Sporting Lagos trump Gbagada in Lagos derby

Sporting Lagos bagged bragging rights in style as they defeated Gbagada 3-1 in the Lagos derby.

The hosts got off the block faster than the visitors as they asked questions of the Gbagada defense early in the game. But they fluffed their early chances, leaving their fans on the edge. That waiting would be worthwhile as they broke the deadlock, in style, in the 24th minute.

From a freekick won 30 yards out, Alimi Faruk fired a shot that blitzed past everyone else into the bottom corner, opening Sporting’s account. The hosts would keep their guests at bay till the referee’s whistle, taking a slim lead into the break.

Gbagada started the second half like Sporting Lagos did the first: with intensity and hunger. Whatever Coach Akinyelu said during the break seemed to work so effectively that Gbagada, in the 59th minute, drew level, thanks to Olushola Itunu’s freekick – another goal worthy of a Lagos derby.

The hosts, although shaken, grew into the game gradually, working out their groove. And 13 minutes after conceding that equalizer, they again took the lead, with Faruk Alimi getting a second goal, this time finishing off a well-worked team move.

Gbagada pushed forward in search of an equalizer, looking to tie the game. They however left space at the back which Sporting Lagos exploited. 10 minutes from time, Alabi Egbedokun made it three as the Gbagada defense were caught napping.

It’s the perfect response to their opening day defeat as Sporting Lagos return to winning ways. For Gbagada, it’s a first defeat of the season, with plenty to ruminate on.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Faruk Alimi (Sporting Lagos)

Faruk didn’t just score an early Goal of the Season contender. He made every part of Sporting Lagos’ attack work efficiently.