After their heroic win against Ferencvaros in the semi-finals, Eger are on the cusp of winning the Hungarian League for the first time in a decade.
Josef Sikes team edge closer to a hugely surprising title after a 14-13 penalty shoot-out win against Dunaujvaros at Eva Fabo this afternoon in a hugely exciting first final. A win at Bitskey on Wednesday can see the title return to Heves for the first time since 2013.
The game ended 10-10 apiece in normal time, with both teams unable to shake off the other. In the end, it was Eger who held their nerve from the 5 metre line, with Kristina Garda – who was outstanding in regular play with 6 goals – missing the target, and Anna Mandula seeing her penalty saved by Alexandra Kiss.
Once again, Dora Czigany put in a memorable performance for Eger, with four goals in normal time, and an important finish in the shoot-out. There were key performances from summer signings Dorottya Szilagyi and Rebecca Parkes.
Earlier this week, we saw two game-changing performances from keepers in the Greek play-offs; the same was evident in this, an extremely important match, with both Laura Aarts and Alexandra Kiss putting in excellent displays in between the sticks.
Dunaujvaros were on the right side of a shoot-out in the semi-finals against UVSE, but not today. Now, Attila Mihok’s team knows that they have an extremely difficult task of winning away next week to keep their title hopes alive. However, they haven’t failed to turn up when it has mattered so far this season…
But what more can be said about Eger? They are truly are one game away from a historic win, and one of the most unexpected title wins in the leagues history. Like DFVE, they have been underdogs all season, but how will they fare now the pressure is on their shoulders?
Later today, Ferencvaros hosts UVSE in the first of potentially three bronze medal matches. It’s a game either side really wants to play, but more importantly, a game neither side wants to lose.
2022/2023 Hungarian Women’s League, play-offs, Final
Dunaujvaros 13 – 14 ZF Eger (4-4, 3-2, 1-3, 2-1, PSO: 3-4)
Dunaujvaros: L. Maczko, C. Jonkl, N. Sajben, L. Dobi Dorina 3, B. Horvath 2, G. Mahieu, N. Szabo, K. Garda 6, A. Mandula, L. Somogyvari, R. Pal, N. Sumegi 2, D. Kardos, L. Aarts.
Eger: A. Kiss, P. Jancso 3, E. Weston 1, R. Parkes 1, D. Molnar, Z. Katona, R. Parkanyi, D. Czigany 5, B. Kekesi, F. Bodi, C. Szellak 2, D. Szilagyi 2, S. Szilagyi, M. Dulic
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