By Ahmad Emmanuel, (The Radio Wizard)
Otite Stars FC of Otite had advanced to the final after beating hard fighting Iresuegeze FC of Eika Ohizenyi 3-2 on Penalties in the first semi final tie played on Tuesday, July 18 2023.
The keenly contested tie that went down at the ÈnyÃdúdú mini Stadium, Ebogogo, Adavi, Kogi State attracted fans from in and around Ebiraland and beyond.
En route the semis, Otite Stars Fc shined past Oyoko Fc of Kuroko in a similar fashion, winning via penalties while Iresuegeze Fc narrowly edged out Young Arsenal FC of Ebogogo/Inoziomi in a 2-3 scoreline.
On a beautiful evening, the ÈnyÃdúdú mini Stadium continously welcomes tens of thousands of soccer lovers and fans of both teams.
Soon, action got underway and it was time for some real business.
Both teams matched each other man for man, toe to toe and tackles for tackles.
Not too many clear cut chances came the way of either side until Onumoko Muhammad produced a stunning moment that threw the stadium into an electric mood.
In the 43 minutes, the bull-like attacker received a lovely pass from Eiman Buhari at the edge of the box and blasted home for 0-1.
The fans from Eika Ohizenyi celebrate while it last as the stars from Otite braced up.
That goal highlights first half action as the center referee drew the curtains for some time out.
During the break, the Coach Shehu Hanifah Mankind's led technical crew looked busier, perfecting tactics while making some corrections.
The Eika Ohizenyi bench weren't leaving any stone unturned too as they plotted more defensive approach to protect their slim lead.
Second half action got underway soon after, and fans continue to encourage their respective teams.
Otite Stars FC looked better in the second half, taking the game to their opponents.
Each time they press forward, they keep meeting a well organized defense line led by Abdulhakeem Adava, Ojo Anataku and Shasha.
Both teams made some tactical substitutions, as the game continue to produce more interesting moments.
While Otite Stars FC were busy looking for a way back, the Eika Ohizenyi warriors kept working extra hard to protect their lead.
The sky blue boys however didn't give up on their efforts, deploying series of tactics with long balls towards the half of Iresuegeze FC.
After 90 minutes of action, the center referee signaled for 7 minutes of additional time.
Fans and pundits alike were already closing their books, giving the result to the Iresuegeze boys.
But in football, it's never over until it's over.
A late drama ensued when Iresuegeze FC's defender was penalised for a handball in the box in an attempt to head out the ball.
Penalty was awarded without hesitation after a double confirmation from the assistant referee.
That decision sparks heavy protests from Iresuegeze FC and their fans while the traveling fans from Otite celebrate that moment.
After the tensed moment, the referee's decision stands and opportunity for Otite Stars FC to draw level surfaces.
Ad Ei Za Ibraheem was trusted to take the spot kick.
He stepped forward, took it and scored after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for 1-1.
That goal wrapped up the regulation time and penalties had to be deployed to decide the eventual winner.
In the eventual shoot-out, Otite Stars FC goalie, Onekata Abdulmalik pulled one save while Iresuegeze FC goalie, Sia-Sia missed, giving the Coach Mankind tutored side 3-2 advantage after they carefully converted theirs.
There was however an ugly incident after Sia-Sia's penalty miss as fans of Iresuegeze Fc staged a heavy protest, throwing stones and destroying some stadium facilities.
Iresuegeze Fc eventually staged a walkout without taking their remaining spot kicks and the center referee ended the game with Otite Stars Fc emerging the winner.
It however took the intervention of security personnel to dismiss the troubling fans.
The second semifinal match will be played on Wednesday, July 19 2023 with Arsenal FC of Idoji taking on Golden Milan FC of ÈnyÃdúdú.
The tie will be played at the ÈnyÃdúdú mini Stadium, Ebogogo, Adavi, Kogi State with kickoff time set for 3pm.
Whoever wins the tie will face Otite Stars FC of Otite in the finals.
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