The game itself was a cagey affair. PAAU, having lost their previous game needed a win to keep their knockout stages qualification hopes alive. JOSTUM came in full of confidence following their earlier win. From the kickoff, it was clear that JOSTUM was keen to control the tempo, and the statistics bear this out with the team enjoying 54% of possession. PAAU meanwhile struggled to find their rhythm and spent large spells of the match defending deep.

Despite the tight contest, JOSTUM looked the more likely to score. They created several clear-cut chances and registered five shots on target. Their breakthrough came in the 66th minute when a well-worked set piece found the towering Innocent in the 18yard box. The defender made no mistake, rising above PAAU’s defense to head home, with Terese providing the assist from a pinpoint cross.

PAAU who struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match, had just three shots on target and were largely restricted to long-range efforts. Their struggles were compounded by a solid JOSTUM defense that blocked their attempts and maintained a high level of organization. Goalkeeper Targema Jacob was crucial for JOSTUM in keeping the clean sheet, making three crucial saves to deny PAAU’s sporadic attacks. This earned him the Man of the Match award.

The game was not without controversy, as both teams saw their physical play rewarded with a flurry of yellow cards. JOSTUM and PAAU were booked for heavy tackles which culminated in a red card for JOSTUM as the booked player was sent off for a second bookable offense, leaving his team with 10 men for the final 15 minutes. The red card meant that JOSTUM had to finish the game on the defense due to the one man deficit.

Defensively, JOSTUM showed why they are the toughest side to break down in Group B. Their backline led by the impressive Innocent completed a flurry of final third clearances and won the majority of aerial duels. PAAU on the other hand despite being resolute for most of the game, were left vulnerable by their inability to control the midfield where JOSTUM’s players outworked and outclassed them.

This victory not only solidifies JOSTUM’s defensive reputation but also sets up a tantalizing showdown to determine who takes first place in Group B. 

Having scored three goals and still yet to concede a goal, they head into their final group match brimming with confidence. PAAU will be left ruing their missed opportunities. Their failure to defeat JOSTUM condemns them to a group stage exit from the tournament thus making their final group stage game against ABU a dead rubber clash