Chapter 99: Third Game
Three days later, Utrecht prepared for their next challenge: another home match against Vitesse Arnhem. The city was still abuzz from the NAC miracle. On the morning of the game, local newspapers featured Amani’s photo, celebrating, with headlines like "Wonderkid Sparks Utrecht" and "Hamadi: Future of FC Utrecht?".
Amani saw them briefly in the clubhouse but tried not to get caught up in the hype. Coach Wouters had pulled him aside during the final training session and, while smiling, cautioned: "Teams will be watching you now. They’ll try to shut you down. Keep it simple and play your game." Amani took the words to heart. He felt a healthy pressure - he’d set a high bar, and now he had to show consistency.
By the time the Utrecht vs Vitesse match kicked off at Galgenwaard, the stands were packed and lively. The evening air was cool, and excitement hung palpable. Amani started on the bench again - Wouters opting for experience to begin - but everyone knew he would be Utrecht’s secret weapon.
From the sidelines, Amani watched intently as the match unfolded. Utrecht took an early lead through a header by Mulenga, igniting the crowd. But Vitesse responded with two goals by halftime, exploiting Utrecht’s defensive lapses to make it 1-2.
The home side equalized shortly after the break (Gerndt finishing a slick move for 2-2), yet the momentum was teetering. By the 65th minute, the teams were locked in a tense 2-2 battle, and the flow of the game hung in the balance. Coach Wouters glanced down his bench and nodded at Amani, who was already loosening up. It was time for him to enter the fray.
As Amani jogged on, fans greeted him with cheers of expectation. He could even hear a group in the upper stands chanting a now-familiar refrain: "Ha-ma-di, Ha-ma-di!" The match situation was very different from the NAC game - this was not about chasing a comeback but rather about seizing control and finding a way to win.
Amani quickly slotted into his attacking midfield role. He felt a wave of confidence - the nerves of his second game were gone, replaced by focus. The first time he got the ball, he didn’t rush. Instead, he gently rolled his foot over it and slowed the tempo, scanning the field as a Vitesse midfielder closed in.
At the last moment, Amani nudged the ball away and drew a foul. It was a small play, but it earned Utrecht a free kick and allowed the team to push up. From the stands, an appreciative ripple: they saw the youngster’s composure, milking seconds and space with a veteran’s savvy.
Amani began orchestrating the midfield like a seasoned conductor. He directed traffic with simple passes, drawing Vitesse out of their defensive shape. His decision-making was remarkably mature.