Arima North Secondary edged Hillview College 7-6 on penalties on Monday, in a thrilling Secondary Schools Football League Under-16 East Zone Intercol semifinal, at San Juan North Secondary ground, Bourg Mulatresse.
Hillview captain Matthias Mootilal had the chance to knockout Arima, with his team ahead 4-3 in the shootout, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Mathais Cruickshank. The miss proved costly as Arima scored their next kick to send it into sudden-death. After a nerve-racking ten kicks each, Arima North held their nerve to spark wild celebrations among their supporters.
Earlier, Arima North struck first courtesy a free kick from Criston Gomes – a lead they held to the interval.
But Hillview came roaring back in the second half with a strike from Kemarley Pierre to make it 1-1.
However, Hillview shot themselves in the foot as Ixiah Julien netted an own-goal to give Arima the edge once more.
There was another twist in the tail as Hillview were awarded a penalty which Christian Corraspe converted.
With penalties needed to decide the winner, Cruickshank emerged the hero saving three shots from Hillview to send his team into the final.
They will face another Arima team, Holy Cross College, who got past St George's College 4-1 in the other semifinal. The East Intercol final will be held on Monday.
Hillview earned their spot in the semis after topping Group C, which included neighbours Tunapuna Government Secondary, St Augustine Secondary, North Gate College and St Joseph's College.
Arima won Group B while St George's College took Group A and Holy Cross College clinched Group D.
SOURCE: T&T Newsday