Australia (4) v (3) Rwanda

By Judith Kirszbaum

THE ANTICIPATION for the afternoon game between Australia and Rwanda was worth waiting for and provided ample entertainment and suspense for the crowd.

The clash was close right up until the final whistle was blown with Australia taking the game in the last twenty seconds of the match making the scores 4-3.

Rwanda kicked the game off hard and fast forcing the Australian goalkeeper to an early dive. Australian Coen Slaughter turned this around quickly and scored a goal in under two minutes of the game beginning.

Immediately after Australia scored Nasera Zuberi took the ball back for Rwanda and took it all the way up the pitch scoring a brilliant goal in the side of the net.

Australia’s players continued their strong defence and applied pressure to Rwanda forcing them to run the ball up the side of the court.

Australian striker Maloney made many attempts at goal that were thwarted by the Rwandan keeper. A foul by one of Rwanda's players allowed Maloney an open opportunity at goal which he missed. Rwanda were able to turn the failed penalty to their advantage and used the rebound to score a goal for them.

After half time Australia put their captain, Marshall onto the field.

Rwanda were quick into action in organising their defence but the Australian team were determined to increase their goals tally. Slaughter scored the levelling goal after brilliant play between Maloney and Marshall.

With less than a minute to go in the final half there was a lot of back and forth between the players with both teams looking for an opening to score the winning goal. With 15 seconds remaining Maloney shot a tremendous goal that slammed into the side of the goals bringing the score to 4-3 in favour of Australia.

Photos: Photoworx