Sweden edged Great Britain 20-19 at the Sola Arena in Karlstad this past Sunday in the qualifying round of the 2024/25 IFAF Men’s European Championship.
Despite a pair of rushing touchdowns from Britbowl XXXVI MVP Andy Owusu, Great Britain fell just short when a two second half point-after attempts were blocked.
The Lions scored on their opening possession and led 7-0 when Owusu rushed 40 yards untouched up the middle of the field for a touchdown.
Photo: Håkan Bylund
Kasper Wedberg pulled Sweden level with a short run to cap a long drive and a 41-yard field goal by Albin Forsman opened a three-point Swedish lead following a big defensive stop and punt return.
Forsman increased Sweden’s 10-7 halftime lead by a further three points with a 46-yard field goal midway through the third period, but Owusu bruised his way into the end zone from three yards out for a second rushing touchdown to level the score. Crucially, Alex Lenkowski’s extra point was blocked.
Sweden regained the lead when quarterback Max Lambert surveyed his options before unloading a 44 yard pass to Elliot Reer, which set up first and goal. He then whipped a pass out wide to Robin Gavelin Miranda for a touchdown. Forsman tagged on the point after despite a high snap and Sweden led 20-13 heading into the final stanza.
Photo: Håkan Bylund
Great Britain mounted a comeback as a 55-yard third down pass from Christian Strong to Ben Harrison teed up a 26 yard touchdown reception by Anousheh Fulford, who raced beyond the secondary to reel in the scoring grab. Looking to tie the game with 58 seconds remaining, Great Britain attempted the extra point, but after a bad snap Sweden’s Oscar Strömstedt’s raised right hand produced the all-decisive block.