The second edition of the Exquisite Soccer Gala, get underway on Friday, 10th February in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB Ogun State Sports Complex.
The tournament, which the inaugural edition was played at this time last year again comprises of 16 teams, which makes up four groups of four teams in each.
Defending Champions, Hydro FC, first runner-up, Comrade FC, second runner-up, Smart FC as well as A-Team, who were previously known as Faka United, and famous for reaching the semi finals last time out are all present again.
Also in the midst this time around are quarter finalists last time, Expendables, Exceptional FC, Javelin Boys and Yhung Titans, previously known as ANP FC. While Kennyology FC also return as FIJSHPAP FC.
Peter Obi FC, Dream Team, Standard FC, Opulent FC, Admin FC and Samba FC make up the six that complete the 16.
Here is how the story went in round one of games.
GROUP A
Hydro FC 1-2 Expendables FC
Defending Champions kickoff their group campaign with a defeat to a Adebayo inspired Expendables FC.
Adebayo, in black and his Goalkeeper, Taiwo at full-time
The striker from the College of Environmental Resource Management, who opened the scoring in the curtain raiser of the first edition was at it again, scoring from inside the box following a corner kick midway through the first half.
Minutes after the restart, he scored again, lobbing a long shot over the head of Hydro FC Goalkeeper, James, who was well off his line.
The goal came following a long knockout by Expendables goalkeeper, Taiwo, who in the process becomes the first Goalkeeper to register a assist in the competition’s history.
Warri pulled one back for the defending Champions right after the second goal went in for the Expendables but it was little too late in the end.
Maiden edition’s top scorer, Israel Salami had himself to blame for letting down his side after being sent clear on goal, but he saw his low shot not threatening enough and well dealt with by Goalkeeper, Taiwo.
Peter Obi FC 2-1 Javelin Boys
Goals from Damilare and Monk gave Peter Obi FC a priceless win against a Javelin Boys side, who were miles the better side on the day but in the end victim of missed opportunities.
Damilare opened the scoring, getting on the end of a defence splitting pass by Messi before firing fast the helpless Goalkeeper, Flamingo.
Peter Obi FC’s hero and Man of the match, Messi
Javelin Boys coach, Richie made an early change and brought on Habeeb, who turned things around for them as they started to exert dominance on the match.
Their well deserved equaliser However did not come until after they had missed a penalty, hit the woodwork multiple times and miss a lot of other glorious chances.
The goal came just after the hour mark, as AY Gas delivered a free-kick into the heart of the area, which was awkward for the Goalkeeper to claim and Habeeb pounced home from close range.
They were not level for long though as Monk replied for Peter Obi FC almost immediately as it ended 2-1 to Peter Obi FC.
As was the result in their opening game of the last edition, Javelin Boys starts with another defeat but aside the result, there’s a lot of positives to draw from their performance going forward.
Up next for Peter Obi, who are top of their group is defending Champions, Hydro FC, a crucial match which will decide the fate of Hydro while Javelin Boys take on Expendables FC.
Group B
Ball Boys 0-0 Yhung Titans
No goals was produced in this fixture but Ball Boys could have gotten a better end to it if not for shortage of game changers on the bench, which costed them when fatigue set in for their not too experienced opponent.
Started the game the better side but let Yhung Titans grow into it and late on, it was a game of hanging in there for them and the fight doesn’t get any easy going forward.
For the Yhung Titans, it is a tough group to get a hold on anything but the game today didn’t come without it’s opportunities, ones which could have been taken.
A point isn’t too bad as they defended resolutely, but they also need to score goals on the other end in other to stand any chance in future games.
Comrade FC 1-0 Dream Team
Beaten finalist last time out, Comrade FC were not convincing in their first match of this tournament but wouldn’t mind too much after Ope’s first half penalty sealed maximum points for them.
A very courageous display by their opponent, Dream Team, who were ruled out by all and sundry before kick-off but they showed they won’t be walked over in the group, and Comrade FC can count themselves lucky to get all points from the match.
Comrade FC move to the group summit with Ball Boys and Yhung Titans between themselves and Dream Team heading into the second round of games.
Comrade FC take on Yhung Titans in their next game while Dream Team battle Ball Boys.
Group C
FIJSHPAP FC 1-1 Samba FC
What a goal to save a point in the end for FIJSHPAP FC, but could they have gone for it all ? Yes. They could and should have and every player in the squad will know that was opportunity squandered in the end.
Tawab – Samba FC right-back and player of the match
Not too positive result but conceding the first goal is always a disadvantage and that is one of the positive they’ll take away from the match.
Samba FC were very lucky to earn a point but the fashion in which they conceded the equaliser will hurt as their Goalkeeper could have done better to deny Aminllah a free-kick goal.
But in the end, the same Goalkeeper made other saves to keep them in the game and eventually earn a point.
Smart FC 3-0 Admin FC
Smart FC, Bronze medalist in the maiden edition kickoff their campaign with the biggest win of the round thanks to goals from Salau, Jide and a late Christian penalty against ten man Admin FC.
Villa missed a penalty right after Salau scored the opener but Admin FC were blown away in the second half with Jide and Christian sealing the win for Coach Josh side.
Salau, Smart FC first Goalscorer this time, and Man of the match.
Smart FC assume the group summit with three points, and a win in their next game against FIJSHPAP FC could see them already through to the last eight.
Admin FC will look to get their campaign back on track when the play Samba FC.
Group D
A-Team 0-0 Exceptional FC
Playing against arguably the side closest to them in the Group, A-Team didn’t do themselves much favour as they lost their heads in the heat of moments, and the aftermath brought a red card for their coach.
Dominated the duels but found rival’s defense tough nut to crack and had to settle for a point in the end.
Exceptional FC will be proud of their performance in a heated potential table topper décider, they held their nerves to see out a vital draw in the group opener.
Building on this will be the goal and establishing a good goal difference in their next games will go a long way to aid their cause.
Standard FC 1-3 Opulent FC
AY bagged a hat-trick, the second in the competition’s history since Villa scored the first against Mariners in round one of the maiden edition of the Exquisite Soccer Gala.
Hat-trick hero, AY of Opulent FC
The three goals were enough to seal a convincing win against a toothless Standard FC, who didn’t have too much in their arsenal to put their opponent on their heels.
Azeez scored an own goal for Standard FC’s consolation goal as it finished 3-1.
Opulent move to the group summit and their next game will come against group favourite, A-Team, while Standard FC take on Exceptional FC.
Author : Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
