The Great Britain Men’s national programme suffered a narrow 19-20 defeat to Sweden on Sunday in the 2024/25 IFAF European Championship.
Despite a pair of rushing touchdowns from Britbowl XXXVI MVP Andy Owusu and a touchdown reception by Anousheh Fulford, Great Britain fell just short when the latter score’s point-after-attempt was blocked by the Swedish defense.
Both sides’ offensive units came to life in the second half, with Great Britain quarterback Christian Strong connecting confidently with his receiving corps of Finley Old, Ben Harrison and Michael Johnson, but the hosts found success of their own with the ball, connecting on a passing and rushing touchdown in addition to two field goals.
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The Mane Men made a convincing start to the game, played at Sola Arena in Karlstad, Sweden. Running back Owusu, who was just last month named Britbowl MVP as the London Warriors won the Premiership final, powered through the Swedish ranks for a 40-yard touchdown run.
Sweden responded with a rushing touchdown of their own from just a few yards out, before adding to their score with a 41-yard field goal. The Lions threatened to respond before half-time, but Strong’s pass intended for Johnson from the 19-yard line was intercepted by a Swedish defender in the end-zone, leaving the score at 7-10 at the break.
After the break, Sweden again made their mark on special teams, hitting a 46-yard field goal to extend their lead. Back on offense, the Lions showed no hesitation as Strong connected on a 34-yard pass to Johnson, followed by a defensive penalty which set up Owusu to again run the ball in for a 3-yard touchdown score. The subsequent PAT was blocked, making the score 13-13.
The Swedes struck again in the third quarter as their offense picked holes in the British secondary, finding an open receiver from the 2-yard line and going ahead 20-13.
As the game entered the fourth quarter both defenses seemed to find a foothold. While the Lions’ run game in Owusu and Tyrelle Bovelle was stifled by the Swedish defenders, the British defense made their mark with an interception by linebacker Henry Scanlon and a sack from Jamaal Fredericks.
The Mane Men staged one final drive in an attempt to level the game. Receptions from debutant receiver Ben Harrison got the Lions in range before Strong found Fulford across the middle of the field, reeling in the pass from 26 yards out and powering through a tackle into the end-zone.
With the score at 19-20, the Swedish special teams unit again showed its force, blocking the kick and allowing its offense to kneel out the game.
