IV-liga underdog Gryf Słupsk stuns Polonia Warsaw in Polish Cup
In a stunning upset in the Polish Cup, fourth-tier IV-liga team Gryf Słupsk defeated Polonia Warsaw 1-0 after extra time, securing a historic progression to the round of 32. The winning goal came late in the match, highlighting grit, determination, and an unforgettable team effort.
In brief
Fourth-tier Gryf Słupsk beat Polonia Warszawa 1:0 after extra time in a Polish Cup match played on Tuesday evening in Słupsk. Defender Daniel Piechowski scored the winning goal in the 117th minute, while goalkeeper Kamil Gołębiewski saved dangerous shots from Aleksander Buksa and Souleymane Cissé. Reaching the round of 32 is a historic result for Gryf Słupsk, whose previous best achievement was a place in the round of 16 in the 1976/77 season. Gazeta Morska provided media patronage for the match.
Heroes of Słupsk
The decisive moment came in the 117th minute when Daniel Piechowski scored the winning goal. For the Gryf defender, it was a career-defining strike that not only sealed the match but also propelled his team into the round of 32 of the Polish Cup, sending home fans into jubilation.
Equally crucial was goalkeeper Kamil Gołębiewski, who repeatedly kept the team in the game with key saves against Aleksander Buksa and Souleymane Cissé. Without his efforts, the underdogs might not have reached extra time, where Piechowski’s goal ultimately decided the match.
No complexes on the pitch
On the field, the four-tier gap between the teams was barely visible. Polonia Warsaw, featuring players with experience in the Ekstraklasa and second division, arrived as clear favorites. Yet Gryf imposed their own style: disciplined, organized, and unafraid to press and counterattack.
Polonia had several chances, including shots from Buksa and Cissé, but the hosts responded with determination and tactical awareness. As the match progressed, Gryf grew in confidence, showing that character and teamwork can outweigh league hierarchy.
Historic advancement
Advancing to the round of 32 of the Polish Cup is not just a sporting achievement for Gryf Słupsk, but a historic milestone for the entire club. Previously, the team’s best performance in these competitions was reaching the round of 16 in the 1976/77 season. Now, the fourth-tier team is on the verge of matching that achievement.
This evening in Słupsk is a reminder of why the Polish Cup is so special – because in this competition, anything is possible. Gryf demonstrated that courage, discipline, and commitment can bridge differences in league status, allowing an underdog to tip the scales in its favor and claim a memorable victory.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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