Right to Dream Academy, the reigning champions of the prestigious Gothia Cup, suffered a heartbreaking exit from the tournament at the hands of Beyond Limits in a closely contested match that ended in a penalty shootout.
The Academy, who had lifted the cup against AIK in July 2023, faced a rocky start in this year’s competition, falling to a 3-2 defeat against Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna in their opening game. Despite the setback, the U16 team from Old Akrade showed incredible resilience and skill as they rebounded with back-to-back victories.
Although one of the younger teams in the tournament, Right to Dream Academy used their opening loss as a learning experience, rallying to secure wins against Academia de fotbal Radu Rebeja and Kalmar. Their determination and fighting spirit propelled them forward in the competition.
Their journey came to an end in a hard-fought battle against Beyond Limits, where both teams gave their all. Right to Dream Academy managed to equalize late in the game, forcing a 1-1 draw and taking the match to a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, luck was not on their side as Beyond Limits emerged victorious with a 7-6 win in the shootout.
Although the defeat may be disappointing for the Academy, they have once again showcased their talent, resilience, and fighting spirit on the international stage. As they regroup and reflect on their journey in the Gothia Cup, they will undoubtedly come back stronger and more determined in future tournaments.
