At the start of the women’s season, it would have seemed ludicrous to suggest that neither Budapest’s top clubs, UVSE nor FTC, would make it to the Hungarian championship final. However, as the water polo season drew to a close, it became apparent that anything could happen in this unpredictable sport, and indeed, neither team will be crowned Hungarian champions this season.
In a stunning turn of events, two-time national champions Eger defied the odds and knocked out Ferencvaros from the title race, winning 15-11 in a thrilling third play-off semi-final in a win that sets up the team from Heves into an unlikely final showdown with Dunaujvaros.
Eger put in a remarkable team performance, taking a commanding 7-0 lead against the seemingly unstoppable Ferencvaros. The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Dora Czigany, who put in a magnificent individual display, scoring an impressive seven goals.
For Ferencvaros, this defeat is a bitter blow. They had been the standout team of the regular season, going undefeated into the play-offs. However, their wait to be crowned Hungarian champions will continue. While they have the Hungarian cup to show for theis season’s efforts, just like with the Euro Cup, they missed out on a golden opportunity for a trophy.
FTC Telekom 11 – 15 ZF Eger (0-4, 3-4, 4-2, 4-5)
FTC: B. Neszmely, B. Vosseberg, Z. Mate 1, G. Gurisatti 5, P. Pocze, T. Farkas, D. Leimeter, A. Illes 3, S. Kuna, P. Petik 1, D. Toth Csabai 1, D. Domsodi, E. Millot, L. Greso
Eger: A. Kiss, P. Jancso, I. Borsi, R. Parkes, D. Molnar, Z. Katona, E. Weston, D. Czigany 7, B. Kekesi, F. Bodi, C. Szellak, D. Szilagyi 5, S. Szilagyi, M. Dulic
Eger have pulled off one of the most remarkable wins of the women’s water polo season, defeating FTC at Nepliget 15-11.
Despite Ferencvaros finishing top of the regular league undefeated, Eger – who finished the regular season in fourth – qualify for their first championship final for the first time since being crowned champions back in 2012/2013.
In a historic game for Eger, the name that will go down in the club’s folklore is Dora Czigany – whose outstanding seven goal game more than made the difference. However, it was truly a sublime team performance, evident from the very first whistle.
Eger took control of the game immediately, racing to a 3-0 lead in just seven minutes thanks to a hat-trick from Dorottya Szilagy. FTC were caught off guard and found themselves trailing 7-0 at halftime after Czigany added three more goals to her tally.
FTC managed to break their scoring drought after twelve minutes with a goal from Greta Gurisatti. This sparked a comeback as they scored two more goals, including a brace from Anna Illes, to make the game a tighter affair at 8-5. Eger added to the scoreline, but the gap remained at three goals heading into the last quarter.
With their season slipping away, FTC needed a quick goal, and Gurisatti delivered, bringing them within two goals for the first time since the 6th minute. However, it was Czigany who sealed the win for Eger with two crucial goals. Borbala Kekesi’s screamer off the post silenced the home crowd at Nepliget and confirmed Eger’s famous victory.
This was a remarkable team effort from Eger, and their first championship final in almost a decade is a testament to their hard work and determination. They will join Dunaujvaros in setting up the unlikely championship final. Ferencvaros will have to settle for the Bronze medal match against city rivals UVSE.
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