Gbagada secure maximum points in tight league opener

Gbagada began the quest for a TCC league title with a slim 2-1 victory over Imperial.

Cheered on by their home faithfuls, the Blue Eagles set the tone early, scoring in the second minute. Idowu Adebayo was in the right place at the right time to finish off a move he had started seconds earlier after stripping a sleepy Imperial defense of ball possession.

Buoyed on the wings of that opener, Coach Akinyelu’s men grew confident as the game progressed. From a healthy possession to multiple chances created, Gbagada were having quite the game. It was however the opposite for Imperial, whose struggles on the ball were evident.

The hosts made the most of their ascendancy in the game by adding a second in the 33rd minute. After a VAR check, Itunu Olushola was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area. The Blue Eagles won a penalty. Adebayo stepped up to the spot and converted to extend Gbagada’s lead.

In the second half, both sides intensified their quest for a goal: the hosts to extend their lead, the visitors to half the deficit. Imperial would get the half’s first goal as they pulled one back in the 58th minute. A defensive mix-up by Gbagada saw the ball fall kindly to Dare Adeyemi just around the 18-yard area. His belter swooshed past Samuel Bassey in goal, setting things up for a tight finish.

Things would however, stay that way as Gbagada soared to victory at Imperial’s expense.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Idowu Adebayo (Gbagada)

A stellar performance from a player who rattled the opposition defense in every way.