China Cup 2024: WAB Triumphs in a Heart-Stopping Final Against HKIS

Beijing: The International School of Beijing (ISB) recently played host to an exhilarating soccer tournament, the China Cup 2024. The tournament saw participation from ISB, Hong Kong International School (HKIS), Shanghai American School Puxi Campus (SAS Puxi), and Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), each bringing their unique style and fervor to the pitch.

Under sunny skies and in front of a stadium filled to 80% capacity, the group stage kicked off with excitement. ISB secured a solid 2-0 win against SAS Puxi, marking a strong start for the host school. The WAB versus HKIS match was a highlight, ending in a 3-1 victory for WAB. Carl “CLV”, Ryunosuke U, and Ryan C each scored for WAB, with Ryan's goal marking his first as a varsity player. Despite not bringing their main team, HKIS displayed commendable quality, underscoring the depth of their program.

HKIS bounced back with a 2-1 win against SAS Puxi, while WAB edged out ISB in a closely contested 1-0 game under the evening stadium lights. Jack Y of WAB found the net after an outstanding save by the ISB goalkeeper, who was forced to make a total of 11 saves in the game, highlighting his exceptional performance.

Despite concerns about air quality, Day 2 proceeded with cooler, cloudy, and sandy conditions. The stadium, only half full due to the weekend schedule, witnessed HKIS defeating ISB 2-0. WAB continued their winning streak with a 2-1 victory over SAS Puxi. Notably, Leon A of WAB, usually a goalkeeper, showcased his versatility by playing striker and scoring, while Everin C stepped in as goalkeeper, making significant saves. Atlegang N continued his impressive season with another “weak-foot” goal.

In the third-place match, SAS Puxi overcame ISB with a 3-1 win.

The climax of the China Cup 2024 came in a final match that could only be described as a soccer aficionado's dream. Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and Hong Kong International School (HKIS) faced off in a battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.

The atmosphere was electric as WAB and HKIS, two formidable teams, clashed in the final. The match was a testament to skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. Regulation time saw both teams locked in a 1-1 draw, thanks to a last-minute equalizer from WAB's Ryunosuke U, a goal that sent waves of excitement through the crowd and forced the game into a penalty shootout.

The penalty shootout was nothing short of a cinematic spectacle. The first WAB penalty taken by Carl "CLV" was saved, setting a tense tone. However, Liam C, Ryan C, and Isaiah E each coolly netted their shots, bringing the score to 3-2. On the other side, HKIS was formidable, but WAB’s Leon A, the guardian of the goal, showcased his extraordinary skill by saving two crucial penalties.

With the score delicately poised, it all came down to Atlegang N. In a moment etched in the memories of all present, Atlegang N approached the spot. There was a palpable tension in the air as he rolled up his shorts, a gesture that seemed to convey both confidence and determination. He took the shot, and the ball found the back of the net, sending WAB into a euphoric victory.

As Atlegang scored the winning penalty, the field erupted into a scene of unbridled joy. Players piled onto each other in the middle of the pitch, a tangle of WAB jerseys, laughter, and triumphant yells. Coaches, reserves, and staff joined in, creating a sea of celebration. In that moment, the team was a single entity, united by their hard-fought victory.

WAB demonstrated not just skill but also remarkable resilience, turning around games where they were trailing and ultimately clinching the trophy. The team now looks ahead to their next big challenge: the SUPER APAC tournament in Shanghai on April 18th.

Coach Isaac