Samuel Obudu Hat-trick Draws Curtain on Real Sapphire’s Unbeaten Start

For a third time this campaign, Dino scored four goals as they defeated Real Sapphire at home.

The hosts couldn’t have asked for a better start as they broke the deadlock in the 4th minute. A sleepy Real Sapphire defense was caught out by an onrushing Dino attack in a 3-v-2 situation. The scramble for possession saw the ball roll to Samuel Obudu’s feet who finished with aplomb, beating the offside trap.

The goal seemed to fire up the hosts who dominated the half, seeking a second. By the 36th minute, they were two goals to the good, courtesy of another Samuel Obudu goal.  This time, it was from the spot after Amos Adzuu was brought down in the 18-area.

The reigning champions, facing their biggest deficit yet of the season, pulled one back in the second minute of added time. Ismail Adams was brought down in the penalty box, winning the visitors a penalty. Amole Bidemi converted, halving the deficit just before the half-time whistle.

But it took Dino only four minutes of second half play to restore their two-goal lead. Real Sapphire conceded a second penalty, which Samuel Obudu converted, sending Demehin the wrong way. He became the first player to score a hat-trick of goals this season.

Nothing about conceding a third doused Real Sapphire’s confidence. They attacked to restore parity while keeping Dino at bay. In the 68th minute, their hard work paid off as they forced Dino into conceding a second penalty.

This time the roles were switched, with Bidemi Amole the player brought down and Ismail Adams the goalscorer.

With the game on the edge, the intensity jumped, with both sides searching for another goal: Dino to kill off the game and visitors to draw level. Dino would have the last say however, with Henry Madubukuo scoring Dino’s fourth in the 83rd minute to secure victory.

Dino are now three games unbeaten as they continue to ride on the momentum. Can’t say the same for Real Sapphire whose unbeaten start has now come to an end.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Samuel Obudu (Dino)

Who else if not the hat-trick hero – who single-handedly ended the unbeaten run of the defending champions.