by a score of 6-3. With no Clevinger in the back, Herzegovina City did not have a prayer of defending against Mâ Âlâmëómë, where Mâ Âlâmëómë's star-studded trio up front, which includes Asztrik Biró, Latona Basilisk, and Lavanya Naqvi, each scored twice in the emphatic win. Despite their AOCL elimination, they remain the S-FPL favorites. With Pan Xilei finally returning for La Querida, they were able to improve on their performance from last week by 7 goals. Which is impressive! Until you remember that La Querida is indeed La Querida, and so they lost "only" 7-0 this time, to Istria City. Avenida Prinicipal, who have looked pretty toothless all season, have won their second game in 3 weeks, by defanging Kitara AA by a score of 3-1. Suddenly, Avenida Principal has a chance to save itself from relegation? The nice thing about the race from relegation, is that it just takes a few wins strung together to completely change the look at the bottom of the table.

La Nueva Avenida, to not be outdone by their Rulandese rivals, won 3-0 in Banija, wrecking the Hawabark Boulders by a score of 3-0. They are really turning themselves into the team to beat, aren't they? I mean, let's not overreact- Hawabark are one of the worst teams in the league, and just came up from Banija's second division. But they look mighty impressive. A defense, somehow, on par with Busukuma AC's, while they attack with the ferocity of any sort of talented Farf teams. I mean hell, this is a team that told its goalkeeper to take a 3rd minute penalty, and it actually worked. Yeah, it was La Querida, so they knew that they'd score eventually anyways, but what if they had drawn 0-0 after that? They've got that brazen arrogance of a Faroleran team who's got Alex Terán onside, and, although they won't admit it, that same desperation that Herzegovina City seems to have. Watch out for them, shouldn't we?

MATCHDAY 19
Busukuma AC 1–0 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Hoima Warriors 3–0 Avenida Leal
René Skaé 4–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Kitara AA 2–0 Mynda Electra
Rülândéá Kôstä 2–4 Avenida Principal
Jinja City FC 3–5 Busembe Timberwolves
Dí Maozöxê 0–2 Flying Jellyfish
La Nueva Avenida 14–0 Busukuma Force
Istria City FC 5–0 Hawabark Boulders
Herzegovina City FC 8–0 La Querida

One of those rare occasions in league where the top two teams in the league, at the time, play each other. Busukuma AC, sitting top of the table with 40 points, the oft-criticized team, winners of four in a row and 8 of their last 9, hosting Mâ Âlâmëómë- who are one point behind them, and are the two-time defending champions. Now of course, many critics, including some of our own writers, think Busukuma AC is a paper tiger. Mâ Âlâmëómë seem to think so as well. Just look at Latona Basilisk's quote in the pre-game. "They've got the shittiest fans in all of football, and they've pulled off a truly amazing feat- running strictly on luck for half a season. We'll beat them by 5." Mâ Âlâmëómë's players generally went with that line. And their fans, when arriving in Busukuma, arrived in big numbers, ready to take the city over. But Busukuma AC fans, who generally give the best corporate atmosphere in the sport, came out in big numbers for this one.

#1 v. #2? At your house? Even the Kabaka himself got a suite and came to the match, and he got a rousing cheer from the Busukuma fans. He still claims to be a neutral, but he was wearing an Aquila Hongo jersey. Busukuma AC has exactly 1 league title in the 'modern era' of Banijan domestic football- aka, since the formation of the BSL and then the S-FPL. Considering how much better the S-FPL is now than the BSL was when Busukuma won it, this was quite possibly the biggest game in the history of the club. What does that say about the club? Busukuma's rivals will gladly answer that question for you. Busukuma AC went toe to toe with the league's giant, and actually looked good doing so. They were creating opportunities, somehow controlling the midfield, as all 11 players seemed to be playing the best game of their lives, all at once. They threw everything they had into this match- tactically, emotionally, everything they got. And you've never heard so much noise at once than when captain Sarjo Danso headed home a cross from Coriolan in the 73rd minute. They held on for the 1-0 win, and celebrated like they had won the league.

Can somebody remind them that we've got 19 games left? But still, while over-celebrated, and probably reflects that they are truly not as big of a club as they think they are, it was a win that said a lot about their place in the league. They clean sheeted Mâ Âlâmëómë. You've gotta beat the best to be the best- and they beat the best. 5 wins in a row, winning 9 of their last 10. Is it time for the doubters to shut up? Of course, we've got so many other games to get through. La Nueva Avenida, for the second time in three weeks, won 14-0 again- this time, downing the Busukuma Force. The worst non-La Querida loss by a team in S-FPL history. A loss so shambolic, that Mustafa Uster, the manager of the Busukuma Force, was fired straight after the match. LNA pulled off the rare triple hat trick, with Horacio Bastanchury, Thalassa Fletcher, and Soter Duraniona all getting a hat trick on the night. Plus, five more goalscorers. Elsewhere, in terms of interesting results, Istria City and Herzegovina City both had blowout home wins, with Avenida Principal winning for the third time in four weeks, downing Rülândéá Kôstä on the road by 4 goals to 2.

S-FPL Table               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Busukuma AC            19   13   4   2    37   17  +20    43
 2 La Nueva Avenida       19   12   4   3    70   17  +53    40
 3 Mâ Âlâmëómë            19   12   3   4    83   32  +51    39
 4 Rülândéá Kôstä         19   10   6   3    67   33  +34    36
 5 Istria City FC         19   10   5   4    53   28  +25    35
 6 René Skaé              19   10   3   6    60   35  +25    33
 7 Kitara AA              19    9   6   4    47   28  +19    33
 8 Hoima Warriors         19    9   5   5    39   31   +8    32
 9 Herzegovina City FC    19    8   6   5    59   35  +24    30
10 Dí Maozöxê             19    8   4   7    54   30  +24    28
11 Busembe Timberwolves   19    8   4   7    46   49   −3    28
12 Jinja City FC          19    7   6   6    44   34  +10    27
13 Flying Jellyfish       19    7   3   9    33   47  −14    24
14 Ausharmuj Marusi       19    6   4   9    36   44   −8    22
15 Avenida Leal           19    5   4  10    27   53  −26    19
16 Mynda Electra          19    4   3  12    26   48  −22    15
17 Avenida Principal      19    4   3  12    22   57  −35    15
18 Hawabark Boulders      19    3   3  13    19   57  −38    12
19 Busukuma Force         19    2   5  12    15   62  −47    11
20 La Querida             19    1   3  15    16  116 −100     6

Fearless Predictions

Now we're at the halfway point! It's time for our fearless predictions. Our predictions are about the end of the season- we can fact check 'em on Matchday 38.

#1 La Nueva Avenida are the most complete team in the league- and they will prove it by winning the S-FPL for the first time

Now of course, you have to adjust for opponent. But over the last 3 weeks, La Nueva Avenida have won their three games by a combined score of 31-0. They are no slouches. 14-0 wins against both La Querida and the Busukuma Force? Those two games sandwiching a 3-0 road win against the Hawabark Boulders? Yeah, this team is absolutely on fire, even if those three teams are sitting in 18th, 19th, and 20th in league play. La Nueva Avenida is the only Farf team with a true defensive foundation. And while "defense wins championships" unfortunately won't apply to Busukuma AC, it can apply when you have an offense that matches this league. Look at that +53 goal differential. 31 of those goals garnered in the next 3 weeks. We're jumping aboard the hype train- it's not just about who they've played, it's about how strong they're playing.

We all know they can duke it out with the best teams that the multiverse has to offer. But the combination of Horacio Bastanchury and Thalassa Fletcher is simply too much for teams to handle, and with Rashica Horvath in front of their defensive line, they're just becoming a matchup nightmare for whoever they are facing. A team with multiple World Cup winners on their squad, they are simply strong enough, and desperate enough, to bring Alex Terán his most coveted S-FPL trophy.

#2 Herzegovina City FC will not fix their own issues, which will result in a Challenger's Cup appearance and Omar Sanyang's firing

What the hell's going on with Herzegovina City? This was a team that was supposed to be at the top, competing for trophies. But not only is Busukuma AC, of all teams, at the top of the league(a team that Herzegovina City FC holds absolutely 0 respect for), but Herzegovina City sit in 9th place. They've been dominant in the AOCL at least, which is probably why Omar Sanyang is keeping his job. They've been incredibly inconsistent, but to the point of being a middling, mid-table squad. Yes, a goal differential of +24 is not the statistics you'd expect of a team sitting in 9th place. But they've allowed 35 goals- which is in the bottom half of the league. They've largely attacked with consistency going forward, but their defending has been shambolic.

Clevinger's been out for the last five weeks, but it's been rough. They've won 2 of their last 5 league games, and one of those was against La Querida at home- so that barely counts at all. Their form is not good really anywhere on the pitch, and with Clevinger gone, it is utterly shambolic in the back as they try to survive without their superstar center back. But even she can't resolve all of their problems. While her return, which could be as soon as next week, or could even be 3 weeks, should help things, something is just off about this team. They just don't seem to play that well together for whatever reason. They've got all sorts of talent, and are, by far, the most expensively assembled squad in the S-FPL, which means the blame can only go to one place- Omar Sanyang. The pressure continues to build as rumors start floating around about his potential replacement.

#3 Not only is Busukuma AC's run sustainable, they will finish in 2nd place as the best Banijan team in the league

We've spent this whole season talking about how Busukuma AC's ride to the top is unsustainable. They can't score this few leagues, in a league where La Nueva Avenida scores 14 every other week, and possibly hope to compete with the big boys. And yet, look at them. They've lost only one time since Matchday 3. They've won 5 games in a row, and 9 of their last 10. But really, what changed our minds? Look at the Mâ Âlâmëómë game. They took a lot of heat going into the game, and came with the weight of pressure and expectation from the fanbase. Hell, the freaking Kabaka himself was at the match.

And then.. They won. And they didn't just luck into the win, either. Wasn't just a random counter-attacking goal amidst a flurry of bad finishing from Mâ Âlâmëómë. They were the better team on the day. They took the initiative. They had more shots on goal. They dominated the midfield. They had more possession in the final third. They clearly know what they are doing, and now, they've made it work against the best of the best. While we maintain what we said above, we think it'll be a two-horse race between Busukuma AC and La Nueva Avenida for the league title, with LNA edging out Busukuma AC. Still, second place is not only solid- but it'll encourage ownership to investment in higher-caliber to build on this success in the nation's capitol. Who would say no?

#4 Mâ Âlâmëómë's consistency issues will come back to haunt, and they will fade from the title race early and not even finish top 4(although they will still qualify for the Champions League)

These are the two-time defending champions. Who are we to doubt John Spartan's men? We have seen all season- that they are inconsistent. That the right gameplan can take them apart. Likewell Kirk, a team with a fraction of the resources of Mâ Âlâmëómë, did it twice. They've been beaten by Mynda Electra. With success breeds... Complacency. And they've had that complacency. You see it sometimes. The complacency of being two-time defending champions. Slower to those 50/50 balls. A little more arrogance(than usual). Etc...

It happens to successful teams. But It happened, specifically, to this one. What can be done? We don't think that John Spartan's team will really factor into the title race this season. We've seen how their lack of focus sometimes can be detrimental in a tournament campaign, when they fell to Likewell Kirk over the course of two legs. That will be likely to become more of a problem over the course of the season, not less. That's why we're confident enough to attach a prediction to it- they will not finish top four.

Busembe Timberwolves- The bid process

And now, we look into the bid process! There are 5 bid groups that have passed the Owners & Directors Test- all of the bidders are foreign. Now, what is the process like? When the S-FPL was formed, the way team purchasing was created was completely blown up. The Banijan teams(intentionally including the Busogan teams, as BISA have their own rules), in each league write their own rules. So the four regional leagues have slightly different rules, the tier 2 Banijan teams have their own, and the 10 Banijan teams in the S-FPL write their own rules- with no input from Alex Terán or any of the Farf clubs or executives.

Before it is publicly made known, potential buyers have to pass the "Owners & Directors test." These are extensive background checks, making sure owners are not under threat of going to jail, making sure they can provide proof of funds or credit, and all sorts of things. After the test is completed, the 9 Banijan owners(the club for sale obviously does not participate in this), vote on whether groups have passed the test. No information about the tests is handed out publicly, and there is no word on how many people applied to take the Owners & Directors Test. All we know, is that five foreign bidding groups have passed the test, and we know that there has been at minimum one failure- as a Banijan car dealer executive announced on his own twii.tur account.

At that point, these names are public. The selling ownership group, in this case Fadron Pizza, are required to run 'community consultations' on the team. Bidders are not involved in this process- since Fadron Pizza are the final sellers. So they will run consultations with ultras groups, town halls in Busembe, etc... To try and get a sense of what the community wants. When the Banijan Co-Commissioner, Randolf Cherry(of Drawkland), is satisfied, he will indicate that the team is ready for sale. They will make their bids, and the selling ownership group will sell to whomever they choose.

It is a big moment for Banijan S-FPL team owners. Their teams have gained hundreds of millions in value since this league was formed- all that television money. But exactly how much? They'll find out pretty quick. And with five bidders having passed the owners & directors test.. We expect bidding to be pretty damn high.

Right now, with the Owners & Directors Tests completed, the five names are as follows. Fadron Pizza will begin 'community consultations' in Busembe. Cherry expects the process to be done within the next 8-12 weeks, so around Matchday 32.

Who are Busembe's prospective owners? (Numbering is just strictly in alphabetical order).

#1- Alexandria City Football Group(Xanneria). This is a conglomerate that, you guessed it, owns various football clubs. Their primary club is Alexandria City FC, in Xanneria, who are Xanneria's defending champions. They are ambitious out there with Alexandria City, but of course, the S-FPL is on a whole different scale than Xanneria. They also own a smaller club abroad, called Jennesse Seduction Girls, but the Timberwolves would be the biggest club they've ever owned.

#2- Atlantian Oceanian Petroleum Investment Corporation- AOPIC(Jabal Akhdar). There is domestic football in Jabal Akhdar, but of course, due to the size of the country, especially their population, they don't participate in World Cups or the IFCF. Therefore, the country lacks the ability to host big-time football- so they are a big-money group looking to do so abroad. They are the country's oil corporation, controlled directly by the Emir, who is their head of state. With the country's bid to host AOCAF 66, it would be part of their continued plan to really put themselves on the world stage via football.

#3- Black Raven Technologies(Chromatika). This is a tech company, that is based in Chromatika. Their specialties are computer technology, cellular phones, and other similar products. They have a history of involvement in the sport, as they operate as the primary sponsor of Chromatika's Red League. Since their league sponsorship means that they cannot buy a club at home, they are seeking to buy a club abroad, and the Timberwolves have become open for sale at the perfect time.

#4- D. Tommy Sanford(Sanford). D. Tommy Sanford didn't start out with much: just a loan from his father and a dream. And that dream? To take billions of dollars from vulnerable people by aggressively marketing high-interest subprime credit cards to folks with bad credit who don't have anywhere else to go. And now, all these years later, he's achieved that dream, and so much more. Now he wants to flaunt that hard-earned wealth by dropping 9 figures on this football club.

#5- Espy va Drake(Valanora). One of two individuals who passed the test, three being groups. He's a Vanorian elf, who is a 5-time World Cup winner. Unlike the groups above, there is no side hustle- all of his income is earned through salary in football. Of course, when you're an elf, things are a little bit different- well over 100 years as a professional athlete allows you to save up enough money to buy a football club. He would be the only professional athlete, out of the country's 62 professional clubs, plus the six Busogan clubs, to be the majority owner for a football club. That would definitely make him unique among fellow owners- but it does make him popular amongst the fans, with fan edits of him wearing a Timberwolves jersey already flying around twii.tur.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 8:08 am

-Season 6-

IFCF Group Stages

IFCF Champions League
#1: Jinja City FC(BNJ) paired with KT Itzalovalle (AUD), Chromatik (CMT), and the Metropolis Alligators (VLD) in Group F. Earned 1 point, finished in last place, eliminated from IFCF competition.

The Champions League was... A disaster for Jinja City. An unmitigated, unprecedented, heeping hell of a disaster. There is absolutely no way around that. It was an exciting time to reach the Champions League for Jinja City, and to do so directly. Back-to-back third place finishes in the league have meant that they've started directly in the group stages of this competition for the second year in a row, and this time, they thought they were ready for the big time. Unfortunately for them, they were anything but ready for the big time.

1 point in six games is shambolic- there's no way around it. Their only point coming at home on Matchday 4, with a 2-2 draw against Chromatik. But otherwise, disastrous in every other way. In a way, it mirrors their domestic campaign. They are certainly not going to finish top 3 for the third straight season, as they currently sit in 12th place- well out of the way in regards to making the Champions League again. Bad league form tends to bleed over to cup competitions, and a team that's in 12th place in their league, no matter how strong the league is, is not going to have a very successful group stage in the Champions League.

#2: Mâ Âlâmëómë(FFD) paired with Admiral Storevik (SVJ), Maethoru SC (KOR), and AC Hollow Shades (EQS) in Group B. Earned 6 points, finished in last place, eliminated from IFCF competition.

As for Mâ Âlâmëómë, things did not go that well for them either. They weren't quite as shambolic as Jinja City- but doing better than 5 losses and a draw is no expectation at all for a club of this size. This is a team that expects to be in the last 16 of the Champions League, and has the belief that they can not only make the knockout stages of a competition like this one, but then go to those very knockout stages and win it. They've been inconsistent in the league this year. Blasting some teams into the Sun, but then also struggling at other points. We saw them in their AOCL Quarterfinal tie against Likewell Kirk, where they were bitterly disappointed to be eliminated by Demot's champions.

There would be no solace in the IFCF Champions League. Mâ Âlâmëómë are utterly dominant domestically, with two league titles in a row and in the thick of competition to threepeat. Losing all three games at home is no recipe for success in the Champions League, and that was proven. Their ability to stay with it for 90 minutes on the international stage was iffy at best, as they allowed late winners to both Maethoru SC(KOR) and Admiral Storevik(SVJ) at home, with AC Hollow Shades completing the dismal 0-3 home campaign for this league's champions by winning 1-0 in Lìbêrêtê. They had a pair of road wins in the group stages, but going 0-3 at home is always going to doom you in this sport. Last place, straight out of the competition.

#3: Herzegovina City(BNJ) paired with RGS Athletic (EFL), Eastal Lunar(VIL), and FK Metropola Borograd(STL) in Group H. Earned 13 points, finished in first place, advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Herzegovina City had one of those rare occasions where they drew an opponent they were already intimately familiar with- FK Metropola Borograd, out of Siovanija & Teusland. They had played the Siovanijan side in the opening round of the Atlantian Oceania Champions League this season, winning both legs to advance on aggregate, by a score of 7-3, to the next round. And now, twice again? With the familiarity between the two teams, the Siovanijan side dominated Herzegovina City on Matchday 1, winning 3-0 over Banija's most storied club. While that was certainly not ideal, the rest of the campaign went swimmingly for the Trumpeteers.

They won 4 and drew one of their final five games of the competition, with the 13 points being enough to make the knockout stages of the Champions League. They scored a pair of tight home wins over the AO squads in this group, with a 1-0 win over Eastal Lunar courtesy of Jason Þórhallursson, via a cross from Habib Fadika. They also had a 2-1 home win over FK Metropola Borograd, for their third win over the Siovanijan side this season, with Kuznetsov and Festus Hera being the goalscorers in that one. They drew against RGS Athletic at home, but with a 2-1 road win in Eastfield Lodge, combined with a 3-0 blowout of Eastal Lunar in Vilita, they , despite their relatively poor league form so far this season, clinched a berth into the knockout stages of this competition with style.

#4: La Nueva Avenida(FFD) paired with Soldarian FC (VAL), Namiri Forest(ZWZ), and Cazadores Cathair (AUD) in Group G. Earned 10 points, finished in first place, advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.

La Nueva Avenida, a team whom we have mentioned is definitely desperate for some silverware, entered this year's Champions League knowing that they had an extremely tough group. Probably the group of death. Soldarian? Namiri Forest? And Cazadores Cathair? That's about as brutal a Champions League group as they come. And yet, La Nueva Avenida rose up to the challenge. They did not have the greatest home form, not winning a single one of their three games in Farloera. All three home games were all scoring draws, which did not do much for them.

But it was the away games where things got really interesting. As we saw above, poor home form can doom even the most hopeful of campaigns. But not LNA. They did just enough at home, getting those three points, to parlay those into points away from home. Their visits to both Audioslavia and Valanora were wonderful, with a Horacio Bastanchury hat trick in Valanora being the stuff of legends, as they won 4-2 there. Their trip to Audioslavia was even better- a 5-0 road win against Cazadores Cathair, and all those results put together meant that all they needed in Zwangzug was a draw on Matchday 6. They got their point, which was enough not only to advance, but to win the group outright.

IFCF Challenger's Cup

#1: René Skaé(FFD) and Hoima Warriors(BNJ) paired with Corona Christiana (OME) and Partisan Sjoedrhavn (SVJ) in Group E. Hoima earned 14 points to win the group and advance to the Round of 32, while René Skaé finish with 2 points and are eliminated from IFCF competition.

S-FPL on S-FPL violence alert! René Skaé and the Hoima Warriors were drawn into the same group for this competition, which meant that the eyes of the Basin were on this group, more than any other. Both teams find themselves fighting for Champions League berths in league play, which meant that they both would bring that form over to the Challenger's Cup. Right? Not exactly. The group was... Pretty disastrous for René Skaé. Two points from the Challenger's Cup is below par and expectation in so many ways. The trademark high-flying Farf brand of football seemed absent for these six midweek games. What happened? Honestly, it's hard to say. But they scored 3 goals and conceded 17- including scoring 0 goals and allowing 11 in three games away from home. You can survive poor road form, but abysmal travelling form, without earning even a single win at home? This finish was deserved.

Hoima, on the other hand, had a much better time of it. They went undefeated during group play. They built their campaign around brilliant form at home, winning all three home games, including a 5-0 thumping of René Skaé at Mavuto Field that saw the travelling fans all leave the stadium, in unison, in the 75th minute. What a time to be a Hoima fan, am I right? Challenging for Champions League places, and winning their Challenger's Cup group. To the knockout stages Hoima goes.

#2: Rülândéá Kôstä(FFD) paired with Shearwater FC (KSK), Coret Hawks (NPH), and Trebuchet Cham (ZWZ) in Group F. Earned 12 points, finished in first place, and advanced to the Round of 32.

Rülândéá Kôstä find themselves in fourth place in the league right now. They've got an outside chance of winning the league outright, and certainly have a strong shot of qualifying directly to the group stages of the Champions League next season. This is a talented team who are off to a strong start to the season, and that form has carried over with them to international play. They had a tough group, with Shearwater FC, the Cort Hawks, and Trebuchet Cham all members, but they were the best of the bunch to win this group and advance to the knockout stages.

They didn't lose a single game- three wins, and three draws. What was the key for them? They scored the double over Shearwater FC in this group. Both teams finished with 12 points. But Rülândéá Kôstä beat them twice- and although they only won once outside of the Kelssek, drawing their other three games, that tiebreaker was enough to win the group. Shearwater FC won all four group games against non-Farf competition, but Rülândéá Kôstä had their number, and therefore, finished at the top of the table.

#3: Kitara AA(BNJ) paired with Yeaddin Owls (VIL), Stein-los Turkish (PAS), and Straudum VV (KOR) in Group G. Earned 3 points, finished in last place, eliminated from IFCF competition.

Kitara AA is a team, seemingly, that is built for the artistry of cup competition. I mean, they are still the Basin's only Champions League winners. But this year's Challenger's Cup did not go well for them. While Group G was not easy, it did start reasonably well. A 3-2 win in Pasarga to open up the competition, with goals scored by Ozkaya Tarhan, Nightingale, and Sarafina Iyasu off the bench, gave the team and their fans confidence for the remainder of this competition. But it was a disaster from that point forward. Yet again, as we've seen from teams above, embarrassing yourselves at home is a good way to get knocked out of competition quickly, and that is exactly what Kitara AA did on their way to a last place finish in their group.

The worst part is- none of the home games were particularly close, either? They lost 2-0 to the Owls at home, 4-1 to Straudum VV at home, and 3-1 to Stein-los Turkish at home when they came back to exact revenge for Matchday 1. They lost 1-0 in Vilita, but the 4-1 loss when they went to Ko-oren to play Straudum VV was a brutal one to experience if you were a fan of the Blue and Whites. Although they've got some solid form in the league, as they vye for a Champions League place, that clearly did not transfer over to the Challenger's Cup, where they were outmatched for five consecutive matchdays.

#4: Mynda Electra(BNJ) paired with Myana (CMT), St Thomas (TLI), and 1830 Cathair (AUD) in Group H. Earned 4 points, finished in last place, eliminated from IFCF competition.

Mynda Electra, right now, in the league, is fighting their way out of the relegation zone. The Busukuma Force sit there with 11 points after 19 games, and Electra are just four points ahead, at 15. It's going to be a three-way fight to the finish for the right to play in the S-FPL next year. Mynda Electra even fired their manager for losing to La Querida after just 7 games this year, and the task of the interim manager is to stay afloat in the league. They never had a chance in hell at winning the Challenger's Cup, considering how poor they've been in league play for most of this season.

Predictably, their form away from home was disastrous, as they lost all three games in which they left the country, encapsulated by a 5-0 blowout loss at the hands of 1830 Cathair. A 1-0 win on Matchday 2, over Myana, with the game's lone goal coming from Salathiel Oero, was basically the only highlight of the round. St. Thomas smashed them at Electra Stadium by a score of 4-1, and although they earned a point against 1830 Cathair at home as well, their form in the IFCF represented their form in the league- they simply are not good enough to compete at an IFCF caliber. And they won't be back next year in this competition, either. The hope for them is that they're back in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League next year, at the very least.

#5: Busukuma AC(BNJ) paired with Corn Palace (SFD), KT Moreazerua (AUD), and FC Yassaca (SRS) in Group J. Earned 11 points, finished in first place, and advanced to the Round of 32.

We've mentioned a lot on how league form carries over to the IFCF? It's the same team whether they are playing midweek or on the weekend- so that makes sense. And Busukuma AC, who presently sit at the top of the S-FPL table at the halfway mark, have shown that they are not simply getting lucky in the league. They are doing it as well against some of the multiverse's best clubs, here in the Challenger's Cup. Taking on Sanford's champions, Corn Palace, as well as FC Yassaca and KT Moreazerua, out of Audioslavia and the Squronshelan Remnant States, respectively. Kind of a wide open group, is it not?

But Busukuma AC are out to prove that they are not a flash in the pan. They are out to prove that they can compete with some of the best in the world, and that this is the start of something new. And so far? So good. While they had a home loss to KT Moreazerua, who are the most talented team, on paper, in this group, Busukuma still played well enough to win this group. Things were surely tight- they only had a goal differential of +2. A 2-1 road win in Audioslavia against KT Moreazerua, in a win that was honestly an upset. Home wins against both FC Yassaca(1-0) and over Corn Palace(3-2). But their road resilience was the most impressive part. A team that is often criticized for not scoring enough put up goals when they had to, having both 3-3 and 4-4 draws, away from home in Sanford and the Squornshelan Remnant States, respectively, which were crucial in allowing them to win the group.

#6: Ausharmuj Marusi(FFD) paired with VZRH Matov-Uri (ZRH), Brinemouth(NPH), and Hondo FC(VAL) in Group L. Earned 6 points, finished in last place, eliminated from IFCF competition.

It's been a rough season for Ausharmuj Marusi so far in league play. They sit in 14th place(which, honestly, isn't unexpected), and they are three points away from missing out on IFCF competition next year altogether. La Sindica have generally shown, in the S-FPL days, that they are good enough to get here, but not good enough to do anything while they are here. And then when you look at the pedigree of the teams here. Hondo FC and Brinemouth, there's no way La Sindica can hang with those clubs, right?

The answer is- they are not. Although, while they got last place...It wasn't as bad as you'd expect? They split the games with VZRH Matov-Uri from Zeta Reka, winning 2-1 at home over them, with goals coming from Joaquim Martell and Leandro Martelli, while losing by that exact same scoreline when they flew off to Zeta Reka. Their other two home games, they sat back and invited pressure against the much more talented sides from Hondo FC and Brinemouth. Brinemouth could not break through, as they earned a 0-0 draw against the Nephara side, while Hondo FC did break through, late. A 74th minute goal from the Vanorian gave them 3 points in Farfadillis. The return legs for both opponents were both much more open contests, but both games were draws- not enough to get to the knockout stages.

Knockout Stage Matchups
IFCF Champions League Round of 16
DD Porto Nowi (ZRH) vs. Herzegovina City FC (BNJ)
Strathcona Internationals (KSK) vs. La Nueva Avenida (FFD)

IFCF Champions League Round of 32
1830 Cathair (AUD) vs. Rülândéá Kôstä (FFD)
Freeport United (FPT) vs. Busukuma AC (BNJ)
Gunzlach (GRF) vs. Hoima Warriors (BNJ)

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sat Mar 05, 2022 9:06 am

-Season 6-

Matchdays 20-25

MATCHDAY 20
Mâ Âlâmëómë 12–1 La Querida
Herzegovina City FC 4–2 Hawabark Boulders
Istria City FC 11–5 Busukuma Force
La Nueva Avenida 1–0 Flying Jellyfish
Dí Maozöxê 1–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Jinja City FC 0–0 Avenida Principal
Rülândéá Kôstä 1–3 Mynda Electra
Kitara AA 1–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
René Skaé 1–1 Avenida Leal
Hoima Warriors 2–1 Busukuma AC

Matchday 20! It was a good matchday for this league's biggest clubs, as they all won, some of them in truly emphatic fashion. Mâ Âlâmëómë did what they tend to do when they play La Querida, and absolutely smashed them to smithereens, with a 12-1 home win. But it's Mâ Âlâmëómë and La Querida. Simply, that kind of scoreline is expected. The only real question that is asked when these two teams play each other, is whether or not Mâ Âlâmëómë will score a double digit amount of goals. And this time, obviously, they have. But Mâ Âlâmëómë was not the only team with a high-scoring win. Istria City FC took on the Busukuma Force at home, in Shaquille Jawara's first game managing the Busukuma Force. They pulled him from the college ranks, with immediate controversy about his ability to adapt to the professional level. But fortunately for the Force, in his first game in charge, they allowed three fewer goals than they did last week! Good sign, right?

Not exactly. On Matchday 19, they traveled to La Nueva Avenida and lost 14-0. So by only conceding three fewer goals, they allowed 11. This time they scored at least! In their first match under their interim manager, they scored 5, in what was truly one of the strangest games you have ever seen. A game where both goalkeepers essentially took the day off, as Istria City conceded five times against the worst attacking team in the league, and still more than doubled the goal output put up by the Force. A strange game. Kate Huitema-Omeasoo scoring four goals to lead the way for the Lions in this one. Herzegovina City FC, who has been certainly criticized for their league form, got the second half of the season off to a strong start with a 4-2 home win over Hawabark. It was a strong win, especially as the match marked Clevinger's return to the starting XI from injury. And, finally, LNA won a tight game, 1-0, over the Flying Jellyfish.

We spent all this time giving all this praise to Busukuma AC! They won their Challenger's Cup group, and they are top of the table in the league. Coming off a huge win against Mâ Âlâmëómë. And then... A trip to Hoima, for a rivalry game, went very poorly, as they dropped all three points in a 2-1 loss to the hated Warriors. Boldfont was the hero on the day for the home team, scoring both goals for the Warriors. Mynda Electra, on their quest to get some breathing room away from the relegation zone, surprised nearly everyone by winning 3-1, on the road, against Rülândéá Kôstä. Avenida Prinicipal's tough-earned point away from home continued their ascent up the table, to make the relegation race in the S-FPL extremely interesting.

MATCHDAY 21
Hoima Warriors 0–5 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Busukuma AC 0–1 René Skaé
Avenida Leal 0–1 Kitara AA
Ausharmuj Marusi 4–1 Rülândéá Kôstä
Mynda Electra 1–5 Jinja City FC
Avenida Principal 4–10 Dí Maozöxê
Busembe Timberwolves 4–8 La Nueva Avenida
Flying Jellyfish 0–7 Istria City FC
Busukuma Force 0–6 Herzegovina City FC
Hawabark Boulders 1–0 La Querida
IFCF Champions League Round of 16- First Leg
DD Porto Nowi (ZRH) 1-2 Herzegovina City FC
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 32- First Leg
Freeport United(FPT) 4-1 Busukuma AC
Gunzlach(GRF) 2-1 Hoima Warriors
1830 Cathair(AUD) 1-4 Rülândéá Kôstä

And now, for the knockout stages! Herzegovina City FC travelled to Zeta Reka, to take on DD Porto Nowi. Although the away goals rule was not on, the first away leg of this tie went about as well as you could have hoped. Earning road wins are hard in this competition, and yet, the Trumpeteers found a way. With Jason Þórhallursson leading the charge, two goals from their #9, one assisted by Kuznetsov and the other assisted by Habib Fadika, they gave themselves an advantage heading into the second leg. This tie is by no means over- but it is about as strong a start as you could have asked for. While that went well, the Challenger's Cup.. More of a mixed bag. Busukuma AC has had such strong form all season- but got destroyed in Freeport, losing 4-1 to Freeport United, a scoreline that makes the second leg basically a formality. The Hoima Warriors fell to Gunzlach, 2-1, in a close match in Græntfjall that leaves everything to play for back in Hoima. But the highlight for the S-FPL, undoubtedly, was Rülândéá Kôstä. 1830 Cathair are one of the most storied clubs in the entire sport. And Rülândéá Kôstä went to Cathair and utterly demolished the Audioslavians. Up 3-0 after 30 minutes, it was probably the most shocking result of the entire Round of 32 so far. With Erin Kang and Tè Xüwân both scoring in the match, with Baraxil Muhaburu scoring once in both halves, it was a complete and utter takedown. Absolutely stunning.

Despite the amount of IFCF matches we had this week, there was still the league on the weekend! Remember how we said that Busukuma AC's run was sustainable, and that they would finish second in the league! Well, ever since we said that, they've gone ahead and lost three in a row in all competitions- two league losses sandwiching a shakedown at the hands of Freeport United. This week's loss was a 1-0 loss to René Skaé, at home. It was a very tight match, but sometimes, in a soccer match, all you need is a moment. And that is what they took advantage of. Eötrenois Rigozsoldos was ready for his moment, and struck true in the 37th minute when he had his chance in the box. A good win for them, who are firmly in the Champions League, and are looking for that auto-berth into the competition's group stages. That road win was the start of a trend for the weekend. In 10 league matches, the league had a case of visitor's delight, where every single road team won their match- except for La Querida.

Although, by their standards, a tight 1-0 loss is as good as it gets for them, compared to most weeks! And in the tightest of circumstances- an Adriel Aoro penalty being the difference between 3 points and true calamity for the Boulders. But speaking of the relegation race- what the hell has happened to the Busukuma Force? A tough stretch of games, playing LNA, Istria City, and Herzegovina City, back-to-back-to-back. But to lose those three games by a combined score of 31-5? Not even La Querida has 3 game stretches that are that bad. With virtually no improvement from their interim manager, how long can the string be pulled out here? Their stadium was taken over by Herzegovina City fans, as Banija's biggest club was firmly in cruise control. A rough start for the interim manager, Shaquille Jawara, who was brought from Kizza I College.

Everyone else towards the top of the table got massive road wins. Istria City FC won 7-0 against the Flying Jellyfish. Mâ Âlâmëómë beat the Warriors 5-0 in Hoima. La Nueva Avenida won by 4 goals in Busembe, while Jinja City and Dí Maozöxê recorded massive road wins as well, by 4 goals and 6 goals, respectively.

MATCHDAY 22
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1–2 Hawabark Boulders
La Querida 2-0 Busukuma Force
Herzegovina City FC 7–3 Flying Jellyfish
Istria City FC 7–0 Busembe Timberwolves
La Nueva Avenida 7–1 Avenida Principal
Dí Maozöxê 3–1 Mynda Electra
Jinja City FC 4–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–1 Avenida Leal
Kitara AA 0–1 Busukuma AC
René Skaé 0–0 Hoima Warriors
IFCF Champions League Round of 16- First Leg
Strathcona Internationals (KSK) 0-2 La Nueva Avenida
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 32- Second Leg
Busukuma AC 1-1 Freeport United(FPT) (Freeport United advance, 5-2 on aggregate to the IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16; Busukuma AC are eliminated from IFCF competition)
Hoima Warriors 0-3 Gunzlach(GRF) (Gunzlach advance, 5-1 on aggregate to the IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16; The Hoima Warriors are eliminated from IFCF competition)
Rülândéá Kôstä 0-0 1830 Cathair(AUD) (Rülândéá Kôstä advance, 4-1 on aggregate, to the IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16)

The first leg of the league's other Champions League tie! La Nueva Avenida taking a trip to Kelssek, to take on Strathcona Internationals. LNA firmly believes that they, as a club, are well-positioned to take on the best of the best. And they proved that to the world, by winning 2-0 at Bowreach Stadium in Kelssek. It was a tight match throughout, but LNA scored twice late. There was no surprises here- LNA went to their main man in need of inspiration, and Horacio Bastanchury pulled through, using his blistering pace to score twice, once in the 72nd and another in the 77th, to put a stake in the hearts of Strathcona fans. This week also brought about the second legs of those Challenger's Cup ties. Two of these ties were already over, and therefore the second legs were drab, dreary draws. Rülândéá Kôstä's 0-0 draw against 1830 Cathair put them into the Round of 16, 4-1 on aggregate. Freeport United's 1-1 draw in the Banijan capitol put them into the Round of 16, 4-1 on aggregate. The only tie with suspense was Hoima's against Gunzlach. But Gunzlach, in front of a hugely hostile crowd at Mavuto Field, were actually dominant, carving up the Warriors on the counter to beat Hoima 3-0, and have the Warriors go out not with a bang, but a mere whimper as they cut Hoima down to size.

What about the league? That trademark inconsistency from Mâ Âlâmëómë reared its ugly head again, as the Hawabark Boulders got a shock upset win on the road, with a 2-1 win in Lìbêrêtê. Put some space between them and the Force- although we'll come back to the capitol's other club later. The Timberwolves got blasted again, as the impending sale seems to be distracting the dressing room. Another 7-0 win for Istria City, who suddenly seem to be blasting teams into the sun with the same kind of ferocity as Mâ Âlâmëóme. La Nueva Avenida, coming off of a confidence grabbing win in the Champions League, put that form into the league, as they crushed Avenida Prinicipal by a score of 7-1, at home. Rülândéá Kôstä kept up their own outside hopes at a title challenge, with a strong, 3-1 win over Avenida Leal. They've got all those extra games, of course, because of the punishing nature of the Challenger's Cup, but can they survive the two-front trophy pursuit?

Now, back to the Busukuma Force. This was a team in freefall, as they had lost their last three games by a score of 31-5. Their interim manager, Shaquille Uster, of just two games was already on the hot seat, as he lost his first two games by scores of 11-5, and 7-0, respectively. But then, things went from bad to worse. A disastrous loss, as the Busukuma Force first half performance was, by one commentator, "every bit as poor as the first half in their 14-0 loss to La Nueva Avenida." Of course, La Querida don't have the skill and killer instinct of LNA to take advantage quite like they did, but they led 2-0 at half. What was even more shocking was the Force's management. Their owner walked into the locker room at halftime, and was so disgusted he fired Jawara right then and there. The owner managed himself, from the bench, for the rest of the game.

That was the shortest lived S-FPL managerial career in history. Game 1, lose 11-5 to Istria City. Game 2, lose 7-0 to Herzegovina City. Game 3, lose to La freaking Querida. Get fired in the damn locker room at halftime. Jawara's 2.5 game run truly was an organizational failure on every single level, for a guy who clearly was in way too far over his head. Worst coach in league history? Check. La Querida truly is are Los Verdugos(executioners) of S-FPL managerial careers. The only thing that can be said for the Force, is that they did not throw good money after bad to keep him. Learning how to cut your losses is key if you want to stay up in a league as cutthroat as this one.

MATCHDAY 23
René Skaé 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Hoima Warriors 5–0 Kitara AA
Busukuma AC 0–6 Rülândéá Kôstä
Avenida Leal 1–5 Jinja City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–5 Dí Maozöxê
Mynda Electra 1–1 La Nueva Avenida
Avenida Principal 0–9 Istria City FC
Busembe Timberwolves 1–4 Herzegovina City FC
Flying Jellyfish 2–0 La Querida
Busukuma Force 1–1 Hawabark Boulders

Watch out for Istria City? Suddenly, they're out here crushing souls and taking names. They haven't exactly played a murderer's row of opponents over the last four weeks- but still, scoring 48 goals over their last games, with all of those games being wins, has truly been a job well done by George Wangolo's players. They are out here just demolishing bad teams, but six emphatic wins in a row, with the smallest goal margin being 5, simply speaks for itself. We'll see what happens when a meatier part of the schedule comes up, of course, but so far- it's been a fun month to be a Lions fan. Not everyone can say that. Mâ Âlâmëómë, after dropping a game at home against Hawabark, had an intriguing visit to René Skaé, to take them on. In what was expected to be a tight battle, René Skaé just wilted at the strength of Mâ Âlâmëómë's attack, which simply shows the strength and depth of their squad. It wasn't even the main suspects who scored for them either. Axelrod-Conway opened the scoring just before halftime, with Dimitri Keldoulis doubling the lead on the other side of halftime, and Habib Sisawo scoring the 3rd goal in the late stages off the bench.

Deepest team in the league, possibly the multiverse. Inconsistent? Yes. But that top form power? How do you stop them? The answer is, you don't. Meanwhile, let's go back to Moravica. While Istria City has been lighting up scoresheets all across the Basin, their archrivals, Herzegovina City FC, have also been on a winning streak. This week marked their sixth win in a row in all competitions. Their 4-1 blowout win in Busembe was an example of them using their superior talent levels to just impose themselves on the game. Man for man, Bøb Übermanager's wards simply cannot compete with the player quality of the Trumpeteers. Kuznetsov's 2 assists got him the man of the match award, as four different players scored in this one for the visiting team. Rülândéá Kôstä, showcasing confidence gotten from the IFCF, traveled to Busukuma, and delivered the former league leaders their third league loss in four weeks, by demolishing the Rich Kids, 6-0. The lasting image of that game? Tipi Izotzubia's cartwheel after scoring Kôstä's 5th goal on the day, in the 84th minute, simply to stick it to the home fans.

Mynda Electra, who are also under interim management, earned a 1-1 draw against La Nueva Avenida, in a result that was probably an upset. This result was one of those where, you know, you throw your hands in the air and say, shit happens. La Nueva Avenida were dominant in this match in every single way. 11-1 in terms of shots on goal, 72% possession, etc... And yet, Mynda Electra's only shot on goal went into the net. That's simply how the ball bounces. While a disappointing result, if you look at the performance, there are no worries as LNA chases their first ever league title. As for the Busukuma Force, they tried this again, bringing 78 year old Alan Bettles out of retirement to finish the year. The former Kitara AA manager actually has pro experience, and will try to simply steady the ship. The course of action seemed to be stabilizing- a 1-1 draw against Hawabark was probably a decent result in the circumstances.

MATCHDAY 24
Mâ Âlâmëómë 3–0 Busukuma Force
Hawabark Boulders 1–3 Flying Jellyfish
La Querida 3–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Herzegovina City FC 4–5 Avenida Principal
Istria City FC 0–0 Mynda Electra
La Nueva Avenida 3–0 Ausharmuj Marusi
Dí Maozöxê 0–0 Avenida Leal
Jinja City FC 3–3 Busukuma AC
Rülândéá Kôstä 5–3 Hoima Warriors
Kitara AA 1–3 René Skaé
IFCF Champions League Round of 16- Second Leg
Herzegovina City FC 0-2 DD Porto Nowi (ZRH) (DD Porto Nowi advance 3-2 on aggregate to the IFCF Champions League Quarterfinals; Herzegovina City are eliminated from IFCF competition)
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16- First Leg
Rülândéá Kôstä 3-2 FK Metropola Borograd(STL)

The second leg of this Champions League tie, was one of the most disappointing games for Herzegovina City in recent memory. A brilliant opportunity to reach the next stage of the Champions League. Leading 2-1 after the road leg, all you need is a draw at home to get to the knockout stages. And yet... While controlling the game for about the first 60 or so minutes, Omar Sanyang's men got tight. They got nervous. And DD Porto Nowi was there to take advantage. Levi Matthis scored the equalizer in the 72nd minute, with Vanorian midfielder Elias Hagen scoring the winner in the 83rd minute to put the visitors through, and put Omar Sanyang's team to the sword. The ChC Round of 16 first leg happened this week as well, with Rülândéá Kôstä hosting FK Metropola Borograd. The Siovanijan side has been to the Basin twice already this season, having been drawn against Herzegovina City in both the AOCL and the IFCF CL this year. But FK Metropola Borograd fell to 1-4 against the S-FPL this season in all competitions, as Rülândéá Kôstä won a thrilling encounter by a score of 3-2. They led 3-1 until the final moment, when an own goal by Lînó Çíwâ made it 3-2, a much closer affair for when the tie moves to Borograd next week.

Mâ Âlâmëómë won, quite comfortably, against the Busukuma Force 3-0. Mâ Âlâmëómë, of course, is the team that will blast bad teams like 8 or 9 to nil- so for the Force, that's probably a decent result in Bettles second match as the team's third manager this season. They put a lot of pressure on the Force, but Giovanni Falco came up time and time again, making big save after big save. They still lost 3-0 in the end, of course, but keeping Basilisk out of the net, in a game where she have 5 shots, is a feat in and of itself. And then, let's go to Herzegovina City. They were playing so very well, before their disappointing Champions League loss this week. A rotated squad faced Avenida Principal at home, and the visitors took full advantage. In a barnstormer of a match, Prinicipal striker Celio Pompa scored the match-winner in the 94th minute, unleashing crazy celebrations from visiting fans. Which, of course, was another match that helped themselves, as they try to climb the ladder to escape what was once considered a near-certain possibility of relegation.

And wait... Is that La Querida winning again? Why, yes it is- a 3-1 win over the Timberwolves that marks Busembe's 4th loss in a row. An 8-4 loss at home to LNA, followed by a 7-0 loss in Istria, followed by a 4-1 home loss to Herzegovina City.. And now this. A terrible run of form. Now, this is where Bøb Übermanager thanks his own lucky stars that the team is for sale. They aren't going to fire him unless he falls out of an IFCF spot, which looks extremely unlikely. In a normal year, a loss against La Querida would mean marching orders.. But the Timberwolves are all about getting the highest possible valuation for the club right now. That means, as long as they qualify for an IFCF berth, allowing the club's next owner to make a decision about Übermanager's future. But on the flip side of that... He's likely a dead man walking. A new owner already has the instinct of wanting to get their own people in there. Why keep the old manager who lost to La Querida? So in a way... La Querida's win could cause a third manager to get fired just this season, even if the firing won't happen until Black Monday(the day after MD38). Los Verdugos indeed.

MATCHDAY 25
Kitara AA 0–2 Mâ Âlâmëómë
René Skaé 4–0 Rülândéá Kôstä
Hoima Warriors 4–7 Jinja City FC
Busukuma AC 2–1 Dí Maozöxê
Avenida Leal 0–0 La Nueva Avenida
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–5 Istria City FC
Mynda Electra 1–5 Herzegovina City FC
Avenida Principal 6–4 La Querida
Busembe Timberwolves 1–0 Hawabark Boulders
Flying Jellyfish 3–3 Busukuma Force
IFCF Champions League Round of 16- Second Leg
La Nueva Avenida 1-0 Strathcona Internationals (KSK) (La Nueva Avenida advance 3-0 on aggregate to the IFCF Champions League Quarterfinals)
IFCF Challenger's Cup Round of 16- Second Leg
FK Metropola Borograd(STL) 2-0 Rülândéá Kôstä (FK Metropola Borograd advance 4-3 on aggregate to the IFCF Challenger's Cup Quarterfinals; Rülândéá Kôstä are eliminated from IFCF Competition)

And now, for the second leg of our other Champions League tie! La Nueva Avenida will carry the banner of the Basin into the Quarterfinals, as they followed up on their 2-0 road win with a 1-0 home win to advance, 3-0 on aggregate, to the Champions League Quarterfinals. LNA is that rare Farf team with a strong defensive foundation, and that was proven against the Internationals, as the Kelssek side managed just four shots on goal across the 180 minutes, and did not put anything into the net. With a player like Rashica Horvath protecting a stout back 3, is this a team that can really dream of glory? Once a team gets to the quarterfinals of a competition, visions of glory start dancing in their eyes, and that's what's happening for LNA fans right now. Meanwhile, the Challenger's Cup second leg was a serious disappointment. Rülândéá Kôstä had a tough task in Borograd. They lasted a half at 0-0, but twin events in the beginning of the second half doomed their efforts. First, the normally clutch forward Aire Epherra missed a penalty in the 48th minute, keeping the Siovanijans in the game. And second, a late tackle by Gëngüdó Pìgülôçô gave the team a red card in the 57th minute. A team like Rülândéá Kôstä is simply not built to defend with just 10 men, and accordingly, they conceded twice. That meant the S-FPL's last hopes at IFCF glory for this year lied with La Nueva Avenida, as Rülândéá Kôstä were eliminated from IFCF competition.

What about the league! Mâ Âlâmëómë won a tight game, 2-0 in Kitara. The two goals were early goals, but both probably quite lucky. One, courtesy of a howler, as Burama Kinteh simply dropped a shot from Basilisk that slipped into the net. And the second, an iffy penalty decision at best given to the visitors, where Latona Basilisk was always going to make the visitors pay. They find themselves level with La Nueva Avenida at the top of the league table, as a rotated LNA squad, coming off of a Champions League victory, earned a point on the road against Avenidal Leal. A game they should have won? In normal circumstances, most certainly. But having just played a physically demanding Champions League game a few days prior, they opted to keep their players fresh with squad rotation. Which meant, they settled for a draw. Those two teams sit level at the top of the table, with 54 points each as we reach the 2/3s mark of the season.

The days just fly by in the Shango-Fogoa Premier League, right? Istria City FC and Herzegovina City both got back to their winning ways after rough weeks last week. The Moravican duo both went on the road and blasted their hosts. Herzegovina City traveled to Mynda Electra and beat them, by a score of 5-1. Meanwhile, Istria City FC showed that last week's 0-0 loss to Mynda Electra was a flash in the pan, as they went back to their free-flowing ways with a 5-1 win over Ausharmuj Marusi. That puts the Lions in third place. Even though Busukuma AC hasn't exactly been high-flying over the past few weeks, a 2-1 win over Dí Maozöxê meant that they were still in the thick of the title race, at 50 points. But still plenty of games left... Rülândéá Kôstä and René Skaé, in particular, are certainly not out of any title race yet.

S-FPL Table               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë            25   17   3   5   109   35  +74    54
 2 La Nueva Avenida       25   16   6   3    90   23  +67    54
 3 Istria City FC         25   15   6   4    92   34  +58    51
 4 Busukuma AC            25   15   5   5    44   30  +14    50
 5 Herzegovina City FC    25   13   6   6    89   47  +42    45
 6 Rülândéá Kôstä         25   13   6   6    83   48  +35    45
 7 René Skaé              25   13   5   7    69   40  +29    44
 8 Jinja City FC          25   11   8   6    68   44  +24    41
 9 Dí Maozöxê             25   11   6   8    74   41  +33    39
10 Kitara AA              25   11   6   8    50   39  +11    39
11 Hoima Warriors         25   11   6   8    53   49   +4    39
12 Busembe Timberwolves   25    9   5  11    54   72  −18    32
13 Flying Jellyfish       25    9   4  12    44   66  −22    31
14 Ausharmuj Marusi       25    7   4  14    45   63  −18    25
15 Avenida Leal           25    5   7  13    30   63  −33    22
16 Avenida Principal      25    6   4  15    38   91  −53    22
17 Mynda Electra          25    5   5  15    33   63  −30    20
18 Hawabark Boulders      25    5   4  16    26   67  −41    19
19 Busukuma Force         25    2   7  16    24   88  −64    13
20 La Querida             25    3   3  19    26  138 −112    12

La Querida- Los Verdugos

La Querida, a few weeks ago, got a manager fired at halftime. After just 2.5 games. A new record. Of course, Shaquille Jawara's record with the Force was... Shambolic, in every way. 225 minutes, his team gave up 20 goals and scored 5. The scoring five isn't the bad part- just a weird part about their loss to Istria City, even as they conceded 11, is that they scored so many times despite getting absolutely rocked in the back. Some may say that the hiring was a disaster. Bringing a manager from the college ranks straight into the heat of a relegation battle at the S-FPL?

It marks the second time this season that La Querida has driven the nail into the coffin of a manager's career. Ifeatu Jaja and Shaquille Jawara are both in the unemployment line, yes because of general failures of their coaching stint, but that were totally and completely exposed. Both had similar situations- the pressure building, already dissatisfaction with results. But to lose to a team like La Querida... That means everything's falling apart. There's no recovering from that. Even Bøb Übermanager, who has kept his job, is unlikely to survive this when the season ends.

That's where the nickname comes in. Los Verdugos. The executioners. They are known, mostly, for averaging basically one win a year for the past six seasons, and regularly conceding 200 goals a season. But.. They've also gotten more coaches fired than anybody else. Which begs the question- how many coaches in S-FPL history have been fired because of a poor result against La Querida?

#1- Los Verdugos gets its start by executing Kiggwe Siakam's S-FPL career: Season 1, Matchday 17, a 1-1 draw away to the Kitara Athletic Association

It's been a thing all the way since Season 1. The very beginning of this crazy project, this insane experiment, we have a Kitara AA side who are trying, desperately, to try and gain the respect of their peers. They wanted to call themselves a big club, and at that point in time, everybody had simply made fun of them. They were the biggest club, by quite some distance, in Banija to have never won a trophy in the modern era. No league title, no cup runs, nothing. But, they took themselves pretty damn seriously. They were just a middling, mid-table side, with nothing to write home about. In comes a La Querida side, to Sisonke, on Matchday 17, who has lost 16 consecutive S-FPL games in a row.

11th wasn't good enough for the brass. Siakam thinks he can get a nice-looking win against La Querida, and use that to get them off his back. Of course, that's not what happens. La Querida get their first ever point in this competition, on the road too. Stunned bosses have no choice but to give him his marching orders. Was it harsh? Hard to say, but look at what Siakam's replacement, Ivanovich, did after Siakam got fired. League title in year 2, Champions League winners in year 3. So firing justified? Hell yeah.

#2- Los Verdugos get their first win and their second victim: Season 1, Matchday 30, a 3-1 home win over Umbazi Metropolitan SC

Maybe Umbazi Metropolitan SC shouldn't have been in the S-FPL in year 1. It was controversial the way the RBSA handled their selections for the 10 Banijan sides in the first season of the league. It was not, as many argued, done on a meritocracy basis. The 10 teams were carefully chosen, with skill on the field at the time mattering, but also marketability, geographic diversity(aka ability to make fistfuls of cash) taking center stage. Umbazi Metropolitan was one of those teams. Not that deep, but the geographic diversity of having a Buganda team in the league.

They stunk the whole year, and deserved their relegation. Five seasons later, they haven't come close to getting back to the S-FPL, so no complaints there. But what did their S-FPL manager in? The suits in Umbazi gave Juma Ouattara quite a leash, knowing that he was overmatched. But when he lost to La Querida.. That was when they knew the gig was up. If they can't beat La Querida, what are they doing?

So remember this... After one season, Los Verdugos had twice as many victims(2) as wins(1).

Season 2? Was their worst season. They only got one measly point the entire year. Season 3? They smashed Duntho Sporting Club, by a score of 7-1, for their only win of the season. Duntho maintained their manager for the entire season, however. So three seasons- they had two victims, and two wins.

Season 4? They won twice. But only claimed one victim.

#3- Los Verdugos put the nail in Hawabark's anti-relegation efforts in Season 4 with 4-1 home win over the Hawabark Boulders

Let's set the stage for this, shall we? Hawabark Boulders enter Matchday 30 in 19th place, with 14 points. Sitting in the relegation zone. The Phoenix are just above them and out of the zone, with 16 points. The Phoenix have a tough away day trip to Jinja City, and lose, 1-0. The Boulders are in a perfect position to take advantage ahead of their bottom of the table showdown, right? Wrong. The Boulders get crushed, 4-1 by La Querida, all but putting Kiggwe Kabelo's job on the line.

Now, he did not get fired directly after that game, but the writing was on the wall. Kiggwe Kabelo had to go manage the next week, since you couldn't change managers directly before the biggest match of the season. But a team that loses by 3 to La Querida was never going to win the follow-up match. They got slaughtered, 5-0, which crushed any chance they had of staying up. Kabelo resigned immediately after the match, before the ownership had a chance to fire him. Victim #3

And then... Our two firings this season. So far.

#4- La Querida's upset win in Mynda getting Ifeatu Jaja fired after Week 7 in Season 6

We've been over this before, haven't we? La Querida had actually gotten off to a decently strong start to the season. 2 draws in the first 6 games, for them at least, is actually decent form! ANd the start to the season for Mynda Electra was... Utterly disastrous. A team that considers themselves, at minimum, a mid-table club, starting with 2 draws and 4 losses sees that start as an outright disaster. Perspective, eh? But when Mynda Electra met La Querida, Ifeatu Jaja expected a turnaround in his fortunes.

Instead, all he got was an unlimited vacation, courtesy of Los Verdugos. His coaching career was on the chopping block for struggling so hard, and La Querida were the ones that swung the axe. Quite dramatic scenes too with Jaja's firing, as Tetsuyuki Yoshido fired him dramatically, in the locker room.

And then lastly...

#5- La Querida's cutting down Jawara's managerial career before it begins by defeating the Busukuma Force in Season 6

We've spent plenty of time talking about it. Do we really need to say more?

But look at that count. There are five managers who are a victim of Los Verdugos, with Timberwolves manager Bøb Übermanager expected to be the sixth whenever the sale of Busembe is finalized. If you're a struggling coach, and your team is travelling to La Querida.. You better hope you get that win, or you are not getting on that team flight home.

Ownership Update- Fadron Pizza 'taking their time' as frontrunners emerge in the race to buy the Timberwolves

We spoke about the process for buying a Banijan S-FPL team, and how the process is conducted entirely on the Banijan side. The Owners & Directors tests are done. The other 9 Banijan S-FPL team owners have had their say. The process now rests entirely in the hands of Fadron Pizza, the selling owner of the Timberwolves.

Out of the five owners, who has the inside track?

At Community consultations held by the team, Espy va Drake, by virtue of being a former five-time world champion with literally a century's worth of soccer highlights, has emerged as the fan favorite. Social media has edits of va Drake scoring goals for Valanora, but with Timberwolves jerseys edited onto him. Somebody has told these fans he wouldn't be playing for them, right? But while young people on social media support him, old people are supporting him in person, as well. His superstar status has given him almost a hallowed name amongst supporters over the past few weeks. We've even seen a spattering of signs at games, that have shown strong support for the old star.

But of course... As we know, the process of the sale of these teams are not a democracy. Who else has emerged? None other than AOPIC. "AOPIC bringing about what would essentially be a state-owned club.. Would certainly bring about some controversy." Said a business analyst with ABSM. "But, quietly, most of the other Banijan S-FPL owners seem to support their bid. Do they fear being able to compete against what would be a true, state-owned club? Maybe they don't truly understand. But here's what they do understand. The price that a conglomerate like AOPIC would pay for a S-FPL team, would probably raise all of their own team valuations as well. Pure capitalism, eh?"

And lastly, the powers that be at the RBSA seem to be putting their stock behind Black Raven Technologies, from Chromatika. "Adama Sowe, the former RBSA Chairman and current owner of Lhor in Chromatika, has been rumored to be supporting Black Raven's bid quietly, using his old contacts at the RBSA(Royal Banijan Soccer Association). While they could never publicly support a bid, there have been multiple conversations with high-level leadership at the RBSA, including their current Executive Chairman, Robel Ezera, that they would strongly suggest that Black Raven Tech take over the team. It'd be another corporate owner, yes, but the familiarity, and their proven relationship with big-time football in Chromatika, has convinced the RBSA that they would be the best owners." Said the same analyst.

So those seem to be the frontrunners. The only thing that Fadron Pizza has said publicly, is that the team sale will be completed before the season's end. Kudos to them- no leaks on which way their Board of Directors are leaning on the sale. Alexandria City Football Group and D. Tommy Sanford don't seem to have any pertinent backers, but you never know. But remember, despite the backers- the call rests entirely in the hands of Fadron Pizza. Who will get the privilege to pay a minimum of 9 figures for this team?

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 10:30 pm

-Season 6-

Matchdays 26-31

MATCHDAY 26
Mâ Âlâmëómë 1–5 Flying Jellyfish
Busukuma Force 3–0 Busembe Timberwolves
Hawabark Boulders 0–6 Avenida Principal
La Querida 1–3 Mynda Electra
Herzegovina City FC 1–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Istria City FC 3–1 Avenida Leal
La Nueva Avenida 10–1 Busukuma AC
Dí Maozöxê 1–7 Hoima Warriors
Jinja City FC 4–0 René Skaé
Rülândéá Kôstä 1–1 Kitara AA

Mâ Âlâmëómë is a strange team. Did they lose 5-1, at home... To the Flying Jellyfish? This Jellyfish team is one that was supposed to be going straight back down. And yet... Here they are smashing the defending champions, at their own house? What the hell is going on? The oft-injured Tobias Engdahl was actually playing, and he was at his very best. It seemed like the home team straight up didn't take prep seriously, and they got wrecked. Resting key starters, slow and sluggish off the ball, they were down 3-0 after just 20 minutes of play! Engdahl nearly did a backflip into the first row after the game's opening goal, while the double-defending league champions, Mâ Âlâmëómë, couldn't seem to do anything. Speaking of the Flying Jellyfish- don't look now, but they are sitting in a Challenger's Cup spot. IF they can keep their positioning... They can auto-qualify directly to the group stage of the Challenger's Cup? Would be a stunning result considering how low expectations were for them entering the season.

Alan Bettles Busukuma Force squad took it to the for-sale Timberwolves, earning a 3-0 win over the for-sale team from Busembe. With the Boulders getting walloped by Avenida Principal, that was a big step to the Force's goal to save themselves from probable relegation. Istria City FC won, yet again, keeping their strong form going in a 3-1 win over Avenida Leal. That had bottom of the table implications as well- it put Principal out of the relegation spot for Farf squads. Principal stunned the Hawabark Boulders, crushing them by a score of 6-0. With the Force on their third manager of the season, suddenly, there's only a three point gap between Hawabark and Busukuma. This is going to be a photo fight to the finish at the bottom of the table, isn't it? Elsewhere, Mynda Electra earned a nice 3-1 road win over La Querida, while Dí Maozöxê got blasted at home by the Hoima Warriors, by a score of 7-1.

But the most shocking result? That's easy. Two top four teams played each other. LNA v. Busukuma AC. LNA, tied at the top of the table with 54 points, Busukuma AC having 50 points. LNA wrecked Busukuma AC by a score of 10 goals to 1. This is not a title-bound team crushing bad opposition. This was a title-bound team fighting one of their top competitor's for this season's league title. I've never seen anything like it. Busukuma AC are actually a good squad, who have played well. How did they utterly collapse like this against La Nueva Avenida? We're feeling good about how LNA champions take, but any takes that Busukuma AC's path was working for them- throw those out the window. There is no world that a team with legitimate title aspirations should be losing by 9 goals to anybody. In a league where blowout scores do happen, this might be the single worst loss any title competitive team has ever faced in the six years that this league has existed.

MATCHDAY 27
Rülândéá Kôstä 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Kitara AA 1–4 Jinja City FC
René Skaé 3–3 Dí Maozöxê
Hoima Warriors 1–3 La Nueva Avenida
Busukuma AC 0–6 Istria City FC
Avenida Leal 3–5 Herzegovina City FC
Ausharmuj Marusi 7–0 La Querida
Mynda Electra 5–0 Hawabark Boulders
Avenida Principal 0–1 Busukuma Force
Busembe Timberwolves 1–1 Flying Jellyfish
IFCF Champions League Quarterfinals- First Leg
La Nueva Avenida 3-4 Maethoru SC(KOR)

Start singing! The Champions League Quarterfinals. Our last IFCF team, La Nueva Avenida, were coming off a massive win against Busukuma AC, at home, over the weekend. There's a reason that we're calling them title favorites right now! So they came out with plenty of confidence, but they faced another elite team in their own right- Maethoru SC. If you're in the Champions League Quarterfinals, you're one of the top 8 teams in the multiverse, right? No blowouts here. The club that wishes they were the biggest club in Farfadillis, against the biggest club in Ko-oren. An offensive barnstomrer. Three times, LNA took a one goal lead. And each time, the visitors responded. Fletcher, Bastanchury, and Ézo Gicquel all scored goals for the home team. But Louise Bliase, twice, and Huije Eleveld equalized. And it was the 36 year old graying veteran, Wouter Wouters, who would score the winner off the bench for the Ko-orenite side in the 89th minute. It certainly is not over, but... This Farf team definitley has their work cut out for them when they travel to the Rikalathen Arena in three weeks time.

La Nueva Avenida took out their frustration from their midweek Champions League loss, by travelling to Hoima and defeating them, by a score of 3-1. They certainly seem well on their way to their first S-FPL title, don't they? They've got more consistency than their archrivals, Mâ Âlâmëómë. They've got the top level talent. And they have a strong, solid, defensive foundation. But this is no coronation. They will have to earn it, because they are not the only team hungry for glory. Mâ Âlâmëómë definitely want to threepeat, and they are still the most talented team in the league. Talent always triumphs, right? So they traveled to Rülândéá Kôstä, and came out with a relatively painless 3-0 road victory. When you have Latona Basilisk on your front line, lots of good things can happen, including a well-timed brace. Istria City FC were the second straight title-contending team to absolutely stomp all over Busukuma AC, as the 6-0 road victory meant that Busukuma AC, who led the league just a few weeks ago, had lost their last two games combined by a score of 16-1. What the heck's going on in the nation's capitol?

Looks like the critics were right. Mark Grayson will need some reinforcements over the Summer. But how long can they sustain themselves? Regardless, we'll move on. Herzegovina City won a thriller on the road, traveling to Avenida Leal and leaving with all three points, winning by a score of 5-3. Kuznetsov is just too good, as the Chromatik bagged a hat trick away from home. Jinja City FC crushed Kitara AA, while Mynda Electra rolled over the Hawabark Boulders, with a 5-0 home win for the Boulders. Speaking of the Boulders, who were fine for a while, they are all of a sudden looking troubled. Suddenly, they are level at the bottom of the table with the Force. A tight, 1-0 road win for the Force, with Vanza-Vlont Bel scoring the lone goal, made the Banijan relegation race that much more interesting.

MATCHDAY 28
Mâ Âlâmëómë 4–2 Busembe Timberwolves
Flying Jellyfish 0–3 Avenida Principal
Busukuma Force 3–5 Mynda Electra
Hawabark Boulders 4–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
La Querida 0–3 Avenida Leal
Herzegovina City FC 2–1 Busukuma AC
Istria City FC 2–1 Hoima Warriors
La Nueva Avenida 0–1 René Skaé
Dí Maozöxê 0–0 Kitara AA
Jinja City FC 3–0 Rülândéá Kôstä

The first surprising result of the weekend? La Nueva Avenida, the league's seemingly unstoppable force right now, finally lost, falling 1-0 at home to René Skaé in what was truly a bonkers game. Rebecca Laskaris scored on a knuckler of a free kick late in the first half for the visiting Szoirsian side, to give them a 1-0 halftime lead. But she was not the true story- no, that belonged to Samuel Orr, the Licentian goalkeeper. René Skaé's defense did their best, but ultimately, La Nueva Avenida's offense was always going to create opportunities for themselves to score. But several times, including from point blank, the 20 year old made some brilliant saves. A stunning total of 8 saves in the second half alone, several of the full extension diving variety, with a mixture of some saves from true point blank range. So much so, of course, that when the final whistle blew, the whole team ran over to Samuel Orr to celebrate with him. What a win for a team trying to put themselves into next year's Champions League.

And who to look for to take advantage of the league leader's L? None other than Istria City FC themselves. They've gone unbeaten in their last 12 matches in the league, winning 10 of them and drawing the other 2. They are playing with absolute fire and confidence, with their last loss, a 5-1 shellacking at the hands of Mâ Âlâmëómë, now a distant memory. That 10th win came this past weekend, when they beat the Hoima Warriors by a score of 2-1. Despite the scoreline being tight, it was honestly flattering to Hoima, as poor finishing by the home team are the only reason that the game was close. Equestrian winger Josef Lawerenz had a nice goal for the visitors, but it was their only real opportunity, and that came after they were already down 2-0. KHO scored once & assisted once, as the Quebecois striker is really coming into her own in the second half of the season. Lighting the league on fire, her assist was to Dembo Savaneh. She unfortunately missed a penalty, but a win is a win.

A host of teams were preparing themselves to take advantage. Mâ Âlâmëómë won 4-2 at home against the Timberwolves, to get back to their winning ways and show the world that a threepeat is not only in the question, but quite, quite possible for this team. Herzegovina City FC took on Busukuma AC in a game between two teams on the fringe of title contention. Busukuma AC have the better slot in the table, of course, but considering their play as of late, fringe of title contention is correct. They lost again- not a blowout this time, fortunately, but a win is a win, and Herzegovina City got all three points courtesy of a brace from Jason Þórhallursson. There was also plenty of interest movement towards the bottom of the table. Both Avenida Principal and Avenida Leal won on the Farf side. On the Banijan side, Mynda Electra beat the Force, while Hawabark got some reprieve with a 4-1 win over La Sindica.

MATCHDAY 29
Jinja City FC 3–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Rülândéá Kôstä 3–5 Dí Maozöxê
Kitara AA 0–0 La Nueva Avenida
René Skaé 3–1 Istria City FC
Hoima Warriors 3–7 Herzegovina City FC
Busukuma AC 6–1 La Querida
Avenida Leal 5–3 Hawabark Boulders
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–5 Busukuma Force
Mynda Electra 1–1 Flying Jellyfish
Avenida Principal 5–3 Busembe Timberwolves

Last week was for movement at the top of the table, right? This week was for chaos towards the top of the table. Not everybody is a title contender, sure. But René Skaé would kick off the weekend getting yet another win that, while they do not have the point total to really insert themselves into the title race, can show how disruptive a force that they can be when they are at their best. It's tough to go out to the desert and compete, and yet, that's what happens whenever teams must visit them away. When Istria City FC came to town, René Skaé was ready to simply run them into the ground. And Istria City's 12 match unbeaten streak went up like a sandstorm in the Szoirsian desert, as the home team were dominant in every way. Two goals from Tulaki Rauogba powered the home team to the victory, with Farina Luhukay's goal from Istria City late on coming after they were already down 3, and basically being a consolation.

2 weeks in a row, and back to back wins over the two teams at the top of the table? Well done to René Skaé. They need more consistency to truly challenge for a title- but wins like these show that, on their best day, they can go toe to toe with anybody. But not everybody would take advantage. Mâ Âlâmëómë could only manage a draw in their visit to Jinja City FC, as the Black Mambas did their absolute best to keep Mâ Âlâmëómë from getting three points. Mâ Âlâmëómë was just a few minutes from getting that win, but Ülì Èsàsè scoring an equalizer with just a few minutes left ensured that they split the spoils at BCEL Stadium. And their national rivals didn't do much better either. A rotated La Nueva Avenida squad drawing 0-0 away to Kitara AA was the result of a defensive masterclass by Ivanovich. You've got defenders like Ralph Winter and Keira Anbient, and they can tame even the most prolific offense. Expect Kitara AA to try and spend to improve this Summer? They've got some cash in the bank, and remember, as of now, they are the only Banijan team in this league to have won the damn thing- and the only team in the Basin to have won the big one(the Champions League).

Herzegovina City did take advantage, lighting up Mavuto Field for 7 goals as they crushed the Hoima Warriors on the road, by a score of 7-3. A brace from Kuznetsov combined with a hat trick from Jason Þórhallursson will always get the job done. What else happened this weekend? A 10 man Rülândéá Kôstä could not hold out against Dí Maozöxê, as the battle of the Rulandese sides ended 5-3, in favor of visiting Dí Maozöxê. Dí Maozöxê's wingers, Lana Mensdóttir and Lolong Bokate, both scored twice against the 10 man opposition. Busukuma AC, who have been really struggling as of late, got back to their winning ways with a 6-1 win over La Querida. La Querida- the medicine prescribed for struggling, talented sides. The two teams at the bottom of the Farf side of the table won again, as Avenida Principal and Avenida Leal both earned three points at home. How to separate those two sides? It'll be a photo race to the finish at the bottom of the table- unless, of course, La Querida actually get relegated? LOL.

MATCHDAY 30
Mâ Âlâmëómë 9–3 Avenida Principal
Busembe Timberwolves 1–1 Mynda Electra
Flying Jellyfish 0–3 Ausharmuj Marusi
Busukuma Force 0–3 Avenida Leal
Hawabark Boulders 1–3 Busukuma AC
La Querida 0–6 Hoima Warriors
Herzegovina City FC 1–0 René Skaé
Istria City FC 0–0 Kitara AA
La Nueva Avenida 0–2 Rülândéá Kôstä
Dí Maozöxê 1–2 Jinja City FC
IFCF Champions League Quarterfinals- Second Leg
Maethoru SC(KOR) 0-1 La Nueva Avenida (0-2 AET) (La Nueva Avenida win 5-4 on aggregate after extra time, and advance to the IFCF Champions League Semifinals)

La Nueva Avenida, having rested a number of key starters over the weekend, traveled to Anaia in the midweek to take on the Ko-orenite champions, Maethoru SC. Remember, LNA went into the game down 1 goal on aggregate. And no away goals rule in place. The match went... Mostly as you'd expected. A Ko-orenite side defending? A Farf side throwing everybody forward? Aka, just a regular Tuesday- except this Tuesday matchup had a berth in the Champions League semifinals on the line. La Nueva Avenida had opportunity after opportunity denied. Last second tackles. Poor finishing acrobatic saves. But when Wellington Doolan saved a Horacio Bastanchury penalty in the 78th minute, many visiting fans felt that the game was destined to end 0-0, and with La Nueva Avenida's elimination. But that did not happen. Thalassa Fletcher was able to achieve the breakthrough in the 86th minute, scoring to take the lead and level the tie, to the great emotional release of the traveling fanbase. In extra time, the visitors did not want to go to penalties- and they would not. Bastanchury, on the counter-attack, scored the tie-winning goal to take the visitors to the Champions League semifinals in dramatic fashion. They're all-in now. In the final four of the Champions League? Anything can happen once you're this far, right? All we know is this- Ko-orenite police had their hands full dealing with the traveling Farf fanbase after that dramatic win in the Ko-orenite capitol.

What about back in the league? For the third straight week, René Skaé wanted to put an axe to the toughest part of their schedule. They can beat La Nueva Avenida and Istria City in back to back weeks, could they take one off of Herzegovina City right after those two games? That's simply too tough a schedule, for a team down in the lower ends of Champions League Qualification, to be able to win all of those games in a row. They fought valiantly, but Herzegovina City were ready. The Trumpeteers are ready to win in whatever fashion they need to- and they are capable of beating a team 1-0, like René Skaé. It wasn't one of the usual suspects to score their goal, though. In a game where the starters struggled to get anything going early, Jason Obuo scored the match winner late on off the bench, to give his team all three points. Mâ Âlâmëómë showed the extent of their talent advantage, as their stacked roster blasted Avenida Prinicipal straight into the Sun with a 9-3 victory.

La Nueva Avenida were all smiles after their massive and stunning Champions League Quarterfinal victory, so although they lost 2-0 at home, they weren't really worried about it. Rülândéá Kôstä did take advantage of a more complacent LNA side than usual, with Sam Roshanak and Aire Epherra both scoring goals for the visiting Rulandese side. Mynda Electra, on the other hand, had a tight, 1-1 away draw against the Busembe Timberwolves. The Foresters draw was well-earned, as Zion Izuchukwu put in a late goal away from home against the for-sale Timberwolves to ensure that the two teams split the spoils. That win did have meaning- quietly, Mynda Electra have distance themselves completely from the relegation race, and are on the edge of the Challenger's Cup. It'd be bad news for the Timberwolves, for whom IFCF Qualification increases that team value when they are presently for sale. Kitara AA put on another brilliant defensive effort against a high-flying attacking side in this league, bringing Istria City's attack to a standstill with a well-earned, 0-0 draw on the road. Speaking of the bottom of the table... Avenida Leal were able to earn themselves another win, by traveling to the Banijan capitol and crushing the Force, by a score of 3-0.

MATCHDAY 31
Dí Maozöxê 0–3 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Jinja City FC 0–8 La Nueva Avenida
Rülândéá Kôstä 0–5 Istria City FC
Kitara AA 0–4 Herzegovina City FC
René Skaé 7–1 La Querida
Hoima Warriors 6–3 Hawabark Boulders
Busukuma AC 2–1 Busukuma Force
Avenida Leal 1–1 Flying Jellyfish
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–0 Busembe Timberwolves
Mynda Electra 1–1 Avenida Principal
Atlantian Oceania Champions League Semifinals
Likewell Kirk 2-2 Herzegovina City FC

Remember the Atlantian Oceania Champions League? Oh yeah, it's been nearly four months since the Quarterfinals! With a long break, of course, for the early stages of the IFCF knockout competitions. But the regional competition is back, and Herzegovina City FC traveled to Demot to take on Likewell Kirk. The same Likewell Kirk, that four months ago, pulled off a massive upset and took down Mâ Âlâmëómë, with a road win and an extra time goal to eliminate the league's two-time defending champions. And things went pretty well for Likewell Kirk to start! Scoring the opening goal to take an early 1-0 lead. And then, Birom Daramy taking down one of their strikers for a penalty, and a red card. The penalty calmly put away, and they went into the half, up two goals at home. Despite being down 2 goals and 1 man, Herzegovina City is still overflowing with talent. Their toughest spot of the entire season. But with Likewell Kirk packing it in on defense, Herzegovina City was in an incredibly tough spot- and pulled through. Festus Hera put them on the scoreboard in the 63rd minute, and they kept searching for that second away goal. A cross from Kuznetsov was headed by Jason Þórhallursson towards goal in the 88th minute. While the shot hit the crossbar, Habib Fadika was in perfect position to put the rebound into the back of the net. Herzegovina City escapes with a 2-2 draw in the most hostile of road environments. Everything to play for in the second leg, at home, in a few weeks time.

And now, for the league. Herzegovina City maybe could have been exhausted from their trip to Demot. Instead, it gave them confidence. They traveled to Kitara AA, and came back home with a 4-0 win. Jason Þórhallursson's brace led the way for the Trumpeteers, who still feel themselves as the league's best squad. They are just on the verge of title contention.... You can see their spot in the table below. Speaking of the below table- guess who is at the top of it? None other than Mâ Âlâmëómë. What happened? Of course, Mâ Âlâmëómë are seemingly inevitable. They were taking on their fiercest domestic rivals, Dí Maozöxê, in the Lìbêrêtê derby. And Mâ Âlâmëómë completed the double over their rivals in a 3-0 route. Losing rivalry games? A thing for the weak. Even Fekati Abdi, the former World Cup winner, came off the bench and scored his first goal of the season in the ultimate humiliation for Dí Maozöxê. La Nueva Avenida went back to their winning ways, putting themselves in second place in the league with a shocking 8-0 win over Jinja City FC, on the road. They've got that Mâ Âlâmëómë-esque ability to crush whoever they play, at any time. Can they do enough to win the league?

Istria City FC put themselves level with La Nueva Avenida, by virtue of a big road win themselves. It is rare for anybody to go to Rülândéá Kôstä and dominate, but the Lions did just that, blasting Rülândéá Kôstä 5-0. Of course, everything that could have gone wrong for Rülândéá Kôstä, went wrong. They allowed two first half penalties, courtesy of red cards given to Gëngüdó Pìgülôçô and Erin Kang, respectively. KHO hit both penalties, which meant that the halftime score was 2-0. Up 2 goals and 2 men in the second half, even on the road, an Istria City squad in second gear was always going to take advantage of all that space. Linoan Waters, Voska Avetisyan, and Demba Kouyaté all scored in the second half for the visitors. Finally, Busukuma AC wrapped up the title contenders for this week, with a 2-1 derby win over the Busukuma Force. They may be struggling as of late, but that doesn't mean they are second best in the Banijan capitol, with a Clayton Wilson double doing the damage.

S-FPL Table               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Mâ Âlâmëómë            31   21   4   6   132   48  +84    67
 2 La Nueva Avenida       31   19   7   5   111   28  +83    64
 3 Istria City FC         31   19   7   5   109   39  +70    64
 4 Herzegovina City FC    31   18   7   6   109   55  +54    61
 5 Busukuma AC            31   18   5   8    57   51   +6    59
 6 René Skaé              31   16   6   9    83   50  +33    54
 7 Jinja City FC          31   15   9   7    84   57  +27    54
 8 Rülândéá Kôstä         31   14   7  10    89   65  +24    49
 9 Hoima Warriors         31   14   6  11    77   65  +12    48
10 Dí Maozöxê             31   12   8  11    84   59  +25    44
11 Kitara AA              31   11  10  10    52   48   +4    43
12 Flying Jellyfish       31   10   7  14    52   76  −24    37
13 Ausharmuj Marusi       31   10   5  16    61   73  −12    35
14 Busembe Timberwolves   31    9   7  15    61   87  −26    34
15 Mynda Electra          31    8   8  15    49   70  −21    32
16 Avenida Leal           31    8   8  15    46   75  −29    32
17 Avenida Principal      31    9   5  17    56  105  −49    32
18 Hawabark Boulders      31    6   4  21    37   93  −56    22
19 Busukuma Force         31    5   7  19    37  101  −64    22
20 La Querida             31    3   3  25    29  170 −141    12

Biggest games that will shape the title race

The table is taking serious shape, with 31 out of 38 games completed. We have, seemingly, a four team title race at this point- Mâ Âlâmëómë in the lead, with La Nueva Avenida, Herzegovina City, and Istria City on their heels. Busukuma AC don't have the firepower to really break into that group, right? But there are plenty of games between those top four remaining. We're going to take you through the biggest remaining games on the S-FPL schedule, as the season comes to a tantalizing, dramatic conclusion.

#1 La Nueva Avenida v. Mâ Âlâmëómë- Matchday 33

Two weeks from now! The biggest rivalry in all Farfadillis, as La Nueva Avenida will take on Mâ Âlâmëómë in what will certainly be a massive tilt. With both teams competing for a title, we're going to have a packed La Gran Avenida with some expectant home fans in there. The smack talk has already started. LNA manager Thjorgias Pickton told reporters that Mâ Âlâmëómë were 'overrated bastards', while Latona Basilisk, leaning fully into the rivalry, said that LNA were "just a bunch of trophyless wannabees." Of course, La Nueva Avenida finds itself in second place in the league, and in the Champions League semifinals- on the brink of their first trophy in the S-FPL era?

#2 Istria City FC v. La Nueva Avenida- Matchday 34

One week after that, it doesn't get any easier for La Nueva Avenida. They'll have to travel to Banija's largest city to take on Istria City FC, who are presently level with them in the league table. There isn't much more needed to hype up a matchup between two teams that are each just one game back of the league lead, is there? The last time these two teams played, La Nueva Avenida won narrowly in Istria City, so there will be the revenge factor for the Lions as well. While the Lions would never say they're looking ahead to this matchup, with tough games against both Dí Maozöxê and Jinja City FC before this Matchday 34 battle, George Wangolo mentioned it, saying that Istria City's eyes were on the "decisive" matches. Could they survive?

#3 Istria City FC v. Mâ Âlâmëómë- Matchday 35

Matchday 35 will see the second of three straight weeks where Istria City plays the league's three title contenders. Matchday 35 they'll host the two-time defending champions, Mâ Âlâmëómë. On Matchday 16, Mâ Âlâmëómë smashed Istria City by a score of 5-1. Of course, Istria City has only lost one league contest since then, but still. They fell apart completely, but right now they look like a different team. Just talk to the captain, Linoan Waters. "We've got the toughest remaining schedule of anyone left." Waters told everybody. "But this team... We think we're good enough to do it. Being scared is for the weak. And that's not us." Of course, there's a reason that Mâ Âlâmëómë are the two-time defending champions. Even with the game in Istria, Mâ Âlâmëómë have to be the favorites here, right?

#4 Herzegovina City FC v. Istria City FC- Matchday 36

This is Istria City's third straight match against a top 4 team, and that will decide their title fate. A brutal stretch with the league title on the line, and they will have to travel to Herzegovina City. They could easily lose all three of these matches, right, and you wouldn't be surprised? And yet.. There's a reason that they've only lost one game in their last 15 played in the league. This is a team that seems built for the challenge. While they project confidence, of course, it will be interesting to see Herzegovina City's position at this point. The pressure will be building on Omar Sanyang... He knows it's a trophy or bust season. If they're still in the title race with 3 games left? Enormous pressure on the home team. If they aren't... Expect a game with potentially a ton of negative energy from the home crowd. Who knows? But imagine Istria City sending their archrival's manager to the unemployment line. Wouldn't that be juicy?

#5 Herzegovina City FC v. Mâ Âlâmëómë- Matchday 37

And Matchday 37. On paper, these are the two most talented teams in the league. And yet, the last time these two met, the same result that seems to happen whenever Mâ Âlâmëómë take the field in this competition happens- Mâ Âlâmëómë won, and they won running away. It's hard to say what the table will look like at this point. But Mâ Âlâmëómë obviously figures to still be in the discussion, assuming they haven't wrapped it up by this point. Herzegovina City... Maybe. But if they are? Holy shit, this will be an insane matchup. What a way to end the home schedule for the Trumpeteers, right? This match could be a title decider, or it could set us up for an insanely chaotic and entertaining final day.

Those are the games to watch!

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Mon Mar 07, 2022 8:28 pm

-Season 6-

Matchdays 32-37

MATCHDAY 32
Mâ Âlâmëómë 9–0 Mynda Electra
Avenida Principal 3–5 Ausharmuj Marusi
Busembe Timberwolves 1–1 Avenida Leal
Flying Jellyfish 1–3 Busukuma AC
Busukuma Force 3–1 Hoima Warriors
Hawabark Boulders 0–3 René Skaé
La Querida 3–8 Kitara AA
Herzegovina City FC 0–3 Rülândéá Kôstä
Istria City FC 1–0 Jinja City FC
La Nueva Avenida 0–0 Dí Maozöxê

Mâ Âlâmëómë started their last sprint for a league title in absolutely perfect form, as they unleashed a drubbing on poor Mynda Electra, by a score of 9-0. Latona Basilisk led the way with a trio of goals, as Asztrik Biró scored twice as well for the home team on this matchday. Asztrik Biró in particular impressed fans, as he scored on a wonderful bicycle kick for the team's first goal of the game. Four more players bagged goals for the two-time defending champions to complete the blowout victory. Ausharmuj Marusi made some moves in regards to the race for Challenger's Cup spots, defeating Avenida Principal by a score of 5-3 to position themselves for one of the auto births into the Challenger's Cup group stages. But that had some bottom of the table consequences. Prinicipal's home loss opened the door for a different Avenida to take advantage, and Avenida Leal did just that with a tough earned, 1-1 away draw against the Busembe Timberwolves. The Timberwolves are trying to hold that Challenger's Cup berth desperately, as they prepare to be sold.

Lots of interesting races for positioning across the table, right? Even towards the bottom of the table on the Banijan side. The Busukuma Force overtook the Boulders, as they upset the Hoima Warriors, 3-1 at home. The other capitol club's victory was important at the bottom of the table for many reasons. Changed things in both the relegation race, at least on the Banijan side, as well in the race for Champions League berths. Which, of course, effected the title race. While Herzegovina City played actually pretty well, per observers, at home, the scoreboard did not reflect that at all. Funny how that works sometimes in this sport, eh? Rülândéá Kôstä came to Herzegovina City with a plan to fly up the pitch and counter-attack, and they did so to perfection. The result was a clinic on counter-attacking football and finishing, as a trio of assists from Baraxil Muhaburu powered the visitors through to a 3-0 victory at Star Field. Combined with Hoima's loss... A bit of room as they go for the top 8, eh?

And then lastly, of course, we'll really dive into the title race. We already saw Mâ Âlâmëómë roll on the weekend. Istria City FC had a tough draw, as well, taking on Alexander Bumba's Jinja City squad at home. But they know they have to go through the gauntlet. Including this match, their next five matches are against- Jinja City, Dí Maozöxê, La Nueva Avenida, Mâ Âlâmëómë, and Herzegovina City. That includes the other three title contenders, a 7th place Jinja City squad who are certainly going to the Champions League, and two-time S-FPL champions Dí Maozöxê. The gauntlet starts now, and the first test has been passed. Junior Ngoba was denied from point blank range, while a cheeky Dembo Savaneh chip over Jinja City's goalkeeper was enough to give the Lions all three points at home. Istria City will travel to Farfadillis next week, to take on Dí Maozöxê in what will surely be another tough game in one of the league's toughest environments- the Rülândéá Çölíséá. La Nueva Avenida, on the other hand, dropped points themselves. Bottling it at the key moment? Maybe. But a drab 0-0 home draw against Dí Maozöxê was not how they imagined this Matchday would go.

MATCHDAY 33
La Nueva Avenida 1–5 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Dí Maozöxê 3–7 Istria City FC
Jinja City FC 2–2 Herzegovina City FC
Rülândéá Kôstä 6–0 La Querida
Kitara AA 4–0 Hawabark Boulders
René Skaé 1–1 Busukuma Force
Hoima Warriors 5–0 Flying Jellyfish
Busukuma AC 9–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Avenida Leal 0–0 Avenida Principal
Ausharmuj Marusi 3–0 Mynda Electra
IFCF Champions League Semifinal- First Leg
Namiri Forest(ZWZ) 2-1 La Nueva Avenida

And now, for the Champions League! La Nueva Avenida traveled to Zwangzug to take on Namiri Forest, with a berth in the Champions League Final on the line. All the nerves, of course, with so much at stake in this massive tilt. The home team got off to a fast start, as Ilango scored for Namiri Forest to give them a 1-0 lead in just the 11th minute. And Namiri Forest would not simply rest on their laurels- but try to press ahead with their advantages. They would score against in the first half, with Sokhi scoring Forest's second goal to give them a 2-0 lead in the second half. La Nueva Avenida needed to press to try and get a goal of their own, but was rock solid- like Ko-oren's at World Cup 89. But this is LNA. Thalassa Fletcher was able to bend in a free kick in the 73rd to get the goal, and instead of going home down 2-0, they will go back to Farolera down just 1 goal. Despite losing the leg, this tie is still very much wide open. Can los Novanos muster up what is necessary to clinch a berth in the Champions League Final?

Now, back to the league, eh! La Nueva Avenida had a massive Champions tilt, so when they took on Mâ Âlâmëómë just a few days later at home, they were thought to have been a little bit tired. Worn out. WHo knows? But obviously there's no squad rotation between the Champions League semifinal and your biggest rivalry, especially when the latter has league title implications. However, the home game against Mâ Âlâmëómë was disastrous. It started off well enough. Bastanchury outracing everybody on a brilliant long ball, to give the home side an early 1-0 lead 20 minutes on. But Mâ Âlâmëómë were prepared for the challenge, and they stepped up to the plate. Latona Basilisk scored twice later on in the first half to ensure that they went into halftime tied up. But they wanted to do more than that- they wanted to emphatically show the Basin why they were the best team in it, and show why they deserved that third consecutive league title. Counter-attacking with brilliance, they scored thrice in an 11 minute span, going from just a 2-1 game in the 52nd minute to a 5-1 shellacking by the 63rd minute. A nightmarish day for La Nueva Avenida, who have seen their title chances reduced over the last two weeks, with just 1 point out of their last 6 possible.

What about the rest of the league? Istria City FC was in full stride on this matchday, as they went to the Rülândéá Çölíséá and absolutely crushed Dí Maozöxê, by a score of 7-3. Istria City FC fans, of all people, were in the country with all sorts of smack talk, with even Voska Avetisyan nearly coming to blows with a home fan. It was domination on every count- something that we've seen George Wangolo unlock for Istria City FC a few times this season. While an impressive road win, this, and last week's wins, were the 'easy' part of the gauntlet. They've got the other three top four teams for three weeks in a row- starting with La Nueva Avenida at home next week. It's been a nice ride, but can they get it done against the best of the best? Herzegovina City could not keep pace with the teams ahead of them, as they split the spoils in Jinja City with a 2-2 draw. Busukuma AC, out of nowhere really, crushed the Timberwolves by a score of 9-1. Mynda Electra couldn't take advantage, however, as they lost 3-1 on the road themselves. And in the bottom of the table clash between the two relegation threatened Farf sides, Avenidas Principal and Leal, they played out to an uncharacteristic 0-0 draw.

MATCHDAY 34
Mâ Âlâmëómë 10–4 Ausharmuj Marusi
Mynda Electra 1–0 Avenida Leal
Avenida Principal 3–1 Busukuma AC
Busembe Timberwolves 3–3 Hoima Warriors
Flying Jellyfish 3–3 René Skaé
Busukuma Force 0–5 Kitara AA
Hawabark Boulders 1–4 Rülândéá Kôstä
La Querida 0–6 Jinja City FC
Herzegovina City FC 3–1 Dí Maozöxê
Istria City FC 3–1 La Nueva Avenida

Back to the league! Mâ Âlâmëómë continued their winning ways in their march towards a title, as they crushed La Sindica by a score of 10-4. They are inevitable, aren't they? Simply crushing every single team that is put into their path. And about to turn what is one of the most competitive leagues in the world into a Rulandese fiefdom, as they go for the threepeat. Think about it like this- out of 5 league titles, four have been won by tenants of the Rülândéá Çölíséá. And we are well on the way to the fifth of six? They don't seem to be slowing down even a little bit, either. This is not a team that's tiring of winning, as John Spartan, even when up 10-4, is all pissed off on the touchline, screaming at his players in the 90th minute of a six goal game. No rest for the leaders, right? It was a very interesting week all across the league. Busukuma AC fell to Avenida Principal, their already slim title hopes basically officially going up in smoke to a team that's trying to avoid relegation.

Kitara AA traveled to Busukuma to take on the Force, and absolutely smashed them, with a 5-0 win giving the team plenty of energy in what has otherwise been a very disappointing season. This season has been a disappointment- but Kitara AA have plenty of money in the bank. Despite Ralph Winter's big-time raise a few years ago, they've still got a ton of cash left over from the Gereh Kama and Kuznetsov sales from years past. Will this offseason be the time to really invest that into attacking talent? It'll be a test for Ivanovich- while the defense is strong, with a pair of truly elite center backs, and the midfield anchored by Ubul Kuruc, the Pasargan box-to-box midfielder. A strong core in their 20s. But of course... They've got to finish out this season. But at the very least, it looks like Nightingale's days playing for the blue and white are numbered. Elsewhere, the Flying Jellyfish earned a quality home draw against René Skaé, with a 3-3 draw. Herzegovina City FC, whose lone point over the last two weeks has basically seen them eliminated from the title race, earned themselves a quality win over Dí Maozöxê. They've got a huge semifinal against Likewell Kirk this upcoming week, so it was a nice confidence booster. Omar Sanyang, their manager, with their team functionally out of the title race, is going to be under tremendous pressure to beat Likewell Kirk. Do they have it in them?

Speaking of fading from the title race, what has happened to La Nueva Avenida? Not every club is built to perform when the brightest lights are shining. Not every club is built to succeed in the death throws of a league title race. Some teams prove they are worthy of the moment by rising to it, while some teams prove that they are not worthy of the moment by shying away from it. And La Nueva Avenida, the team that we picked to win the league outright at the season's halfway mark, is unfortunately in the latter category. Last week, they lost twice in big games- a tight, 2-1 road loss in the Champions League to Namiri Forest, and then got blasted by their archrivals, Mâ Âlâmëómë, at home. While they have not risen to the moment, Istria City FC is rising to it. In a packed house for the Sunday night showcase, the Lions basically extinguished La Nueva Avenida's league title hopes, by defeating them 3-1 at Kabonero III Field. A pair of goals by Kate Huitema-Omeasoo was enough to power the Lions through, as their first big test has been answered. And guess who they've got next week? Oh yeah- Mâ Âlâmëómë.

MATCHDAY 35
Istria City FC 3–1 Mâ Âlâmëómë
La Nueva Avenida 0–1 Herzegovina City FC
Dí Maozöxê 3–0 La Querida
Jinja City FC 5–1 Hawabark Boulders
Rülândéá Kôstä 0–0 Busukuma Force
Kitara AA 4–3 Flying Jellyfish
René Skaé 0–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Hoima Warriors 5–3 Avenida Principal
Busukuma AC 2–1 Mynda Electra
Avenida Leal 1–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Atlantian Oceania Champions League Semifinals- 2nd Leg
Herzegovina City 3-0 LIkewell Kirk (DEM) (Herzegovina City advance, 5-2 on aggregate, to the Atlantian Oceania Champions League Final)

And now, for the AOCL Semifinal- 2nd leg! Remember, these two teams drew 2-2 in the first leg, with a pair of late, late goals in Demot by the visiting Trumpeteers allowing Banija's biggest club to, essentially, escape with a draw. Likewell Kirk has already traveled to the Basin once in this competition and came out victors, when they downed none other than Mâ Âlâmëómë themselves, by a score of 1-0. Demot's champions, from a non-IFCF association, has been upsetting teams all tournament. They crushed Crystopolis City in an earlier round, and then beat Mâ Âlâmëómë for good measure. And with a home draw against the Trumpeteers? The cinderella story would have been perfect- with Raynor City United punching their ticket to the AOCL Final the night before, we could have had a true David v. Goliath matchup in the AOCL Final. But the clock struck midnight. The slipper did not fit. One hell of a run by Likewell Kirk, and they were widely hailed by neutrals across the region after the game. But on this night, Herzegovina City's talent advantage would shine through. Tijan Sowe and Orji Uzoma each scored for the home team in the first half, and Wanyanga Obote, who played for a suspended Birom Daramy due to a red card given to the latter player, scored a goal for the home team as well. They are through to the Final. And with them largely out of the title race, make no mistake about it- they have saved Omar Sanyang's job, for at least a few more weeks, until their trip to Canterlot in a few weeks.

What about the league? It's a two horse title race now, with Mâ Âlâmëómë in the lead, Istria City FC three points behind them, and then Herzegovina City, Busukuma AC, and La Nueva Avenida simply lagging too far behind to challenge for the top spot at this late stage. Which made this matchup between Istria City and Mâ Âlâmëómë, the biggest game of the season so far. For the second straight week, an absolutely packed house watched these two teams take each other on, with the league trophy at stake. The first half was a very open and attacking first half, but it would be Mâ Âlâmëómë who would draw first blood, with Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí assisting Dimitri Keldoulis, of all players, to draw first blood. While the visitors led 1-0, and seemed well on their way to a third straight title, Wangolo's players came out like gangbusters in the second half. In a game that they knew they absolutely needed to have- they went for it, took risks to get it, and grabbed it by the horns. Linoan Waters bending in a free kick in the 53rd minute really helped things, while Demba Kouyaté took the roof off the place in the 67th minute with a header that gave them the lead. Istria City held in the back, and a brililant counter-attack led to Kate Huitema-Omeasoo setting up her strike partner, Voska Avetisyan, for a late tap-in. Istria City's fans stormed the field- what a huge win to move level with Mâ Âlâmëómë at the top of the table, and ensure that this title race is a nailbiter heading into the weekend's final game.

What else happened this weekend? Well, Herzegovina City traveled to La Nueva Avenida, to take on a suddenly struggling LNA squad. On Matchday 31, La Nueva Avenida crushed Jinja City FC by a score of 8-0 on the road, to move into second place in the table. What the heck has happened since then? Including this 1-0 loss to Herzegovina City, courtesy of an Agapeto Chayra own goal, they have fallen apart. They've lost four consecutive games in all competitions, and they have to come out next week for a Champions League semifinal? Picking the absolute worst time of year to lose all semblance of your form. Both Hoima and Busukuma AC picked up quality wins, with Hoima winning 5-3 at home over Principal, while Busukuma AC beat Mynda Electra at home by a score of 2-1. What's happening at the top of the table? Mâ Âlâmëómë and Istria City lead it, with 76 points each. Mâ Âlâmëómë hold the advantage due to overall goal differential. With Herzegovina City and Busukuma AC sitting at 68 points, and La Nueva Avenida at 65 points, we know that only two teams remain in realistic contention.

MATCHDAY 36
Mâ Âlâmëómë 0–0 Avenida Leal
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–3 Busukuma AC
Mynda Electra 1–4 Hoima Warriors
Avenida Principal 4–4 René Skaé
Busembe Timberwolves 1–4 Kitara AA
Flying Jellyfish 1–7 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busukuma Force 1–6 Jinja City FC
Hawabark Boulders 0–1 Dí Maozöxê
La Querida 0–5 La Nueva Avenida
Herzegovina City FC 4–5 Istria City FC
IFCF Champions League Semifinal- Second Leg
La Nueva Avenida 0-1 Namiri Forest(ZWZ) (Namiri Forest advance, 3-1 on aggregate, to the IFCF Champions League Final. La Nueva Avenida are eliminated from IFCF competition)

And now, for the second leg of these Champions League semifinals. Namiri Forest's defenses hold against a sputtering La Nueva Avenida side, who stumble to their fifth consecutive loss in all competitions. Keshavan-Kaur is the only goalscorer for Namiri Forest in the 1-0 victory for the league leaders, who advanced to the Champions League Final. A bitterly disappointing ending to a season that, was so long, filled with promise for La Nueva Avenida. They'll look back at it in future years, maybe as a good sign. But for now- this stings. Five losses in a row in all competitions, at the crucial moment, to eliminate yourselves both from league title consideration, and get eliminated from the Champions League to boot. All credit to Namiri Forest- holding a Farf squad, especially one with as much talent as this LNA squad, to just 1 goal over 180 minutes, including a clean sheet in Farfadillis, is no easy feat. But while they deservingly find themselves in the Champions League Final, Alex Terán will be spending plenty of time asking himself exactly what went wrong.

What about the league title race? Things got spicy here. Mâ Âlâmëómë and Istria City entered with 76 points each. Mâ Âlâmëómë, of course, having the advantage on goal differential. An advantage that, with this few games left, Istria City would have no hope of making up- unless they played La Querida three weeks in a row. But it was a bottom of the table upset that completely upended the title race. Over the last few weeks, the race to avoid relegation on the Farf side has become insanely close- with Avenida Leal and Avenida Principal catching pace with the Flying Jellyfish- who were once expecting to easily slide into the Challenger's Cup, and are now suddenly and desperately trying to avoid relegation. But Mâ Âlâmëómë was supposed to do what they usually do to inferior opponents when they took on Avenida Leal at home- put up 6 before half, and then cruise. But.. they couldn't do anything offensively. Avenida Leal, who are certainly not known for their prowess in the back, suddenly put on the defensive clinic of a lifetime. Players like Tinni Grímólfursson were dominating, ensuring that Mâ Âlâmëómë couldn't ever quite square up a quality opportunity on goal.

Istria City won last week to draw level with Mâ Âlâmëómë, and now had the luck needed to have an opportunity to grab the reigns as league leaders. But who did they have to beat? The last team of the 5 team gauntlet, their archrivals, Herzegovina City. These two teams do not like each other- and have the strongest rivalry in the country. Hell, Omar Sanyang, in the leadup to the match, said that Istria City 'should barely count as a big club- they haven't won anything'. In the league, Istria City FC haven't won in any of the rivals last six matchups(3 Ls, 3 draws). If you want to go somewhere you've never been, you've got to do something you've never done- beat Herzegovina City(I mean, they've done it before, but you know). And the two played what could've been the match of the year. Star Field was rocking for this thriller. In this goal filled festival of football, Istria City were down 4-3 with 10 minutes. But, to full dramatic effect, they came back. An equalizer from Kate Huitema-Omeasoo, and she grabbed the ball out of the net. And, in the 93rd minute, with all hope seemingly lost- Farina Luhukay literally rising above everybody, and heading home the winner. Insane scenes. Stadium stunned to silence. Away fans going crazy. Shirt thrown high into the air. Istria City at the top of the table for the first time all season- and at the right time.

Pure insanity. What about the rest of the league? La Nueva Avenida, after a 5 game losing streak, needed some medicine. What better medicine is there in this league than playing La Querida? Their fortunes were turned around in a blowout win against the Basin's worst side. While the Force got rocked, the Hawabark Boulders took one step closer to relegation. They are 5 points behind the Force, with only 3 games left in the season. They fought in a tight, 0-0 game with Dí Maozöxê for 94 minutes. But they were the victim of a backbreaking counter-attack. They were about to score to pull up their chances to stay up, but Djoka Tomanovic, while beating the keeper, hit the post that late on. But Dí Maozöxê turned defense into offense in a flash. 17 seconds later, Taina Vääräniemi was heading in the heartbreaking goal for Hawabark that seemed to all but confirm their relegation. Meanwhile, the Jellyfish continued their freefall down the table, as their loss, combined with Principal's draw, makes things truly interesting in the Farf relegation race.

MATCHDAY 37
Herzegovina City FC 5–6 Mâ Âlâmëómë
Istria City FC 1–0 La Querida
La Nueva Avenida 6–0 Hawabark Boulders
Dí Maozöxê 3–0 Busukuma Force
Jinja City FC 5–0 Flying Jellyfish
Rülândéá Kôstä 4–1 Busembe Timberwolves
Kitara AA 6–1 Avenida Principal
René Skaé 3–0 Mynda Electra
Hoima Warriors 0–1 Ausharmuj Marusi
Busukuma AC 0–3 Avenida Leal

Herzegovina City scored 9 goals in their last two matchups- last week brutal home loss to Istria City, they scored 4 times, while in this week's trip to Farfadillis, they scored five. But the amount was not good enough to garner even a single point in either matchup. Truly, an incredible feat, even in this league. You saw Omar Sanyang, who is certainly under a ton of pressure, send his clipboard flying like a project after Mâ Âlâmëómë scored the late winner against his squad. He's trying to clinch that spot in the top 4, to get to the group stages of the Champions League- although, ultimately, he knows that his job will depend on the AOCL Final in a few weeks time. That game brought Mâ Âlâmëómë temporarily back into the lead for the league, with 80 points. But with Istria City FC taking on La Querida, an easy win for the Lions, right? Wrong again. They've been exhausted by their 5 weeks of gauntlet, and La Querida almost played spoiler to their title hopes. They had to dig deep for their goal, and it would be the Chromatika center back, Xe Xuang, who would come off the bench and score the team's only goal in the 54th minute, on a header off a corner kick almost immediately after he came onto the pitch. It was a nervewracking affair for Istria City however, with the team missing a multitude of chances to finish off La Querida. Xuang almost went from hero to villain after a handball knocked them down to 10 men and allowed a penalty kick, but fortunately for Lions fans, Mo Moss, although wrong footing Carlton Sandt, skied his opportunity over the bar.

Istria City escapes. With one game left, they lead at the top of the table, 82 points to 80. What else happened this weekend? A ton. Avenida Leal had a massive upset last week just to get the away draw against Mâ Âlâmëómë, that set Istria City FC up at the top of the table. They are fighting like hell, refusing to get relegated. They went to the Banijan capitol and crushed one-time title contenders Busukuma AC, by a score of 3-0. What a disappointing second half for Busukuma AC, by the way. 43 points in the first half of the season- and just 28 in the second, with a -6 goal differential? Massively disappointing. Still, not only are they in the Champions League, a draw against Mâ Âlâmëómë on the Final Day will put them directly through to the group stages of the CL. Easier said than done? Of course. But just food for thought. The Flying Jellyfish and Avenida Principal both got crushed, which set us up for a chaotic final day at the bottom of the table, in regards to Farf relegation.

The Hawabark Boulders were officially relegated with a game remaining on their schedule. In a do-or-die game against a suddenly resurgent La Nueva Avenida, they went out not with a bang, but a whimper. One season after becoming the first Banijan team to be promoted twice into the S-FPL, they became the first Banijan team to be relegated twice, as they got crushed 6-0. The game was over at halftime, as the score was already 4-0 at that point. An epic collapse- the Force, not that long ago, were six points back. After Matchday 25, the Boulders had 19 points, and the Force, 13. Since then, the Boulders have won 1 and lost 11 of 12 games- which is why they were relegated. Earning just three points over your last 13 games is not a good way to stay up. While they have one more game, they will go back down to the 2nd tier. And with fierce competition down there, who knows when the next time they'll be part of the big time is?

S-FPL Table               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Istria City FC         37   25   7   5   129   48  +81    82
 2 Mâ Âlâmëómë            37   25   5   7   163   61 +102    80
 3 La Nueva Avenida       37   21   8   8   124   37  +87    71
 4 Busukuma AC            37   22   5  10    75   61  +14    71
 5 Herzegovina City FC    37   20   8   9   124   72  +52    68
 6 Jinja City FC          37   19  10   8   108   62  +46    67
 7 Rülândéá Kôstä         37   19   8  10   113   68  +45    65
 8 René Skaé              37   18   9  10    97   59  +38    63
 9 Kitara AA              37   17  10  10    83   56  +27    61
10 Hoima Warriors         37   17   7  13    95   76  +19    58
11 Dí Maozöxê             37   15   9  13    95   69  +26    54
12 Ausharmuj Marusi       37   13   6  18    76   90  −14    45
13 Avenida Leal           37    9  12  16    51   78  −27    39
14 Busembe Timberwolves   37   10   9  18    69  108  −39    39
15 Flying Jellyfish       37   10   8  19    60  103  −43    38
16 Avenida Principal      37   10   7  20    70  126  −56    37
17 Mynda Electra          37    9   8  20    52   91  −39    35
18 Busukuma Force         37    6   9  22    42  117  −75    27
19 Hawabark Boulders      37    6   4  27    39  116  −77    22
20 La Querida             37    3   3  31    32  199 −167    12

Everything left to play for on the Final Day

Even though there is only one game left, there is plenty to play for on the Final Day in this league. Hell, almost nothing in this league is completely decided. With a week to go until the Final Day, we're going to take you through exactly what is left to play for.

Final Day Matchups (Home team listed first)
Mâ Âlâmëómë v. Busukuma AC
Avenida Leal v. Hoima Warriors
Ausharmuj Marusi v. René Skaé
Mynda Electra v. Kitara AA
Avenida Principal v. Rülândéá Kôstä
Busembe Timberwolves v. Jinja City FC
Flying Jellyfish v. Dí Maozöxê
Busukuma Force v. La Nueva Avenida
Hawabark Boulders v. Istria City FC
La Querida v. Herzegovina City FC

#1 The League Title- Istria City with 82 points, Mâ Âlâmëómë with 80 points

The most important one, right? Let's set the stage. The pressure is entirely on Istria City. If Mâ Âlâmëómë win, as expected, at home against Busukuma AC, then Istria City must defeat Hawabark outright to win the league title. A draw, and they'll lose the title on goal differential. A loss, and obviously, Mâ Âlâmëómë win the league outright, on points. They are the decided favorites against the already-relegated Boulders, however. Hawabark just lost 6-0, and have lost 13 of their last 14 games in the league. A bad team at home in terrible form. Hand the trophy to Istria City, right? Wrong. The nerves, now that they are top of the table, are there for Istria City. Istria City is capable of beating La Querida by 6 or 7 goals, like the rest of the league does on the regular. To only beat them 1-0? And to basically be a skied Mo Moss penalty away from dropping points to La Querida?

Dropping points to La Querida, at home, with the league title on the line and with one game left, would have been the ultimate humiliation. It was avoided- more by luck than by skill, but avoided nonetheless. If they had played anyone on Matchday 37 other than La Querida, they would've blown the lead. Of course, on the other hand, this is a team that has lost just once in their last 21 games. But they're clearly feeling the heat. Can they pull it together enough to get the three points required to win the title? Mâ Âlâmëómë actually have the much tougher opponent, playing Busukuma AC at home, but let's be real- Mâ Âlâmëómë simply does not lose games like this. They will apply the maximum amount of pressure on Istria City FC- it will be up to the Lions to see whether they rise to the occasion, or whether their ceiling in this competition is second place. There will be no better opportunity to win the league than the one they have in front of them right now- they must take it.

#2 Champions League auto group qualification- Three teams(La Nueva Avenida, Busukuma AC, and Herzegovina City) competing for the last two spots

The league has 8 Champions League berths, and the top 4 teams in this league get to skip the qualifying rounds and go straight into the group stages. Obviously, Mâ Âlâmëómë and Istria City FC will both be doing so, and in Pot 1 at that. But 3 teams left. La Nueva Avenida at 71, Busukuma AC at 71, and Herzegovina City at 68. Now remember, the first tiebreaker is overall goal differential... And LNA have an overwhelming advantage here. That goal differential is +87. Herzegovina City may be playing La Querida in their last game of the season, but not even La Querida will lose by enough to make up a 25 goal differential separation in one matchday. So, for all intents and purposes, LNA have clinched a place in the top 4 in this league.

It's the race for that last slot in the top 4 that is most interesting. Herzegovina City are three points behind, yes. But they've got the goal differential tiebreaker. And look at opponents- while Herzegovina City have the league's easiest opponent in La Querida, Busukuma AC have the league's most difficult opponent. Going on the road to face a Mâ Âlâmëómë that needs all three points to keep their title hopes alive. While Busukuma AC are expected to sit back and play for the draw.. Is that possible? Despite being up by 3 points, it may take a minor miracle for them to get that point, considering their form. But who knows- Busukuma AC did beat them 1-0 on Matchday 19, right? Anything's possible.

#3 League's last Champions League berth- René Skaé with 63 points, Kitara AA with 61 points

7 of the league's 8 Champions League slots have been doled out. It's the race for that last Champions League slot that will keep interesting up and down the table. René Skaé currently sit in 8th, with 63 points, while Kitara AA are right behind them, with 61 points. Both of these teams travel for the final day, as they try to get into the world's most prestigious competition. René Skaé goes to Ausharmuj Marusi, who have relatively little to play for, while Kitara AA goes to Mynda Electra, who also have relatively little to play for.

Neither of the opponents of these teams can really improve their lot. Ausharmuj Marusi have clinched 12th place no matter what the Final Day's results will look like, while Mynda Electra, while they can move around the table, cannot qualify for an IFCF place, nor can they get relegated. So in practicality, their lot cannot be improved either. Will that effect the Champions League races? Maybe, maybe not. It probably gives René Skaé a bit of an advantage in that department. While high-stakes, this is, ultimately, probably the least interesting of these 4 things left at stake.

#4 Farf Relegation Spot- Avenida Leal with 39 points, Flying Jellyfish with 38 points, Avenida Principal with 37 points

All sorts of chaos. How long ago was it when Avenida Leal and Avenida Principal were duking it out between themselves for who stayed in the league? But then... They kept winning. Both teams kept racking up points amidst upsets, while the Flying Jellyfish, who thought they were safe probably 12 weeks ago, suddenly seem to be fighting for their very lives in the top flight. Now, of course, there's a chance that none of this really matters and that La Querida actually gets relegated... But the chances of that happening are the chances of Marco Hertel joining the priesthood.

What the hell is happening here? It goes like this. Whoever finishes highest among these teams? Goes to the IFCF Challenger's Cup. 2nd is safe in the S-FPL, and last of the 3 gets relegated entirely. All three are playing at home. Leal getting a Hoima team that can't improve their Challenger's Cup lot. Prinicipal getting a Rülândéá Kôstä team that is surely going to the Champions League, and the Flying Jellyfish drawing Dí Maozöxê, who are in 11th place no matter what. There are 3 home games, and honestly, these three teams are all underdogs, but all of them are playing against undermotivated opponents. So who are the favorites?

We have no idea! Anything could happen. Leal probably has the advantage? Since they lead now. But truly, anything could happen. And don't forget... The Busembe Timberwolves. They could stumble out of 14th place as well, playing Jinja City FC at home. While they can't get relegated, one of these Farf teams could take advantage of a Timberwolves fumble and take their spot in IFCF competition. It'd be a massive, chaotic, fun time covering these three games.

Speaking of the Timberwolves, by the way...

Timberwolves are sold! Former Vanorian World Cup winner drops $300 million NSDs on the Timberwolves as their sale is finally completed

BUSEMBE, KITARA- Fadron Pizza has announced the finalized sale of the Busembe Timberwolves to Espy va Drake, for the small fortune of $300 million NSDs.

"We searched far and wide for a buyer who would serve as an effective steward for this club." They told reporters. "The Busembe Timberwolves are an iconic institution, and we have been proud to serve as the club's stewards. We have led the club for a very long time- from the BSL days, to the S-FPL days. We are, firmly and with stability, a S-FPL club, having stayed here six consecutive seasons without serious threat of relegation. We consistently compete for places in the IFCF Challenger's Cup, and we are proud of what we've brought to this team."

"But even good things come to an end. In Espy va Drake, we've found a buyer who understands the sport, and truly understand the club. There is wide support for him in the community, which helped us make this decision. But this is an elf with literally a century of playing experience, at the club level. He lives and breathes club football. He is not only going to continue the stable path that we've built for the Timberwolves, but he is going to push the club forward to greatness. It is rare to sell a club to an athlete- we know that he will be an excellent steward for this team, in this city."

Espy va Drake made a short public statement as well. "I know I was not the favorite to buy this team, being an athlete going up against these mega corporations. But football is about more than just money. I've always been an underdog. Even way back in my playing days- I'm, at heart, just a kid from Turmondale. I went through the academy like everybody else, and before I got big in C&M, I've always worked hard. I want to ensure that plenty of people have those same opportunities that i had, and help bring joy to the fans and community around the Timberwolves." Espy va Drake is expected to be introduced as the club's owner at halftime of their Matchday 38 home tilt with Jinja City FC.

Other News
- Rumors abound that Fadron Pizza did not take the highest monetary offer for the team. However, they still made out like bandits, considering that they only spent $50 million when they purchased this team. Selling price at 6X the purchase price is absolutely an explosion in valuation, and that is thanks to their continued success within the Shango-Fogoa Premier League. Rumors exist, however, that AOPIC had a larger bid, even though Fadron Pizza felt that the club would be in better hands of va Drake, while still performing their fiduciary obligations to their own stakeholders. Speaking of AOPIC...
- AOPIC have clearly left an impression on the Banijan game. In a much quieter, less publicized move, AOPIC have purchased a majority stake in Capitol City FC, who have just earned promotion from the regional leagues to Banija's second tier. While missing out on the S-FPL team despite allegedly having the largest monetary bid, the purchase amounts as a coup. This brings, of course, the idea of the state-owned club to Banija for the first time. In the second tier, yes. But still... this gives Jabal Akhdar's Emir at least a decent shot at reaching the S-FPL. Can't complain about that, right?

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 2:37 pm

-Season 6-

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)
Mâ Âlâmëómë v. Busukuma AC
Avenida Leal v. Hoima Warriors
Ausharmuj Marusi v. René Skaé
Mynda Electra v. Kitara AA
Avenida Principal v. Rülândéá Kôstä
Busembe Timberwolves v. Jinja City FC
Flying Jellyfish v. Dí Maozöxê
Busukuma Force v. La Nueva Avenida
Hawabark Boulders v. Istria City FC
La Querida v. Herzegovina City FC

4:15 PM: The eyes of the Shango-Fogoa Basin, and many foreign fans beyond the Basin, will rest primarily on two cities this afternoon- Istria City playing in Hawabark, and then Mâ Âlâmëómë at their own home stadium. In just a quarter of an hour, with so much at stake for so many teams, we will begin the final matchday of the sixth season of the S-FPL. And what an experiment this has been, right? So much high-quality, attacking football. A season that is coming down, surely, to an extremely dramatic finish. And this live blog is the best place to witness it all. We've got reporters at all 10 stadia where matches are taking place today, all at the same time.

4:20 PM: Remember, while the main eyes are on Hawabark and Lìbêrêtê, there is plenty to play for elsewhere. Herzegovina City FC and Busukuma AC are both looking for results that would allow them to skip the qualifying rounds of the Champions League, and enter the competition directly. The league's 8th Champions League berth will be decided between René Skaé and Kitara AA, who are traveling to Ausharmuj Marusi and Mynda Electra, respectively. And last, but certainly not least, there's the chaotic end of the race to avoid relegation on the Farf side of things, as three teams remain in contention for both the last Challenger's Cup spot, and the Farf sides only relegation slot.

4:23 PM: But we'll be following the action from everywhere! Espy va Drake will be introduced as the Timberwolves official owner at halftime today, and is expected to be received with rapturous applause from the Timberwolves faithful. Even scenes from him going to the match were quite chaotic. He walked into a bar where Timberwolves fans hang out in Busembe, and apparently signed autographs for a half hour straight. Having a superstar as your team owner? It's gonna be a fun ride for the Timberwolves. Nothing but hope for them and their fans? It'll be Bøb Übermanager's best chance to impress the new owner in person, as they apparently only met in person for the first time yesterday.

4:31 PM: And we're off! All 10 games have all kicked off as the Final Day officially is underway. In Hawabark, there is an extra large traveling fanbase- as Istria City fans are naturally more than excited for their opportunity to win their first ever S-FPL title. You have your usual allocation, but with many Banijan teams more lax on strict fan segregation outside of the official supporters section, Istria City fans organized themselves to buy out a few more sections. And they made the trek to Hawabark, an interior city that's not that easy to get to. Looks like probably a quarter to a third of fans inside the Hawabark Olympic Stadium are wearing the orange and black. A good sign?

4:37 PM: The first goal of the matchday has been scored! Avenida Leal are one of those three teams competing to avoid relegation from Farfadillis, alongside Avenida Prinicipal and the Flying Jellyfish. But their bid to avoid the doldrums of lower league football has gotten off to a poor start, as Hoima Warriors striker Lukas Boldfont headed in what was essentially a free header on a cross from his Equestrian captain, Josef Lawerenz. 1-0 to the visiting Warriors.

4:42 PM: And the goals, even 12 minutes in, are really coming in now! Kitara AA is making their bid to get back to the Champions League, and they have started off well with a sliding finish by their own #9, Nightingale. She celebrated with a cartwheel in front of a silent Electra Stadium, except for the visiting Kitara AA chorus. In what many observers are increasingly seeing as her last game in a Kitara uniform, the former Champions League winner seems quite intent on enjoying her final match in a Kitara AA uniform.

4:45 PM: WHAT A CHANCE for Dembo Savaneh to give Istria City the lead! He came oh so close to giving his Lions side the lead and the potential immutable advantage in the race for a league title. It was a great play from the winger. He had received a long ball down the sideline from Oguta Achuka, which was able to stretch and open up the Hawabark defense. He beat a pair of defenders on the dribble and went for goal himself, only to be denied by a sliding Giovanni Falco at point blank range, who did a great job in coming out confidently and closing down the angle. Istria City are really knocking on Hawabark's door. /

4:47 PM: And it's a good thing that they are doing so, because Latona Basilisk has scored for Mâ Âlâmëómë! The star striker has officially given Mâ Âlâmëómë the advantage in the title race, as her headed goal move her squad onto 83 points in the live table, and officially level with Istria City FC, who also have 83 points. Of course, this means advantage to Mâ Âlâmëómë, as their massive goal differential advantage would mean that they would win the league title if scores stay the same.

4:50 PM: And three minutes later, there's another one for this league's biggest star! This time with her right foot. This league is chalk full of stars, of course, but Basilisk might be the brightest among them. If the Galacticos awards still existed, she'd have to be a favorite to lead that front line. The way she just repeatedly scores at will, at the domestic level, is insane. Of course, she leads the front line for a club that regularly scores 150+ goals a season, so that's how that works. Anyways, 2-0 to the current champions, looking for a threepeat. That's bad news for Busukuma AC, which means...

4:51 PM: Great news for Herzegovina City! They obviously want to finish top 4, and they are dancing all over La Querida now. They are 3-0 up, as Pan Xilei and La Querida simply cannot hang with them. Jason Þórhallursson scored the opener, with Habib Fadika scoring twice to get the Trumpeteers to where they stand right now. They are 3-0 and rolling. We've seen this script so many times for La Querida before- the floodgates open, and the opposing team keeps on pouring it on. There's no chance for La Querida to even get a point- so Busukuma AC needs to get back into things if they want to get that group stage berth in the Champions League.

4:58 PM: Speaking of the Champions League! While the René Skaé trip to Ausharmuj Marusi has been a tight, 0-0 draw so far, two things have happened that will seem to change that. A wild challenge from Mac Rojas of Ausharmuj Marusi on Eötrenois Rigozsoldos left the referee with no choice not only to award a penalty, but give him a red card for the reckless challenge. But that just sparked things. With tensions already high in the game, a shoving match began. Ausharmuj Marusi center back Ecésar der Efer threw a punch, and for that, he was also thrown a red card. There was violence in the stands as well- but we were lucky to avoid a full-scale riot, considering how these things sometimes go in Farfadillis. Now two men down, Eötrenois Rigozsoldos slotted home a penalty for the visitors, and René Skaé suddenly seemed well on their way to the Champions League.

5:04 PM: AND THERE'S THE GOAL! Simultaneously, two big goals that help shape the title race. While Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí scored to give Mâ Âlâmëómë a 3-0 lead on the day, there would be a goal for Istria City FC. A deft piece of one touch football, where a play sequence started by Dembo Savaneh saw the ball go to Linoan Waters, to Luhukay, and then to KHO, who was able to hit a back heel through ball to Avetisyan. The Iskandrian, with all that passing leaving him wide open, took a touch and blasted it with his left foot into the back of the net. The damn finally breaking to the Boulders resistance, the celebrations by Istria City FC were emphatic. And they were on top of the table! Leading 1-0. Was that the goal that would win them the title, despite Mâ Âlâmëómë utterly destroying Busukuma AC?

5:12 PM: René Skaé has scored three times since their penalty, as a 9 man Ausharmuj Marusi simply cannot hold up against the attack from René Skaé. What was suddenly a tight game, after the crucial moment, has turned into an absolute route, as René Skaé not only keep getting opportunities, but taking them with emphatic energy. Now up 4-0 on the day, the race for the last Champions League spot really does seem over. Even if Sergius Atieno scored with a bicycle kick just a few moments ago- they need René Skaé to drop points, and that simply doesn't seem to be happening, beyond any sort of a miracle.

5:18 PM: We're at halftime everywhere! Let's take you through scores right now.

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

As we can see, some very interesting scores around the entirety of the Basin so far. The only really interesting thing at halftime anywhere is Espy va Drake's miniature speech, and then his slight jog around the grounds, high-fiving a bunch of Timberwolves fans who are in the front row.

5:33 PM: And every game has gotten underway in the last two minutes! We're back, baby.

5:35 PM: Let's talk about the Farf relegation race, right? Avenida Leal find themselves down 2-0 at home, in a game that they know they must have, or they are relying on Principal and Flying Jellyfish to drop points at home to stay in the S-FPL next season. For a team that's fairly desperate, they are outright struggling. Hoima, a team with absolutely nothing to play for, have come out with poise and energy, and have that decisive it factor. Avenida Leal? It seems as if the pressure of the moment is too much for them. They are playing scared. And it shows. They are trying to get forward- but there's no cohesion, there's no decisiveness, there's too much caution. It's allowing Hoima's midfield to dominate the center of the pitch, which means Leal cannot impose their will on the game. But think- with current scores, you've got Leal at 39 points, Principal and the Flying Jellyfish are deadlocked at 38, but the Flying Jellyfish have the goal differential advantage.

5:38 PM: There's another goal from the Flying Jellyfish match! With both sets of Champions League races all but decided, we can focus on the Farf relegation race and the title race. While Principal still remain deadlocked in Farolera, a beautiful, bending free kick from Theodor Thorsen sent the Nystadion into raptures. Their match level at 2-2, that moves them to 39 points, level with Avenida Leal. Although Avenida Leal would get into the Challenger's Cup ahead of them on current scores, they are safe for now, at least. With Avenida Prinicipal sitting at 38 points in the live table... Anything can happen.

5:44 PM: Oh so very close for Istria City! They hold the lead, yes, but they are knocking down on the door of the already-relegated Boulders. For a team that knows this is their last S-FPL match for at least a year, and probably longer, they are holding up decently in the back. Defending with pride and honor. But as long as this remains a one goal game, they are at home, remember. The title race is still open. A strong attacking move gave KHO the opportunity for a half volley, and she struck it extremely well. Hawabark's goalkeeper could only watch as the half volley hit the top of the crossbar, and then bounced high and out, harmlessly for a goal kick. Istria City is very close to putting this match to the sword, and putting the title race to bed- by sucking the drama out of it. Which their opponent is already relegated, right? That wouldn't be that hard.

5:44 PM: And there's a goal for Rülândéá Kôstä! That is the first of their contest against Avenida Prinicipal. With Avenida Leal having conceded two more goals in the last couple of minutes, we know that they are going to be on 39 points at the final. They aren't coming back down 4-0, at home. But everyone at that ground is simply watching their phones now, watching games from both Fröndt and elsewhere in Victoria Lago. And they just watched some of their fiercest local rivals, Avenida Principal, go down 1-0 via a cheeky left footed chip from Rülândéá Kôstä striker Aire Epherra, over the head of Principal's goalkeeper. It's a three-way race, of course, but Principal's situation is seemingly dire. They are now down to 37 points, and probably need all three if they are to survive, because of goal difference. They're going to throw everyone forward- but can it make a difference?

5:52 PM: The intensity in many of these matchups is being ratcheted up. The nerves, the tension- oh wait, Istria City center back Kawsu Marenah has lost the ball in the center of the pitch! The pacey young winger swiped the ball from an unsuspecting Marenah, who was being quite lazy with it. Look at him sprint up the pitch! Nobody's gonna catch him. It's just him and Carlton Sandt... AND HE POWERS IT HOME! GOAL FOR HAWABARK! The stadium has exploded with life, 64 minutes on! Hufane Huruuse, of all players, with his goal for the Boulders, has just put Mâ Âlâmëómë in the driver's seat to win a league title! He leaps into the crowd as Istria City's players sit there, stunned. Will their inability to put this game away earlier come back to haunt them?

5:57 PM: It's all about desperation now for the Lions! They are throwing everybody forward. At the same time, Hawabark Olympic Stadium, in their last top flight home game for a while, seem to be bellowing at a fevered pitch. A chance to take those annoying Istrians down a peg? Ruin their bid for a title? They wouldn't ever stop enjoying this one. Suddenly, ever tackle, every interception, is met with a wall of noise. This would be one of the most shocking plot turnarounds in years- an already relegated team denying the league leaders a shot at the title, on the Final Day.

6:02 PM: Meanwhile, in the relegation race, the Flying Jellyfish have scored again! They take the lead for the first time on the day, as local product Veli-Pekka Salikarí scores the goal of his life. Last year they were in the Farf Lower leagues- but that's not only the goal of salvation, but the goal to put them all the way into the Challenger's Cup? They've got 41 point snow. And what about the other Challenger's Cup spot... Look at Busembe! Espy va Drake seemed ready to rush the field himself, because at the same time as that goal, Timberwolves striker Wesoloski-Okafor, the national team striker who will certainly be on the move, scored a stunner of a goal to give the Timberwolves a 1-0 lead himself. A diving header from about the penalty spot, that looped over the goalkeeper's head and into the net. Shoot them up to 42 points- if the 1-0 lead holds, none of the three Farf sides can catch them.

6:06 PM: AND THERE'S A PENALTY IN HAWABARK! Oh, what a barnstormer of a match we're having at the Hawabark Olympic Stadium! Only a yellow card shown, but a clear foul on Linoan Waters by Boulders center back Yaxye Yalaxow. An absolutely clear foul on the Brenecian, they had no choice but to call it. The sliding challenge came well late, and the referee had no choice but to point at the spot. Yalaxow got all leg, and didn't even argue the call. But look at the gamesmanship and disruption from Hawabark. Even though Avetisyan picks up the ball and walks it towards the spot, three of Hawabark's defenders surround Kate Huitema-Omeasoo. The feint didn't work- there's no doubt about who is going to take the biggest penalty in club history. They're clearly trying to get into her head, and rattle her. Djoka Tomanovic, when the referee isn't looking, even smacks the Quebecois striker's back! Insane. Who knows what they said to her. But they surely weren't wishing her luck.

6:07 PM: It take a minute to clear players away from the referee and the taker, and Kate Huitema-Omeasoo steps up to take the penalty. Think about the pressure. 79th minute. Istria City has a long line of great #9s, and she's the greatest to come through the club. But can she really vault herself into legendary status by scoring the title-winning penalty? Giovanni Falco says something to her from net, and she jaws back. What was said? We don't know. She steps forward to take the penalty... AND SHE SKIES IT! SHE SKIED IT! Oh no KHO! Her hands are above her head as she turns around in a state of shock. Hawabark fans let her have it as the league title continues to slip from her grasp.

6:11 PM: The race for the league's last two Challenger's Cup spots seems to have played itself out. There's been an equalizer in Busembe, as Jinja City winger Junior Ngoba scores to level things at Tiones Lumber Field at the Wolf's Den. But with Rülândéá Kôstä scoring a second goal away against Avenida Prinicipal, and Dí Maozöxê equalizing against the Flying Jellyfish, it seems as if everything is level. The Timberwolves it at 40 pionts, Avenida Leal at 39 points(presently down 5-0), the Flying Jellyfish also at 39(level), and Principal, at 37 and down 2. 83 minutes on, Principal probably need 3 goals to avoid relegation- at this late hour, that doesn't seem possible? Tension builds in the air in Victoria Lago as Avenida Prinicipal embrace the fact that they are about to get relegated. Mâ Âlâmëómë have scored a fifth goal against Busukuma, but all eyes are to see if the Boulders can hold on...

6:14 PM: AND THEY CANNOT! WOMAN OF THE HOUR KATGE HUITEMA-OMEASOO HAS COME THROUGH AT THE CRUCIAL MOMENT! With everything on the line! What a drastically disappointing ending to the season this could've been for her. She's truly come into her own- 30 goal campaign, leading Istria City on the brink. What if that missed penalty had come to deny her campaign? But she didn't let it keep her down. She came back, and just a few minutes later, she took a hot one on the ground from Waters, did a stepover move to beat a Boulders defender, and called game, placing the ball firmly into the upper corner. She was going to enjoy it as the visiting fans went mad, just tasting the league title. 86 minutes on- what a match!

6:22 PM: It's the 4th minute of stoppage time at the Hawabark Olympic Stadium! All other matches have ended... And the whistle is blown! Istria City are champions! The Lions are champions! Oh wow, what a season, what a game, what a life! The black and orange have won their first ever S-FPL title, courtesy of the maestro, Kate Huitema-Omeasoo herself! The star-studded big city club turned to its stars in their moment of need, and they came through, with KHO keeping her composure a few minutes after the missed penalty and striking true. They have broken the Rulandese stranglehold on the title, by bringing it home to Banija's largest and richest city. What a ride, what a season, what a campaign.

Take a look at the final scores, and the final table, below.

FINAL DAY SCORES
Mâ Âlâmëómë 5–0 Busukuma AC
Avenida Leal 0–5 Hoima Warriors
Ausharmuj Marusi 1–6 René Skaé
Mynda Electra 3–6 Kitara AA
Avenida Principal 0–2 Rülândéá Kôstä
Busembe Timberwolves 1–1 Jinja City FC
Flying Jellyfish 3–3 Dí Maozöxê
Busukuma Force 5–3 La Nueva Avenida
Hawabark Boulders 1–2 Istria City FC
La Querida 1–12 Herzegovina City FC

Final Table

S-FPL Table               Pld   W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Istria City FC         38   26   7   5   131   49  +82    85 - League champions, Pot 1 of the group stages of the IFCF Champions League; qualify for the AOCL
 2 Mâ Âlâmëómë            38   26   5   7   168   61 +107    83 - Pot 1 of the group stages of the IFCF Champions League; qualify for the AOCL
 3 La Nueva Avenida       38   21   8   9   127   42  +85    71 - Qualify for the group stages of the IFCF Champion's League
 4 Herzegovina City FC    38   21   8   9   136   73  +63    71 - Qualify for the group stages of the IFCF Champion's League
 5 Busukuma AC            38   22   5  11    75   66   +9    71 - Qualify for the Third Preliminary Round of the IFCF Champion's League
 6 Rülândéá Kôstä         38   20   8  10   115   68  +47    68 - Qualify for the Third Preliminary Round of the IFCF Champion's League
 7 Jinja City FC          38   19  11   8   109   63  +46    68 - Qualify for the Second Preliminary Round of the IFCF Champion's League
 8 René Skaé              38   19   9  10   103   60  +43    66 - Qualify for the Second Preliminary Round of the IFCF Champion's League
 9 Kitara AA              38   18  10  10    89   59  +30    64 - Qualify for the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup
10 Hoima Warriors         38   18   7  13   100   76  +24    61 - Qualify for the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup
11 Dí Maozöxê             38   15  10  13    98   72  +26    55 - Qualify for the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup
12 Ausharmuj Marusi       38   13   6  19    77   96  −19    45 - Qualify for the group stages of the IFCF Challenger's Cup
13 Busembe Timberwolves   38   10  10  18    70  109  −39    40 - Qualify for the Third Qualifying Round of the IFCF Challenger's Cup
14 Avenida Leal           38    9  12  17    51   83  −32    39 - Qualify for the Third Qualifying IFCF Challenger's Cup
15 Flying Jellyfish       38   10   9  19    63  106  −43    39
16 Avenida Principal      38   10   7  21    70  128  −58    37 - Relegated
17 Mynda Electra          38    9   8  21    55   97  −42    35
18 Busukuma Force         38    7   9  22    47  120  −73    30
19 Hawabark Boulders      38    6   4  28    40  118  −78    22- Relegated
20 La Querida             38    3   3  32    33  211 −178    12

All that remains is Herzegovina City's AOCL Final at the Stadium of the Two Sisters. Will they make it one trophy each for the Moravican rivals when they take on the Kings of Atlantian Oceania, Raynor City United?

Atlantian Oceania Champions League Final

Raynor City United(VAL) v. Herzegovina City FC at the Stadium of the Two Sisters (cap. 98,625) in Canterlot, Equestria

*Omar Sanyang at the beginning of the penalty shootout*

There had been a lot of pressure for Omar Sanyang going into this match. He knew as well as everybody in the stadium knew, as well as anyone who followed football in the Basin knew- that this matchup was a do or die for him. His superiors had made it perfectly clear that going on four seasons without a trophy was absolutely unacceptable for a club of their stature, considering the talent levels that they had and the amount of money spent to assemble their current squad. Now in his fourth season, they've had quite a few close calls. They lead the all-time table for the S-FPL, and yet, have zero league titles. They have been to an IFCF Final in Pasarga, but unfortunately for them, they lost the Challenger's Cup Final that year.

The 0-0 draw at the Stadium of the Two Sisters had not exactly been a barnstormer of a match. Sometimes, when you reach major tournament Finals, the nerves get the better of you, as everybody is afraid of making a mistake. That wasn't true of Raynor City United- in their fifth consecutive AOCL Final, they've been here before, and feared nothing. Herzegovina City, obviously, has played in matches of this stature before. But with the noise surrounding Omar Sanyang's career prospects at the club, the nerves emanated from manager to club- and went throughout the lineup. The normally free-flowing and high-flying Trumpeteers squad were much more cautious than normal on the day, with commentators saying that they were playing 'not to lose' rather than the trademark S-FPL style of trying to grab a game by the horns.

When the final whistle blew at the end of extra time, the players on the pitch naturally walked back towards the dugout. Time for penalties. "Ok my friends." Omar Sanyang looked at all of them, a few even in the eye. They all knew what was at stake for the coach- win the trophy, or this would be the last time they'd see him in this capacity. "We're going to go out here and win this shootout. Shootouts are not won by luck- they are won by composure. This is why we practiced them in training." That was true. In their walkthrough the night before in Canterlot, here in this stadium, they had gone through the motions of a shootout. Who had known whether or not it would be necessary? But practicing everything- from the long walk, and what not. Pumping in crowd noise.

"We'll be shooting down on our end." He continued. "And we're shooting second. Not ideal, but that's how it goes." He scanned around- looked in the faces of his players. Who did he feel were ready for the responsibility of a shootout? "Kuznetsov- you'll go first." The Chromatik simply nodded his head. "Uzoma, second. Fadika, third. Mullins, fourth. And Þórhallursson? You'll shoot fifth." The players all nodded their heads. He assigned Tijan Sowe and Reniira Clevinger, to go sixth and seventh, respectively- if necessary. The first and second sets of penalties on both sides were clinical. Kuznetsov smashing the ball into one corner, and Uzoma doing another. Raynor City United's first two takes also confidently and accurately smashing towards the corner. After Raynor City United smashed their third penalty, Sanyang caught the look on Fadika's face. Fear.

"Oh fucking shit." Sanyang muttered to himself. He clapped, trying to give Fadika some confidence, but there was no look to the sideline. Fadika was isolated. And when he took his penalty, that was shown. He went to the keeper's left, and RCU's keeper made the first save of the shootout. "Fuck." Sanyang muttered to himself as the other bench celebrated. "C'mon Gentle Breeze!" He yelled as his Equestrian star goalkeeper. The former World Cup winner stepped up in net. RCU's taker went to her left, and Gentle Breeze was all over it.

"YES!" Omar Sanyang yelled, from the touchline. The shootout was level once again. And as Mullins buried his penalty, they were level at 3. That means sudden death. Sanyang started praying. But Gentle Breeze had studied up. RCU's taker went to her right, and Gentle Breeze was right there, making the second consecutive save. "LET"S GO!" Sanyang yelled from the touchline. That meant Þórhallursson would have a chance to win this shootout.

The Rushmori star striker walked up with a determined look on his face. He looked like he was going to smash it to the keeper's left- but then, cheekily, went for the Panenka. The powerful striker went for touch and composure at the exact right moment, as the keeper dove left and his penalty floated straight down the middle. A touch of class as he, and his teammates, flew straight to Herzegovina City's keeper to celebrate. "CHAMPIONS!" Sanyang yelled. What a breath of fresh air. Sigh of relief? Hell yeah. He had kept his job at Banija's biggest club. But more importantly than that- they were champions of Atlantian Oceania. As he jumped up and down, he knew that their celebration of their first international trophy, and his first trophy as a manager at this club, he knew that this joyous moment was something that could never be taken from him.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 5:25 pm

Post reserved.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 6:59 pm

-Season 7-

A few notes before the season

Lats season, Istria City FC won their first S-FPL league title on the back of Kate Huitema-Omeasoo's goalscoring, as well as last-minute heroics. Can the team defend their title? No, they can't, this is a cut-throat league in which you just can't survive if Mâ Âlâmëómë manage to successfully witchcraft you away from the title race. Matchdays 25 through 30 will be absolutely brutal for the defending champions. Nonetheless, Kate Huitema-Omeasoo will keep her form, as well as her place as one of the top strikers in the Multiverse, while new signing Lindse Kvasina will be key to the team's creative output throughout the season. By the end of it, one will be wondering which of the two is the better player⁠—which is not a knock on either, to be clear⁠—and, more importantly, one will be wondering just how far this team will be able to get in future season with these two combining so effortlessly to absolutely terrorize some of the average defenses in the Multiverse.

What will be of last season's runners-up, the Rulandese giants, Mâ Âlâmëómë? Well, we don't want to reveal the champion quite yet. However, the key players to their season will be the usual suspects. Latona Basilisk will show signs of decline, but still be one of the best striker in the league. Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí will not show signs of decline, and be the team's best player, and maybe even the league's (but we're not spoiling that either!). Esther Axelrod-Conway will score no fewer than three pokers this season, but two of them will be against La Querida in the same match and therefore not count. Asztrik Biró will continue goign from strength to strength, being employed as both a left winger and as a right winger when the situation calls for it. Lavana Naqvi will show worrying signs of aging, and Mâ Âlâmëómë will look to replace her with another Squornshelan next season.

What about last season's 71-point trifecta? Well, La Nueva Avenida will be notable for having signed none other than Anselm Koerner. He will, however, be utterly unable to prevent his team from being somewhat—but not terribly—mediocre. A lot of their older players will show signs of decline, with Horacio Bastanchury and Rashica Horvath the worst offenders. Also, management will finally start to wonder how Soter Duraniona has managed to amass about 200 games for the Farolerans. An inverse Jìì, but very toned down, for anyone who follows the Astograthian league. As for Herzegovina City FC, they will once again desperately chase the title, because before unification they never in a million years imagined they'd be yet to win a league title starting the S-FPL's seventh season, yet here we are. New signing Renate March will breathe some life into the team, and players like Reniira Clevinger, Vasiliy Marten Kuznetsov and Jason Þórhallursson will hit their stride. This all means they will definitely mount a very serious challenge for the title? Will they win? Well, all we'll say is we won't spoil that quite yet! Finally, Busukuma AC will be nowhere near the title: last season was a fluke, as their goal difference makes clear. Their defense will continue to impress, and they'll have their Québecois defenders to thank for that. Also, Faroleran youngster Blas Bobillo will piss on the pitch live on three separate instances in order to protest the Banijan relief packages arguably spearheaded by his uncle, Ruperto Fôx, Banijan politician. Which will be very weird, since Blas Bobillos is a full-blooded Faroleran and Farolera gets heavily benefited with the relief package, but that's politics for you!

What about our favorite coastal criminals? Well, Rülândéá Kôstä will have a very good season, but will not win the title. A last hurrah for Aire Epherra will see him score a lot of goals per game. He will, however, also miss a lot of games on account of having to film Boldheart, an Astograthian film that will become a bit too much of a classic throughout Farfadillis, with violent consequences. Erin Kang will have a brilliant season, Baraxil Muhaburu will enter rehab, become the league's best player for six matchdays, then have a relapse and close out the season with a very respectable average rating despite that. Té Xüwân, capped for Farfadillis, will have a brilliant first half of the season, before having his spot in the starting eleven suddenly usurped by a seventeen-year-old Lêyêló Jáánsêlà. An internal investigation will conclude all purportedly-Astograthian players at the club are indeed Astograthian. And yes, that will include fifteen-year-old centerback Astograth coming through the youth ranks. Yaunzuria Urgoiti will barely make it through the investigation, only to then finally break into the starting eleven and become one of the hottest commodities on the league. However, suspicions over her true nationality will remain.

Jinja City FC and René Skaé will share similar fates: a surprising amount of firepower will be counterbalanced by a very leaky defense, ultimately making them finish ninth, plus minus one. Kitara AA had it rough last season, and will have it even rougher this season. Furthermore, they'll find themselves forced to spend a non-insignificant amount of money on stadium repairs because they dared shut out Mâ Âlâmëómë at home. Hoima Warriors will surprise despite Chewbacca being their only truly good player. Dí Maozöxê will continue to swing wildly between relevance and irrelevance. Relevance will be ther order of the day this time around. Rôbé Wîjkár and Jôs Sürréo will become two of the hottest prospects in the league, while Lolong Bokate will continue to impress to the point that there will be a real possibility he leaves for one of the handful of better teams in the Multiverse. Demba Kinteh, however, will begin to show signs of aging.

And so we get to the relatively bad teams. Ausharmuj Marusi will exist throughout the season and continue to exist by the end of it. That is to say, they won't be the reason a certain Faroleran club once again avoids relegation. Ecésar der Efer will be great in defense, the ever-youthful Joaquim Martell will somehow still be a menace up front and Aodaghan Stern will blow a lot of defenses out of the water, pretty much out of nowhere, eventually maybe signing for a certain well-known Rulandese club.

Busembe Timberwolves will be unprecedentedly embarrassing. No player will go unbooed. They will not get relegated, but it will be way, way, way too close for comfort. They will also, believe it or not, concede almost forty more goals than the team with the third-worst defense, and will not even be terribly far from La Querida's defensive record (but still far). Avenida Leal will have a comparatively much better season. Tinni Grímolfursson will anchor their defense very effectively from midfield. Besides Tinni, their stand-out player of the season will be Ana Crowcombe, who better teams will no doubt try to pry away from the Faroleran team, even despite her mere six goals. She will miss no fewer than seven games because of emergency appointments with her team of psychologists, but still manage to amass tons of assists.

Further down, the teams that usually populate the lower end of the table will, unsurprisingly, continue to populate the lower end of the table.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 8:03 pm

Reserved.

by **Shango-Fogoa Premier League** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 8:54 pm

-Season 7-

Round-up!

Phew, what a season! Herzegovina City FC have finally managed to clinch an S-FPL league title once and for all. They did so on the back of an astonishing defensive performance, letting in considerably less than one goal per game! This is actually one goal shy from the record, and only the third time such a feat has been achieved. As such, it should come as a surprise to no-one that the winner of the Golden Ball was veteran Reniira Clevinger. However, the Trumpeteers' title was very much a team effort: Vasiliy Marten Kusnetzov is maybe the first player to win the S-FPL with two different teams, but we couldn't be bothered to check due to time constraints. The Chromatik was a dominating presence in midfield, generating danger every single game and barely missing out on the podium for the Golden Ball award, being edged out by teammate Jason Þórhallursson, who really turned up when he was not getting suspended or injured. He would've won the Golden Boot if not for that, in all likelihood. Instead, he won his fifth consecutive Bronze Boot instead.

One of the two teams that gave the Trumpeteers a fight were incumbent champions Istria City FC. Led by Kate Huitema-Omeasoo and Lindse Kvasina, their attacking prowess was pretty much unparalleled. An extremely solid showing from them. Their current set-up, in which two superstars lead the attack and the rest of the team just gels really well together, is a winning one, and one shouldn't be surprised to see them winning more titles in the future. The other team that gave the Trumpeteers a run for their money was, yes, Mâ Âlâmëómë. Being the best Farf team always counts for something in this league, so they've got bragging rights at least. However, excellence is always the objective for lôs Vhêrdês, and they were not excellent. With the exception of Asztrik Biró, who was once again excellent as a winger, the attack lacked firepower relative to past seasons. In midfield, nothing new under the sun as Esther Axelrod-Conway and Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí were the stand-out performers. The rest of the midfield could use some setting on fire, however. In defense, Alarabi Labeaga was very solid, while Rogerio Defigueroa finally grew into his role as starting goalkeeper.

Rülândéá Kôstä had a season of hellos and goodbyes. They say goodbye to their star striker Aire Epherra, who has opted to swerve towards a career as a moviestar. He scored a whopping 27 goals in 22 games, despite all of the movie shootings (and, in one case, a literal shooting in a movie) making him miss almost half the season. On the other hand, they say hello to new Farf wonderkid Lêyêló Jáánsêlà. The seventeen-year-old was a nobody until he was not, breaking into the starting eleven about halfway through the season and just stealing the spotlight game after game. Baraxil Muhaburu and Erin Kang were still the better players in midfield, although the former keeps succumbing more and more to his alcoholism. We got a short glimpse of what could've been of his career when he got into rehab, but it was a very shot-lived domination of the league. Tipi Izotzubia was great as a marauding fullback who looks like a Big Fucking Græntfjaller.

The following three best teams were all from Farfadillis, except for Hoima Warriors who snuck in on a dubious coin flip (despite tiebreakers including H2H results for all other ties, with the rules only getting amended for matchday 38) which secured Banija a third CL spot. They had rather average seasons, with the exception of Dí Maozöxê, who scored an incredible 135 goals but had little to show for it. Little is not nothing, however: Jôs Sürréo looks like a definite future starter for la Vherderoja after his exploits last season, only barely losing out on the Golden Bib to fellow Rulandese Lêyêló Jáánsêlà. La Nueva Avenida and René Skaé struggled to hit their stride, with their best players being inconsistent and their worst players being consistently mediocre. They'll need to look for alternatives in the next transfer window if they are to seriously challenge for the title in the near future. Hoima Warriors made CL football off the back of some RBSA lobbying and some great performances from Chewbacca.

What about the Challenger's Cup spots? No huge surprises there. Jinja City FC continue to disappoint. One has to wonder whether they'll be able to hang onto Radeka Lind for much longer. Busukuma AC both scored more and conceded fewer goals than last season, but predictably regressed to the mean regardless. They are where they belong. Avenida Leal were carried kicking and screaming to IFCF spots by Tinni Grímolfursson, Ana Crowcombe and Travis Grimaldi, as well as Ha'nei Ighv once she fully settled into the team. The Græntfjaller was brutally violent in midfield, but for the most part got away with it. The Nepharan was utterly brilliant whenever not trying to score; by the end of the season she looked fully adapted to the fact that she's too chicken shit to not pass to teammates when faced with clear-cut chances, and truly shone as a result. Grimaldi, for his part, just put in another silently great shift. Finally, Ighv was a very solid presence in fullback from matchday fifteen or so onwards; she's expected to only get better with time... and maybe be snapped away by a better team. Ausharmuj Marusi snuck into the IFCF spots on the back of Aodaghan Stern's out-of-left-field dominating performances, with help from traditional club hero Joaquim Martell. The defense was bad, but would've been much worse without Ecésar der Efer to elbow any problematic strikers in the face before pretending nothing happened. This worked whenever playing at home, as light always seemed to go out when he did it, rendering VAR unable to check replays. Kitara AA continue to fly under the radar and slide down the table. Safe to say the fairy tale is over.

Not a lot to be said about the bottom of the table. First off: Good God/Cagafuegos Timberwolves. That's just utterly pathetic. Borderline La Queridan performances. Not getting relegated was nothing short of a miracle for them. Busukuma Force barely, barely, very barely got relegated over them.

On the Farf side of the relegation battle, La Querida played worse than ever, but got saved thanks to Prostran I Forzuda filing the wrong paperwork after the season ended.

Other notable facts: Lakiska SC scored two goals for every three that La Querida scored, and Mynda Electra continue to exist, unfortunately.

Flying Jellyfish were nowhere near the level needed to demand any respect in this league, but at least they are not La Querida and do know how to file paperwork.

FINAL TABLE

---- Team                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
- 1  Herzegovina City FC    38   27   7   4   115   31  +84    88 Champions--------------
- 2  Istria City FC         38   26   4   8   139   48  +91    82 Champions’ League------
  3  Mâ Âlâmëomë            38   25   6   7   121   50  +71    81 Champions’ League------
  4  Rülândéá Kôstä         38   22  10   6   108   44  +64    76 Champions’ League------
  5  Dí Maozöxê             38   22   9   7   135   61  +74    75 Champions’ League------
  6  La Nueva Avenida       38   19  12   7   106   50  +56    69 Champions’ League------
  7  Hoima Warriors         38   19   8  11    94   63  +31    65 Champions’ League------
- 8  René Skaé              38   21   2  15   104   73  +31    65 Challenger’s Cup-------
  9  Busukuma AC            38   18   6  14    76   55  +21    60 Challenger’s Cup-------
 10  Jinja City FC          38   17   7  14   108   75  +33    58 Challenger’s Cup-------
 11  Avenida Leal           38   16   9  13    94   77  +17    57 Challenger’s Cup-------
 12  Ausharmuj Marusi       38   11  11  16    74   80   −6    44 Challenger’s Cup-------
 13  Kitara AA              38   12   7  19    65   70   −5    43 Challenger’s Cup-------
 14  Mynda Electra          38   11  10  17    63   78  −15    43
 15  Flying Jellyfish       38   11   8  19    74  118  −44    41
-16  Prostran I Forzuda     38   12   3  23    55  126  −71    39 Relegated--------------
 17  Lakiska SC             38    8   4  26    18   72  −54    28
 18  Busembe Timberwolves   38    8   3  27    52  165 −113    27
-19  Busukuma Force         38    6   8  24    43  117  −74    26 Relegated--------------
 20  La Querida             38    1   2  35    27  218 −191     5

GOLDEN BALL

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club   
-    8.29                 36           Reniira Clevinger     Herzegovina City FC------
-    8.16                 34           Kate Huitema-Omeasoo  Istria City FC-----------
-    8.09                 28           Jason Þórhallursson   Herzegovina City FC------

GOLDEN BOOT

-Goals Scored        Games Played      Player Name           Club     
-     32                  36           Kate Huitema-Omeasoo  Istria City FC-----------
-     31                  37           Jôs Sürréo            Dí Maozöxê---------------
-     30                  28           Jason Þórhallursson   Herzegovina City FC------

GOLDEN BIB

Average Rating       Games Played      Player Name           Club   
-    7.75                 21           Lêyêló Jáánsêlà       Rülândéá Kôstä-----------
-    7.73                 37           Jôs Sürréo            Dí Maozöxê---------------
-    8.09                 28           Jason Þórhallursson   Herzegovina City FC------

GOLDEN BUNCH

Average Rating         Position        Player Name           Club     
--   7.80                aGKa          Rogerio Defigueroa    Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------
--   7.89                aLBa          Radeka Lind           Jinja City FC------------
--   8.29                aCBa          Reniira Clevinger     Herzegovina City FC------
--   7.78                aRBa          Festus Hera           Herzegovina City FC------
--   8.05                aCMa          Ígnîgo Çí Xôrí        Mâ Âlâmëómë--------------
--   7.95                aCMa          Erin Kang             Rülândéá Kôstä-----------
--   8.00                aLWa          Ana Crowcombe         Avenida Leal-------------
--   8.06                aOMa          Vasiliy M. Kuznetsov  Herzegovina City FC------
--   8.07                aRWa          Lolong Bokate         Dí Maozöxê---------------
--   8.09                aSTa          Jason Þórhallursson   Herzegovina City FC------
--   8.16                aSTa          Kate Huitema-Omeasoo  Istria City FC-----------

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