Vastatores strike at the death in stunning 5-5 thriller

Week 11 of Season 17 in the X-League Sunday Premier League delivered pure football drama in Division 3. There are eight teams in the division and only two of the eight teams were in action this week, but they served up a pulsating 5-5 draw that had everything. League leaders FC Vastatores took on fifth placed Triple X FC at Woodlands Secondary School in a clash that more than lived up to expectations. The game exploded into life early, with Triple X racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening eight minutes through Marche Loke and Kerwin Cheng. Vastatores responded in similar fashion, showing the resilience of champions as veteran striker Ryan Sufiyan struck twice in quick succession in the 9th and 14th minutes to bring the game level at 2-2. Just when it seemed the momentum had shifted, Marche Loke popped up again four minutes before the break to restore Triple X’s lead and send them into half time ahead at 3-2. Such drama and still so much football to be played. The second half continued at the same frantic pace. Effendi Elias equalised for Vastatores in the 53rd minute to make it 3-3, but Triple X refused to back down. Kerwin Cheng fired them back in front in the 59th minute before Marche Loke completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute to put his side 5-3 up. At that stage, the game looked beyond Vastatores with time running out. But to become champions, one must never give up. Vastatores embodied that spirit. Two minutes into added time, Muhammad Junaidie pulled one back to make it 5-4 and ignite hope. Then, in the most dramatic fashion, Abdul Razak fired home the equaliser seconds before the final whistle. It was a moment of pure footballing chaos and brilliance. A 5-5 draw that will be talked about for a long time, and a reminder of why this league continues to deliver unforgettable moments. Season 17 of the X-League is proudly sponsored by Agent Azhar Sulaiman, Hombre, Dendeng Duo and Grandsport Singapore.