REPORT: MD8 – Real Sapphire 2 – 1 Imperial

Real Sapphire Triumph Halts Imperial’s Unbeaten Run

A late Imperial goal was not enough to avoid defeat as the log leaders fell to a 2-1 loss against Real Sapphire.

The top-of-the-table clash began as an evenly-balanced contest, with both sides gauging each other and the game balancing itself out. The half seemed destined to end in a goalless draw until Real Sapphire broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. From a resulting corner kick, Peter Victory rose highest and nodded the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Two minutes later, Real Sapphire could have made it two in two minutes. But a DAR review cancelled a penalty call, thereby maintaining the status quo. Seven minutes into the 2nd half, Real Sapphire got the second goal they deserved.

Alade Akinfenwa, who seconds earlier saw his fierce shot saved, was again involved in a string of passes, which was then finished off by Lateef Abdulazeez. Thompson Sabastine pulled one back after Azubogu Godwin fumbled a cross into his box. But with the goal coming in the 90th minute, it was a little too late as the log leaders succumbed to a first defeat of the season.

The victory sees Real Sapphire move level on point with the leaders, now trailing by goal difference

MAN OF THE MATCH

Xavier Tarpeh (Real Sapphire)

The attacker again proved his mettle as his side registered back-to-back home wins.