The quarter final of the HF WORLD’s Exquisite Soccer Gala saw the surprise package of the competition, ANP FC bow out in a 2-0 loss to Hydro FC thanks to a brace from Israel Salami, who is now the outright top scorer in the competition with his fourth and fifth strikes.
The first half ended goalless as neither side was unable to find the right side of the net even though both were presented fairly decent opportunities. That however changed in the second half and Hydro FC had the ball in the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out due to a handball in the buildup.
The Sir Maxwell side took the lead just before the hour mark as the inform Israel Salami converts from 12 yards after a foul in the area after the ANP FC defenders were penalized for being too strong with their challenge on a midfield player.
The lead was doubled by the same player few minutes after to give Hydro FC a 2-0 win and a chance to compete in the last four, where they will take on Faka United.
Faka United remain the only team in the last four yet to concede a goal in the competition and their goalkeeper had little to nothing to do in normal time against Exceptional FC, who recorded no shot on goal in the 90 minutes.
Opposition goalkeeper, Abu Annas was however tested during the later stages of the second half but was equal to the task, saving a well placed low shot at the expense of a corner kick.
After no goal in 90 minutes, the game went to penalties. Sheriff and Hamzat missed one apiece and it went on till Faka United won 9-8 after Abass’ penalty was saved by the Faka United goalkeeper, Ayobami.
The other quarter final games saw Comrade FC beat Javelin Boys thanks to a Lukaku first half penalty. Javelin Boys exit the competition conceding three goals, all which were penalties.
Comrades FC will meet in the semis, Smarts FC who outsmarted their opponent, The Expendables to win 3-1 thanks to two late goals in the last kickoff of the day.
A goalkeeping error gifted the Tosin led side a 1-0 early lead from a direct free-kick taken by Yoboro. Missing several of their players and having no substitute, The Expendables leveled matters in the closing stages of the game.
However, the fatigue of their players was obvious after Smarts FC made three chances and turned the match around with just five minutes left to play, scoring two goals through Villa and P Boss. It ended 3-1 to Smarts FC who will now be dreaming of gold come Wednesday but standing in their way to final is Comrades FC.
The semi final games will be played on Monday and Comrades FC vs Smarts FC will first be played before the other semi final, between Faka United and Hydro FC takes centre stage.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
