Prague Black Panthers outlast AFC Vienna Vikings in defensive AFL playoff tune-up

| AFC Vienna Vikings | 07/01/2025

The Prague Black Panthers (5–5) sealed a 19–13 road win over the AFC Vienna Vikings (6–4) at Ravelin Football Centre, leveraging disciplined defense and late-game safety points to solidify their fourth-place AFL playoff position.

Vikings’ early lead fizzles against panthers’ resilience
Vienna struck first with quarterback Aaron Adriaan Ellis’ 8-yard touchdown pass to Fabian Eder, but Kevin Voznyak’s PAT was blocked (6–0). Prague responded swiftly, with Norman Douglas threading a 14-yard TD to Jan Vrnata. Kicker Martin Mandik’s successful PAT gave the visitors a 7–6 first-quarter lead they never relinquished.

Mandik’s leg extends Prague’s advantage
Mandik added a 34-yard field goal early in the second quarter (10–6), capitalizing on Vienna’s stalled drives. Both defenses dominated a scoreless third quarter, with Prague’s front seven containing Ellis and forcing three three-and-outs. The stalemate broke in the fourth when Vrnata hauled in his second TD (17–6), exploiting Vienna’s blown coverage on a crossing route.

Desperation moves backfire for Vienna
Trailing 17–6, Vienna deployed receiver Fabian Eder at quarterback in a gadget-play experiment. Noel Bernsteiner’s 32-yard rush set up Michael Ertl’s 3-yard TD plunge, but Prague intercepted the two-point attempt and returned it for a safety (17–13). Vienna’s ensuing drive from their 1-yard line ended catastrophically when Eder was tackled in the end zone for another safety (19–13), sealing Prague’s win.

Coaches’ reactions
Vienna head coach Benjamin Sobotka acknowledged experimental missteps: “We tried a few things. Some worked, some didn’t. We’ll refine our approach before playoffs.” Prague’s Jayson Miller praised his team’s cohesion: “We fought as one unit across all phases – offense, defense, special teams. Perfect timing to peak.”

Playoff implications
The loss didn’t alter Vienna’s third-place standing, setting up a July 12 semifinal road clash against the Graz Giants (8–2). Prague travels to face the top-seeded Danube Dragons (9–1), who routed Salzburg 28–3. Both semifinals air live on ORF Sport+.

Key stats

  • Prague: Vrnata (2 TDs), Mandik (1 FG, 2 PATs), and 3 forced safeties.
  • Vienna: Eder (1 TD catch, 0/2 passing as QB), Ertl (1 rushing TD).

Next up
Prague and Vienna enter two-week preparation periods before their semifinal showdowns, with Prague seeking their second AFL title and Vienna aiming to reclaim championship form.

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