Inconsistency in form costs Barcelona 2022 dearly
This was not the first time this has happened to Barcelona 2022 this season. Throughout stretches of matches where they have held leads, they have seen it slip through their fingers.
Barcelona 2022 Football Academy have been left to rue their inconsistent form in their maiden season in the Umjindi Local Football Association Promotional League.
The #Future Mfana, as they are affectionately known in football circles, will look to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Ratanang FC last Saturday, when they host Rovers FC at Ka-Johns Sports Ground on Sunday.
That reverse came on the back of an impressive 4-3 victory over second from the bottom Legend FC last Wednesday. Such fluctuating fortunes are symptomatic of Barcelona 2022 Academy’s performance this season.
There is no other way to describe it other than inconsistent. The youthful side have put a couple of good results together and let themselves down over the following games.
They were excellent against Legend FC on Wednesday when they had to come down from 3-1 to eventually win 4-3 at the end of the game. Their goals came via Wandile “Wire” Gwebu (1), Vusi Gwebu (2) and Tebogo Mkhwanazi (1). Former Tembisa Classic striker Ben “Suarez” Mandlazi scored a hat-trick for Legend FC.
And then on Saturday against Ratanang FC, they let themselves down in one of the many games they should have won this season after having scored first.
Barcelona 2022 Academy absolutely outplayed Ratanang off the park for 10-15 minutes and should have scored two or three before the recess but ended up losing 2-1. #Future Mfana’s goal was scored by Musa Nkosi earlier in the first half.
Ratanang equalised via Knowledge Maseko from a spot kick before Linda Vilakazi’s loop header pocketed his side all three maximum points.
This was not the first time this has happened to Barcelona 2022 this season. Throughout stretches of matches where they have held leads, they have seen it slip through their fingers. Against Status FC, they took a lead but ended up losing 3-2.
Such play has ultimately cost them – and will continue to do so – if they do not find proper balance in their games.
Struggling to find consistency has been an issue all season for Barcelona 2022. While they have periods in which they win game after game, they still see momentum killers come out and bite them. Saturday was one of those that hurt a team – especially a young one looking to build something for the long run.
While Barcelona 2022 Academy are making clear progress, they still have a long way to go. They have to be able to hold leads and their own even against teams that might be fielding older and physical stronger opponents against them.
Other weekend results:
City Legend 6-3 Make-A-Difference Teka-Teka 2-4 Golden United
Verulam Swallows 2-0 Legend.
Weekend fixtures
Saturday April 16: Golden United v Legend (Stadium); Verulam Swallows v City Legend (Verulam).
Sunday April 17: Ratanang v Status
(Phase II-A); Make-A-Difference v Golden United (Ext 11); TVL Santos v Teka-Teka (Stadium).
