Alice Springs soccer club Verdi FC go close to a giant killing FFA Cup clash with Darwin giants Hellenic

Norzone giants Hellenic survive a big challenge by Alice Springs minnows Verdi FC to advance to the Northern Territory qualifying final of the FFA Cup

HELLENIC has survived a big challenge by Alice Springs side Verdi FC to advance to the final of FFA Cup qualifying.

The Blues won 2-1 on the back of first half goals by Mario Kuokkanen and captain Sulav Maskey to earn a shot at Casuarina in the June 22 Round of 32 decider.

Hellenic’s coach Dimi Galanopoulos was a relieved man at the final whistle.

“We played a side we knew nothing about and they tested us right to the end,’’ he said.

“We had a lot of players out but the players we had out there got us a win, they are my heroes as we now prepare for the final.’’

A wonder strike on 12 minutes by Verdi’s veteran midfielder Bikash Gauchan shook up Darwin Football Stadium just when Hellenic looked to be taking control.

Taking the ball wide on the right, Gauchan’s 40 metre strike beat Hellenic goalkeeper Kane McAdam’s desperate dive to bend the top left hand corner of the net.

Hellenic had led from a fortunate goal by Mario Kuokkanen on nine minutes that rebounded off Verdi goalkeeper Chudier Kulang on to his boot.

The Centralians more than held their own with their leg speed and ball control, testing the well drilled Blues defence more than once.

Sulav Maskey’s well taken left foot strike from the edge of the penalty box broke the deadlock, giving Hellenic a 2-1 lead at the break.

Both ‘keepers were called on to make important saves in the second half, McAdam from a free kick that bounced awkwardly in front of him and Kulang from a Parasko Koum shot from close range on 75 minutes.

Scoreboard - Hellenic 2 (M Kuokkanen 9, S Maskey 31) Verdi FC 1 (B Gauchan 12). HT: 2-1