The Cincinnati Bengals have caused a surprise and defeated the favoured Kansas City Chiefs. Kicker McPherson provides the decision in overtime and sends the Bengals to the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes becomes the tragic figure.

Kansas City – The Cincinnati Bengals pulled off a surprise and are in the Super Bowl for the third time in their franchise history!

The Bengals defeated the favoured Kansas City Chiefs in their stadium with 27:24 in overtime.

The hero of the day was once again kicker Evan McPherson, who made a 31-yard field goal to decide the AFC Championship Game in overtime. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes became the tragic figure. The Chiefs won the coin toss and had possession of the ball in overtime, but Mahomes threw an interception.

This is the first Super Bowl appearance for the Bengals since 1988, and the Ohio franchise has never won the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Even a temporary 18-point deficit could not keep the Bengals from reaching the final on Sunday.

Mahomes threw for 275 yards, three touchdowns with two interceptions. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow totaled 250 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception.

Tyreek Hill puts up the first points

The first points of the game were scored by receiver Tyreek Hill, who sprinted away from the Bengals defence in the end zone and picked off Mahomes’ accurate pass. After the successful extra point by Harrison Butker, the first seven points were on the scoreboard.

Burrow then led his team down the field, but a touchdown was not scored. Kicker Evan McPherson made a 32-yard field goal to keep the Ohio franchise in the game.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Mahomes showed how many weapons he has. This time the quarterback threw the ball five yards to tight end Travis Kelce. The extra point flew through the uprights again, 14:3.

Apple initiates Bengals’ comeback drive

The Chiefs then extended their lead with another touchdown. Mahomes found another target in Mecole Hardman. Kansas threatened to pull away, but Cincinnati gave the right answer. Burrow threw a short pass to running back Samaje Perine, who completed the 41-yard play with a touchdown.

On the last drive before the break, Bengals cornerback Eli Apple Hill stopped just short of the end zone, and the Chiefs went into the locker room with a 21-10 lead. The successful defensive action initiated the Bengals’ chase to catch up.

Another field goal by McPherson was followed by an interception by Mahomes after the break. Burrow turned the turnover into a touchdown by Ja’Marr Chase in the following drive. The Bengals then went for a two-point conversion, Burrow’s pass was caught by receiver Trent Taylor. Suddenly it was 21-21.

Kicker Butker sets up overtime

At the beginning of the last quarter Burrow made an interception. The Chiefs were unable to capitalise and it was Bengals kicker McPherson again who converted a 52-yard field goal to give the Bengals the lead for the first time.

The Chiefs failed to score a touchdown and with the clock ticking down, kicker Butker kicked a 44-yard field goal to send the Chiefs into overtime.