Defending Champions, Hydro FC will not retain their crown following semi final loss to Expendables FC, who reached the final of the Exquisite Soccer Gala for the first time ever.
Officials and captains before kickoff of A-Team vs. Smart FC
The game, which did not present too many clear cut chances finished goalless and Jacob, who is the designated penalty taker for Hydro FC was denied in the shoot-outs by Taiwo in the first penalty of the shootout.
The was the only missed penalty of the shootout as all nine other players scored, as Expendables FC wins 5-4 and progresses to the final, where they will face Smart FC.
Smart FC bettered A-Team by a lone goal scored in the closing moments of the game by substitute, Villa.
The striker, who notched in four goals in the last edition was yet to register a goal having missed a penalty in their first match.
With his side struggling for goals lately, his introduction by Coach Josh was worth it in the end, a moment of individual brilliance from the strike, having chased and met a Salau pass, he left the defender for the dead before firing a shot past the Goalkeeper, hitting the woodwork on its way to the net.
Tough one for A-Team, who were knockout out at this stage in the last edition but bigger task awaits in the third place play-off, when they meet with the same team that sent them packing in the semi final of the last edition.
A-Team lockhorns with Hydro FC in the first kickoff of closing ceremony on Monday before Expendables and Smart FC battle for gold.
Author : Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
