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Writes: Evan Halliday
The 2023 domestic campaign saw Portsmouth secure a cup double, bringing the EAFA Cup and the League Cup back to the South Coast, maintaining their status as one of the most successful clubs in the country. Now Pompey have it all to do against the best in Europe this weekend as they travel to Spain for the EAFF Champions League.
Portsmouth came into this calendar year as most peoples’ favourites, still flying high after a treble win in the season prior, with class running through the team and game-changers in every position it would have been difficult to look past them repeating the feat.
And fly high they did as Pompey started the season by winning the League Cup after an intense face-off with Everton in the opening fixture, as penalties were the only way to split the two sides. Portsmouth made easy work of Arsenal in the final as they blew the Gunners away in a 4-0 demolition, lifting the first piece of silverware of the campaign - looking like an unstoppable force.
In the FA Disability Cup however, Portsmouth weren’t as overpowering, losing 4-2 in the final to Everton, foreshadowing the season-long struggle for the prizes between these two clubs.
The league table told a similar story, as the South Coast side hoped to retain the honour but the Amputoffees remained diligent, forcing a two-horse race for the majority of the campaign, with the battle ultimately being settled on the final day.
Everton once again got the better of Portsmouth but this would be the last time they would do so, because with the final trophy on the line (EAFA Cup), Portsmouth had no intentions of letting anyone get in their way.
Pompey reared the head of a new ruthless machine, dismantling Chelsea 5-1, then continuing their hot streak in front of goal beating rivals Everton 5-2 in the deciding game.
Portsmouth will be hopeful of continuing their fine form this weekend, the South Coasters have been drawn in Group B alongside Sahinbey, Bohemian and Paris FC where they will face off in Estepona, Spain.
The road to the final for Portsmouth will kick off on Friday 10 November when they go head-to-head with French side Paris FC in the morning followed by an all-British Isles affair with Bohemians of Dublin.
Portsmouth will be confident of going deep into the competition with a talented group of players in a strong patch of form, coming off a successful domestic season by all accounts.
Fixture schedule:
Portsmouth vs Paris FC - Friday 10th November - 12:30 KO [11:30 GMT]
Portsmouth vs Bohemians FC - Friday 10th November - 19:30 KO [18:30 GMT]
Gaziantep vs Portsmouth - Saturday 11th November - 10:30 KO [09:30 GMT)
Semi-Final 1 - 1A vs 2B - Saturday 11th November - 17:30 KO [16:30 GMT]
Semi-Final 2 - 1B vs 2A - Saturday 11th November - 19:30 KO [18:30 GMT]
7th Place Play-Off - Sunday 12th November - 10:00 KO [09:00 GMT]
5th Place Play-Off - Sunday 12th November - 12:00 KO [11:00 GMT]
3rd Place Play-Off - Sunday 12th November - 17:00 KO [16:00 GMT]
Final - Sunday 12th November - 19:00 KO [18:00 GMT]
All fixtures can be streamed via the EAFF Facebook page or Flamencos Amputados Sur YouTube channel.
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