Dundalk Schoolboys League edged out 7–6 by Athletico SC
By ArdeePost Reporter
Gothia Cup 2025 Match Report
Athletico SC (Lebanon) 7–6 Dundalk Schoolboys League (Ireland)
Date: July 17th, 2025
Venue: Gothenburg, Sweden
Dundalk Schoolboys League booked their place in the next round of the Gothia Cup Play Off A with a commanding 3-1 victory over Greek side Makedonikos FC 2, thanks to a clinical hat-trick from Tym Varshytskyi, who delivered a standout performance in Gothenburg.
In one of the most thrilling matches of the 2025 Gothia Cup, Dundalk Schoolboys League were narrowly beaten 7–6 by Athletico SC of Lebanon in a breathtaking encounter that will live long in the memory of all who witnessed it.
This high-scoring knockout clash saw the momentum swing wildly from one side to the other, with 13 goals scored, several lead changes, and a flurry of strikes packed into the final quarter. Despite a spirited fightback and moments of brilliance from Dundalk, the Lebanese side managed to snatch victory in the dying minutes.
First Half: Goals, Grit, and Yellow Cards
The game kicked off with intensity, and Athletico SC struck first in the 31st minute through Rayan Tawk, catching Dundalk slightly off guard. The Irish side responded just before the half with an equaliser from Eoghan Mullen in the 59th minute (Gothia matches run on a countdown clock).
The opening half also saw a yellow card issued to Cian Cunningham in the 25th minute, adding to the tension in what was shaping up to be a fiery contest.
Second Half: A 15-Minute Goal Frenzy
The second half exploded into a goal rush as both teams traded strikes in rapid succession:
- 13’ – Ralph Mouallem puts Athletico up 2–1
- 14’ – Shane Whitmarsh equalises for Dundalk (2–2)
- 15’ – Athletico retake the lead 3–2
- 16’ – Tym Varshytskyi pulls it back to 3–3
- 17’ – Yeprem Chakardemian fires Athletico into a 4–3 lead
- 18’ – Cian Cunningham makes it 4–4
- 18’ – Jad Barouk puts Athletico back in front 5–4
- 19’ – Eoghan Mullen scores his second to level again (5–5)
- 20’ – Charbel Ghie finds the net for 6–5
- 21’ – Luke McGovern makes it 6–6
- 21’ – Rayan Fares scores the winner for Athletico (7–6)
It was a spellbinding 10-minute window where neither side held the lead for more than two minutes, and the crowd was treated to an absolute spectacle of youth football at its most unpredictable and entertaining.
Standout Performers
- Eoghan Mullen stood out with two goals and tireless work in midfield.
- Tym Varshytskyi continued his fine form with another crucial strike.
- Cian Cunningham made amends for his earlier yellow card with a vital equaliser.
Tournament Impact
Despite the loss, Dundalk Schoolboys League’s attacking form remains impressive, with 24 goals scored across the tournament and only 8 conceded, highlighting their quality on the front foot — though this result exposes some defensive vulnerabilities.
Athletico SC, meanwhile, advance to the next round buoyed by this stunning result, having now claimed three wins from five matches.
Final Word
This match was a perfect example of why the Gothia Cup is considered the World Youth Cup. Skill, heart, and drama were all on display. While Dundalk will be disappointed not to progress further, their performance and team spirit have won them plenty of admirers in Sweden.