West Ham United’s under-19s have sealed third place in the 2023 Premier League Next Gen Cup in India with a 3-0 win over Everton in Mumbai.
The Hammers took an under-19s side to the tournament in Mumbai, India which started last week and after five points from their three Group A games against the Under-21s sides from ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru (both India) and Stellenbosch (South Africa), it meant they ended second in their group, qualifying them for Thursday’s third-place play-off against Everton, who finished second in Group B.
Taking on West Ham’s Premier League rivals Everton, the Hammers sealed third place in the competition with a three-goal win, but left it late in Mumbai.
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Captain and forward Gideon Kodua opened the scoring with just ten minutes remaining when volleying in a cross from close range.
Minutes later, the Hammers sealed a victory via versatile teenager Ollie Scarles, who has played for the first-team this year. Teed up by substitute Regan Clayton, Scarles’ deflected shot beat Everton’s goalkeeper Seb Jensen at the near post to seal the win.
In second half stoppage time, Kodua and Scarles combined, with West Ham’s captain heading in at the end of a Scarles corner to complete the scoring.
Kodua did have a chance to complete his hat-trick in the game's final moments after winning a late penalty. However, Jensen saved Kodua’s spot-kick from 12 yards out.
The game did see centre-back Jamal Baptiste play the final few minutes of the win. That match was likely to be his last for the club after recently confirming he will be leaving West Ham at the end of the season, with his contract due to expire.
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