The much anticipated Exquisite Soccer Gala finally got underway in the early hours of Saturday with the opening ceremony taking place at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeouta, FUNAAB Sports Complex, Ogun state, Nigeria.
The opening ceremony was hosted by a famous OAP on the Campus, Adelu Uthman Akorede, mostly known as Hotman. The event was also graced by the presence of the Student Union President, Comrade Ale Oluwaseyi, Ale Seyi.
Jamgbadi Arnold, popularly known as Arnold TM, a fast rising artist on campus performed two of his songs titled No Mercy and Party nightie before his compatriot, Festus pka Festunz also performed the songs Fantasy and Molito to thrill the spectators.
The game started right after the ceremony with Kennyology FC kicking from left to right against The Expendables. It was a one-sided affair as the later dominated proceedings up to the half hour mark in the first half, when Adekanye Adebayo pka Ronaldo scored from a brilliant effort just on the edge of the penalty box, after being played through on goal by Bakare Jaborah Adeyinka.
The Expendables continued their dominance in the second half and were reward moments after the break. Ronaldo again connecting with a through ball from Adetumbi Lawrence to double his side’s lead.
The never threatening Kennyology FC laboured to at least pull one back but all efforts proved futile as the better chances kept going the way of The Expendables, who sealed a confortable win that see them occupy the top of the standings in Group A.
The other Group A game followed up as Empire FC and Faka United took center stage. The first half was evenly contested but Faka United were presented a glorious opportunity to put their noses in front, only for it to be squandered by their captain, Fakayode.
Empire FC were much the better side in the second half but there was nothing to separate the sides until the final minute of injury time, when substitute, Olanipekun Olawale EMMANUEL scored from close range to earn his side a laboured but vital win and move them level on points with group leaders, The Expendables.
Actions continued with group C game between Hydro FC and The Javelin Boys. An early penalty dispatched by Israel Salami settled the tie with Hydro FC bagging maximum points. However, Javelin Boys will only have themselves to blame as they squandered a host of decent opportunities to restore parity.
The highlight of their misses came in the 78th minute, when Savage fired over the unguarded net after the opposition goalkeeper, was well beaten by the through ball from a midfielder. Hydro FC went on to seal a 1-0 win. A relief for their manager in a very competitive group.
The final game of the day ended in like fashion with Predators FC emerging 1-0 winners over Fandane FC. It was however and evenly contested match until a moment of cheer brilliance from Predators striker Qudus, who controlled the ball with his chest and on the turn, fired home a belter.
Fandane FC controlled the tempo of the game thereon but they were unable to find the perfect through ball as Predator FC did just enough to get away with maximum points.
Summary
Group A
Results
Kennyology FC 0-2 The Expendables
Empire FC 0-1 Faka United
Standing: Having scored more goals in their win over Kennyology FC, The Expendables are top of the group on three points, same as Faka United but lead on goal difference.
Kennyology FC are bottom of the group with no points recorded yet, they share the same fortune on matchday one as Empire FC.
Group B
Results
Hydro FC 1-0 Javelin Boys
Fandane FC 0-1 Predators FC
Standing: The fair play rule has Predators FC on top after their two yellow card was better than that of Hydro FC, who got three booking from the referee.
Fandane FC are third but along with fourth place Javelin Boys, they are yet to record a point as a result of opening day defeats.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
2 Comments
Damn…. impressive brother
You are setting a very high standard.
Good game so far, lovely competition HF. But Javelin boys conceded 2 yellow cards because the referee was scared of humiliation. I stand to be corrected..