Kray Shocks Velbert to Secure Quarter-Final Berth in Lower Rhine Cup
FC Kray pulled off a stunning upset in the Lower Rhine Cup round of 16, defeating TVD Velbert 3-1 to claim their spot in the quarterfinals. This unexpected victory adds another Essen-based club to the already impressive lineup of quarterfinalists, which includes Rot-Weiss Essen, MSV Duisburg, Wuppertaler SV, ETB SW Essen, SpVg Schonnebeck, and SV Straelen.Despite being ranked sixth in the Oberliga Niederrhein,Velbert,the favored team,found themselves facing a determined Kray side. While Alexander Fagasinski initially gave Velbert the lead before halftime, Dzenan Mucic swiftly equalized for Kray just after the break.
Velbert pressed hard to regain the lead, but kray’s defense, anchored by johannes Sabah’s crucial goal-line clearance, held strong. Capitalizing on Velbert’s offensive push, Kray launched a counter-attack that culminated in Mucic’s second goal, putting them ahead 2-1.
Even as Velbert desperately sought an equalizer, Kray remained a threat on the counter. Substitute Luka Bosnjak nearly sealed the victory with a third goal in stoppage time.
This thrilling victory sets the stage for a potential all-Essen quarterfinal clash, as four clubs from the city – Kray, RWE, Schonnebeck, and ETB – remain in contention. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place on Thursday at 1 p.m.
Looking ahead, TVD Velbert will focus on their league match against Jahn Hiesfeld on Sunday at 3 p.m. Meanwhile, FC Kray faces a tough challenge against league leaders VfB Hilden at the same time.
I’m joined today by former german international and Bundesliga legend, Lothar Matthäus, to discuss the dramatic upset in the Lower Rhine Cup. Lothar, FC Kray’s victory over TVD Velbert sent shockwaves thru the Lower Rhine footballing scene.
Lothar matthäus: it certainly did! It’s always a pleasure to see a David vs. Goliath story unfold on the pitch. Kray wasn’t given much of a chance against the favored Velbert, but they showed tremendous grit and determination.
Indeed, they did. What did you make of Velbert’s performance? They were considered favorites.
Lothar Matthäus: I think Velbert underestimated Kray. They took an early lead but lost their way a bit after halftime. Kray’s defense was formidable; that goal-line clearance by Sabah was crucial. And Mucic’s doublestruck a real blow.
Mucic seems to be a player on the rise. His two goals were clinical finishes. Do you think we might see him scaring some bigger clubs in the oberliga Niederrhein soon?
Lothar Matthäus: Absolutely. He demonstrated composure and a real eye for goal. It wouldn’t surprise me if clubs higher up the pyramid take notice. He’s definitely one to watch.
The quarterfinals are shaping up to be quite fascinating, with four Essen-based clubs still in contention. what are your thoughts on a potential all-Essen clash?
Lothar Matthäus:that would be a special match indeed. The passion and intensity of an all-Essen derby would be something else. It’d be great for the city and for Lower Rhine football in general.
What about FC Kray’s chances of progressing further in the tournament? They face a tough challenge against VfB Hilden in their next league match. Can they keep this momentum going?
Lothar Matthäus: It’s going to be a tough test for Kray, but they’ve already proven they can upset the odds. Their confidence will be sky-high after this win, and Hilden should be wary.
If Kray can maintain their defensive solidity and Mucic continues to find the net, they have a real chance of upsetting the apple cart again. This Lower Rhine Cup is turning out to be quite the unpredictable ride.
Lothar, thank you for sharing your insights.
What do you make of Kray’s giant-killing act? could they go all the way in the Lower rhine Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below.**
