1. FC Lok Stendal Edges Out VfB Sangerhausen In Thrilling Semifinal

On March 23, 2025, the thrilling semifinals of the FSA-Pokal captivated football fans as 1. FC Lok Stendal triumphed over VfB Sangerhausen in a nail-biting contest that ended 7-5 in a penalty shootout.

The match took place in Stendal and drew an enthusiastic crowd of 750 spectators, who witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the game.

Both teams showed tenacity and skill, with the first goal scored by N. Buschke for 1. FC Lok Stendal only six minutes into the match. Buschke received a long ball, which allowed him to slip past the Sangerhausen defense and deliver a precise shot past the oncoming keeper to give Stendal an early 1-0 lead.

However, VfB Sangerhausen quickly responded. Just 11 minutes later, Weick leveled the score 1-1 with a clever shot following a defensive mix-up by Lok. This set the tone for a fiercely contested match.

The halftime score remained tied at 1-1, but momentum shifted early in the second half when Kaschlaw put Stendal back in the lead with a powerful shot in the 46th minute. His effort saw the ball slip through the hands of the helpless keeper, giving Lok a 2-1 advantage.

Yet, Sangerhausen was undeterred and equalized again in the 89th minute thanks to Weick, who capitalized on a sloppy clearance from the Lok defense, placing a low shot into the net to make it 2-2.

With the match still deadlocked, both teams were forced into extra time. The teams exchanged attempts to take control of the match, but it was 1. FC Lok Stendal that managed to pull ahead when Schulze scored in the 101st minute, creating a 3-2 lead after his quick shot inside the box.

But Sangerhausen wouldn’t go down without a fight. In a dramatic twist, Hetke equalized again for Sangerhausen in the 113th minute, firing in a stunning shot that left Lok goalkeeper Poser with little chance to react.

Regulation and extra time concluded with a fiery 3-3 draw, leading to a penalty shootout where the pressure was palpable. 1. FC Lok Stendal converted their penalties with precision as they scored all seven attempts. Ultimately, the game concluded with Stendal triumphing 7-5 in the shootout, punching their ticket to the finals.

This match was not just a showcase of skill but also a testimony to the determination of both teams. The victory allows 1. FC Lok Stendal to move forward in the tournament after previously suffering defeats in finals from teams such as 1. FC Magdeburg in previous seasons.

VfB Sangerhausen, having made significant headway in the tournament, demonstrated resilience throughout the match. They were not newcomers to the pressure of important games, although they previously fell short in their only appearance in a final in the 2004/05 season against MSV Preussen.

In terms of historical rivalry, this match continued the competitive spirit rooted deeply in both clubs' histories, with Stendal previously triumphing in competitive fixtures, including a notable 3-1 win just a month prior.

Overall, the match provided fans with breathtaking moments and underscored the unpredictability and excitement that defines knockout football. With 1. FC Lok Stendal advancing to the finals, the anticipation for their upcoming challenge will be palpable as they seek to claim the coveted FSA-Pokal title.

As Stendal prepares for their final match, the club hopes to lift the trophy and create new memories, while Sangerhausen must regroup and learn from a closely contested battle that exemplified the spirit of the game.