Players of IFZA Habtoor Polo and Dubai Wolves by Cafu in action during their semi-final match of the Silver Cup 2023 at the Al Habtoor Polo Club.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The last of the qualifying games for IFZA Silver Cup 2023 took place on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Club with a clash of sticks among four formidable teams.

Making a perfect start, the UAE Polo took the lead with Faisal Yabroudi scoring two goals by the end of the first chukker. During the second chukker, the UAE Polo team carved further a two goal lead, having 5 goals to 1.

The Bangash Dodson & Horrell team delivered two back to back swift and smooth goals by Ignacio Negri but UAE Polo kept a two goal lead by halftime. The game levelled during the penultimate chukker with both teams having 6 goals each as each player demonstrated a skilled play.

The last chukker saw Haider Bangash scoring for the team, but not long after the UAE Polo players took quick strides and finished the game with 10 to 7 score, which earned the UAE Polo team their well-deserved spot at the IFZA Silver Cup final.

In the second match, the Dubai Wolves by Cafu took the advantage in the first chukker as Carlos Ulloa scored three consecutive goals. The next chukker didn’t see much of the Dubai Wolves by Cafu as Bautista Bayugar scored two goals followed by one from Juan Jauretche which levelled the game.

Both the teams picked up the pace in the succeeding chukkers, but it was IFZA Habtoor Polo team leading the game with, 8 to 7 score. It was a fight for the win at the last chukker, with the Wolves giving their all. However, the back to back goals by the patron of IFZA Habtoor Polo team – Mohammed Al Habtoor – ensured the team’s victory at 11 to 9 score.