Earlier this month, our U15 team travelled to Abu Dhabi for the Al-Wahda International Youth Tournament, held from April 6 to 12. The youngsters delivered an impressive performance at the prestigious competition, finishing in second place after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to FC Barcelona in the final.
It was the first time in history that the Mauves took part in the International Youth Tournament hosted at the academy of Al-Wahda FC, one of Abu Dhabi’s top clubs. In the group stage, our U15s were drawn against RC Lens (France), OKS Stomil Olsztyn (Poland), and Al Jazira (UAE). The other group featured host club Al-Wahda FC, FC Barcelona (Spain), Laviena FC (Egypt), and PASS (UAE).
RSCA started strong in the group phase with dominant wins over Al Jazira (8-0) and Stomil Olsztyn (8-1). After a commanding 6-0 victory against French side RC Lens, our U15s topped their group convincingly. Sporting youngsters Samory Kone, Cresus Kana, and Jun Goto were awarded Man of the Match honors.
In the semi-final, the boys from Brussels faced the home team Al-Wahda FC. After an exciting match that ended 2-2, penalties had to decide the outcome. RSCA came out on top (5-4 p.s.) and advanced to the final. There, they met tournament favorite FC Barcelona, who had won their semi-final 6-1 against Al Jazira.
The final at Al Nahyan Stadium turned into an absolute thriller. With the score level at 1-1 after regular time, penalties were once again needed. Unfortunately for the Mauves, it was the Spaniards who emerged victorious this time, winning 3-2. Cresus Kana, the younger brother of Marco, was named Man of the Match.
Our U15s returned from Abu Dhabi with heads held high and an unforgettable experience in the bag.
Final standings:
- FC Barcelona
- RSC Anderlecht
- Al-Wahda FC
- Al Jazira
- RC Lens
- Stomilu Olsztyn
- La Viena FC
- PASS