For the first time in the history of the Saxony-Anhalt Cup there will be a Magdeburg only final.
On Saturday, MSV Preußen had beaten Wolfen by a goal from Hannemann (formerly at 1. FC Magdeburg). On Easter Monday the second semifinal saw the match between 4th tier side Germania Halberstadt and 1. FC Magdeburg’s Reserves go into extra time as neither team managed to score. While Halberstadt were in general the team that had more plan to their attack, Magdeburg’s Danny Kukulies put the ball into the net with four minutes remaining on the clock.
While the referee from Halle had blown for half time, full time and half time of the extra time right on time without adding a second of injury time, he let play continue for two minutes beyond regular extra time – and blew for a penalty for Halberstadt with about 15 seconds left on the clock. Former Magdeburg player Banser scored against Daniel Rothe, putting the decision off to penalties.
In the penalty shoot-out Magdeburg’s Kauffmann, 3rd taker, saw his weak attempt saved by Halberstadt’s Kischel, but an advantage for Germania it was not: Stefke’s shot hit the post. In the end, Daniel Rothe saved a shot from 19 year-old Tobias Werner, putting Magdeburg’s Reserves through to the final.
If Magdeburg win the final, they will be eligible to play in the German Cup next season, creating additional income for the club. Unless the first team qualifies via the league, by becoming 2nd in the Regionalliga, they will replace the Reserve in the Cup. If the first team qualifies, both teams will take part in the Cup. Of course, FCM Reserves will have to beat Preussen first – but the odds are good, as 1. FC Magdeburg have only lost one out of their 16 finals ever, including youth, national and international finals.
The facts:
1. FC Magdeburg II – Germania Halberstadt 7-6 after penalties
1-0 Kukulies (115′)
1-1 Banser (120′) (pen)
Attendance 1,327