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Phoenix vs Santiago finally happened on Sunday, and after weeks of anticipation, the first official money match between the two Kenyan FC 26 giants turned into a statement victory for Phoenix Esports.
Fresh from Mcoasty’s victory over Shaq in the UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals just a week earlier, many expected Santiago eHub to continue their recent dominance. Instead, Phoenix answered in emphatic fashion, winning all three matchups to complete a flawless 3-0 sweep at Santiago Gaming Lounge in Thika.
Each matchup carried a stake of Ksh 2,000 per set, with players competing in a best-of-five series.
Phoenix vs Santiago Delivered One Thriller and Two Clean Sweeps
The headline clash between Collo Gamer and Mcoasty lived up to expectations. While the other two matches ended in straight-set victories, these two traded blows from start to finish before Collo edged a dramatic deciding game.
Collo Gamer vs Mcoasty
- Mcoasty won 3-2
- Collo Gamer won 6-4
- Collo Gamer won 6-1
- Mcoasty won 5-1
- Collo Gamer won 5-4
The deciding match summed up the rivalry perfectly. Neither player wanted to give an inch, but Collo held his nerve to seal the series 3-2 and hand Mcoasty his first defeat since lifting the UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals title.
ALSO READ: Mcoasty Wins UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals, Takes Home Ksh. 35,000 Prize
Shaq Leaves No Doubt Against Dav8
If Collo’s series was filled with drama, Shaq’s was anything but. The Ultimate Controller League Season One champion looked completely in control throughout his clash with Dav8.
His scores were:
- 6-4
- 5-2
- 6-2
Dav8 had no answer for Shaq’s relentless attacking play as the Phoenix captain secured another convincing victory.
ALSO READ: Motomkali FC26 World Cup Tournament: Salim Defeats Hermes to Win TSh 700,000
Prince Completes the Sweep
Prince Nabanji ensured there would be no comeback from Santiago by comfortably defeating Brayovin in straight games.
His results were:
- 4-2
- 4-3
- 5-4
Although Brayovin pushed hard in the final game, Prince closed out the series to complete Phoenix’s perfect afternoon.
Why This Victory Matters
This money match had been brewing for weeks. According to Santiago’s management, Phoenix had been asking for the showdown for a long time before Santiago finally agreed to settle the rivalry.
Santiago arrived with arguably their strongest available lineup of Mcoasty, Dav8 and Brayovin. Phoenix, meanwhile, chose to rotate their squad. Despite having a roster packed with talent, the team handed opportunities to their newest signings Shaq and Collo Gamer alongside Prince – and the decision paid off brilliantly.
Phoenix’s New Signings Continue to Shine
The performances of Shaq and Collo Gamer continue to justify Phoenix Esports’ decision to sign them from Z Esports at the end of June.
Since joining the team:
- Collo Gamer has won the Phoenix in-house tournament, finished runner-up at Ultimate Controller League Season One and now defeated Mcoasty in one of the biggest money matches of the season.
- Shaq has won the SC x Pelikan FIFA Tournament, finished runner-up at the UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals, lifted the Ultimate Controller League Season One title and now added another dominant money match victory to his growing list of achievements.
For a duo that only recently joined the team, their impact has been immediate.
Phoenix vs Santiago Rivalry Is Only Just Beginning
The first chapter of Phoenix vs Santiago has gone convincingly in Phoenix Esports’ favour. While Mcoasty may still hold bragging rights for defeating Shaq in the UP Next FC 26 Grand Finals, Phoenix walked away with the bigger prize on Sunday – team supremacy. A clean 3-0 sweep sends a strong message to the rest of the Kenyan FC 26 community. If this rivalry continues, East African esports fans are in for something special.
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