Lions secure semifinal spot with hard-earned comeback victory
The selection
Coach Olayiwola Michael set up a 3-5-2 formation for today’s encounter with the 3-man defense marshaled by Lekan, Seun and Sunday Emmanuel while the defensive midfield partnership of Afolabi Adeyina and Haruna Yusuf continued with Olayemi Bello starting just ahead of them.
Onome Adepoju and Omolade Ibitayo started at the wingbacks while Amaechi Sunday and Chinedu Okorie led the attack line. Their task was to provide the width to stretch the opponents’ defense, while the forwards looked to create chances and score goals.
Drabby first 45
It was a very sloppy half for the Lions who were a shadow of their usual self. They struggled with possession and also had to rely on the competence of Emmanuel Yakubu in goal. He had a very busy day in office and kept out quite a number of goal scoring chances with some key saves.
Chinedu Okorie was forced to come off in the 28th minute due to an injury and was replaced by Opeyemi Michael. Hewould have scored the opener in the 38th minute after he was setup with a brilliant square pass from Onome Adepoju. However, he missed shockingly with just an empty net to beat from just a few yards out to end the first half goalless.
Comeback to win
The second half resumed with quite a good show from the Lions. However, they found themselves trailing when the opponent took the lead from a set piece to face the tough task of turning things around.
The introduction of Tobi Dahunsi and Mighty Aderibigbe changed the Lion’s play and they got the reward in the 66th minute through a well composed and well taken finish by Mighty Aderibigbe. This special moment was a testament to their hard work and determination, providing a great boost to the rest of the team.
In the 76th minute, Opeyemi Michael made atonement for his shocking miss in the first half. He made atonement through a pile driver from distance to fire the Lions into the lead and get the much needed victory to set up a semifinal date on Monday. This screamer of a goal not only atoned for his missed chance, but will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it.
What’s next?
The Lions will face Moyero FC in the semifinals on Monday. Moyero FC who secured qualification via a 5-4 penalty shootout win against Adamimogo are the Lions’ last obstacle before reaching the finals and will be a tough challenge for the team.
Wonderxchange (3-5-2): Emmanuel, Lekan, Sunday(Bobola 68), Seun, Onome, Omolade, Afolabi, Haruna (Omotayo 55), Olayemi (Oluwatobi 47), Chinedu (Opeyemi 28), Amaechi (Mighty 60).
Unused subs: Tope, Romeo, Musa, Lekan A, Femi, Abednego
Goalscorer: Mighty 66, Opeyemi 76.
Assists: Oluwatobi 66, Omotayo 76
Booked: Haruna 53, Lekan 55, Omotayo 67, Opeyemi 77, Afolabi 84.
