Imperial cruise past Gbagada to begin season on winning note

Imperial, who dominated this fixture last term, were looking to keep that run going when they hosted the Blue Eagles on match day one of the new TCC league season.

From the start of the game, the home side went for it and started creating a lot of goal scoring chances but Gbagada, in their usual strong defensive set-up, kept them at bay.

Imperial forward Ezeno Chidera was threatening down the flanks alongside Musa Abdulmaleek but there was no breakthrough for Adedeji Ayeoba’s team until the 26th minute when Musa finished off a lovely team move. Consequently,  they took the lead into the break.

Just five minutes after the restart, Gbagada got their leveler  from a set-piece situation that was duly converted by Semiu Fagbayi. In quick fashion, the home side got their lead back after Gbagada goalkeeper Mubarak Lawal was adjudged to have brought down Ashuku Joel in the box. Chidera kept his cool to restore his side’s lead in the 56th minute. 

Gbagada kept creating chances at the other end but the likes of Rilwan Gbadamosi and Jamiu Issa were wasteful in front of goal. In the end, Favour Charles capped off a fine performance with a security goal for his side.

Imperial made it three consecutive wins against Gbagada in the TCC League to kick-start their season on a winning note.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Favour Charles (Imperial)

He was majestic in attack orchestrating things and grabbed a well-deserved goal late on.