Imperial launch new match venue with enthralling draw

Imperial picked up their first point of the season, holding Valiant to a 2-2 draw.

The hosts kicked off their first home game of the season in high spirit, dominating the encounter. But they failed to make the most of their chances as the first half of the game ended without a goal.

They sustained the momentum in the second half and got their reward. Oluwarotimi was on hand to tuck the ball home from close range after Valiant failed to clear their lines.

The goal jolted Valiant back to life as they pushed to avoid back-to-back defeats. And they would get that opener minutes after, Sixtus firing the visitors back into the lead with a fierce shot inside the 6-yard area.

With momentum on their side, it was Valiant’s turn to take the lead. And on the hour mark, they did so in style thanks to Ayomide’s sumptuous freekick that left the goalkeeper flatfooted.

Valiant seemed destined for a first victory of the season until the 86th minute when they conceded a penalty. Bashir stepped up and converted, snatching a point from the jaws of defeat.

It’s not the result both sides wanted. But each side will be content with getting their first point of the 25/26 TCC League season.