Lions fired blank and held on to earn a draw despite being reduced to 10 men

The selection

Emmanuel Yakubu was recalled to be in goal after missing out on the last match day squad, Akingbade Bonny who was very impressive in the last match retained his place alongside Emelike with Samson brought in to replace skipper Ajeyomi Lekan. Ilesanmi Fisayo who opened the scoring with a well taken free kick in the last match started from left wing back, Onome Adepoju earned his first start for the club from right wing back. Adeyemi Adedayo partnered Ajor Joseph in midfield, Akinbola Oloore who went on to put in a man of the match performance despite playing only one half started in attacking midfield, returnee striker Aremu Ademola was given the nod in attack alongside Oladimeji Niyi.

How it went down

The Lions started the encounter on the front foot and dictated play in the early stage of the game and could have taken the lead in the 7th minute through Aremu after being released with a pass from Ilesanmi Fisayo but the attacker’s effort was too tame to beat the goalkeeper. Oladimeji Niyi also had another opportunity to put us ahead in the 28th minute after a nice square play from Onome puts him through with a free header but his effort was kept out with a great save by the GK.

In the 38th minute, Akinbola Oloore hit the woodwork with a brilliant effort from set piece to end the first half in deadlock. The gaffer made 8 changes at the interval and another opportunity fell to Terdoo Melody in the 49th minute after Ibitayo OmoLade went on a solo run on the left side and send a square pass to melody but his effort was kept out for a corner kick by the GK. Wingback Akpovie Micheal got sent off recklessly in the 55th minute for retaliating on an opponent with an after play challenge, the Lion however were not daunted by the incident and still retained possession for majority of the game but just couldn’t find the cutting edge  to leave the encounter barren at the end of 90 minutes.

What’s next

The Lions will be hosting Real Ifon FC from Owo on Wednesday for another friendly game.

Wonderxchange FC (3-4-1-2): Emmanuel; Emelike(Seun), Bonny(Sunday), Samson(Lekan); Ilesanmi(OmoLade), Onome(Akpovie), Joseph (Olayemi),  Adedayo, Oloore(Melody); Aremu(Dahunsi),Niyi (Chinedu)(Musa)

Unused Subs: Peter, Otaki, Abednego, Prince

Booked: Akpovie Micheal 55 (red card )

Weliweli Fc: Ife, Peace, Kola,Shina, Romeo, Eze, Tolu, Mercy, Peace, Omomo, Oyinbo

Substitutes: Alex, Godswill, Owolo, Casimero, Sammy, Amama, Richard