Lions fire blank in derby loss

The selection

The Coach opted for a different lineup from the last 2 games played.

Emmanuel Yakubu returned to the starting lineup in goal while the trio of Victor Emelike, Seun Ojo and Sunday Emmanuel were preferred in the 3-man defence settings. Afolabi Adeyina also returned to the lineup in defensive midfield partnered with Joseph Ajor and Melody Terdoo.

Omolade Ibitayo started at left wingback. Musa Hassan was used in a makeshift position at right wing back and was brilliant while Chinedu Okorie and Amaechi Sunday partnered upfront.

 

 

Zero shot on target

The Lions failed to register a shot on target in the first 45 minutes as a contrast to their free scoring form of late.

The game started on a high with tackles flying high and the referee having a lot of talking to do in the early stages. However, it was the visitors who created the most exciting scoring opportunities. They could have taken the lead in the 28th minute if not for a big save from Emmanuel Yakubu. This save made up for his mistake that led to the chance. He however gave away a penalty to the visitors after a clumsy challenge on an attacker in the 35th minute. This left the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Ridwan converted from the spot to send the Lions into the break trailing by one goal.

 

Still searching for derby win

The gaffer made a change at the back with skipper Lekan Ajeyomi coming in for Victor Emelike.

The Lions started the second half brightly and could have restored parity in the 51st minute but Chinedu’s curled effort sailed narrowly wide of goal.

It was the Hollumy boys who doubled their lead after a defensive error at the back allowed Ridwan to get his brace after firing into an empty net to gift his side a comfortable lead.

With fresh legs on the field, the boys continued to search for a way back into the game. The Lions could have gotten a goal for their effort late in the game but Emeka’s lobbed effort crashed against the crossbar. As a result, the visitors got the victory and left the Lions still searching for a derby win against the Ekiti-based side.

What’s next?

This team’s End of Year awards will be held this Friday, Dec 16th. After this, the team is expected to embark on a break for the year and regroup next year at a yet to be announced date.

Wonderxchange (3-5-2): Emmanuel, Seun, Sunday (Romeo 87), Victor (Lekan 46), Afolabi (Abednego 83), Melody (Emeka 68), Joseph (Olayemi 33)(Oloore 88), Omolade (Fiaayo 83), Musa (Osasu 83), Amaechi (Opeyemi 68), Chinedu

Unused subs: Micheal, Tope, Samson, Prince, Crespo, Gbemisola, Oluwaseun.

Booked: Afolabi 24, Olayemi 58.

Olukismet : Tunde, Babatunde, Michael, John, Olorunfemi, Benjamin, Ridwan, Olaide, Oyedepo, Waku, Obilana

Goalscorers: Ridwan 35, 65.