Sporting overpowered by Valiant performance, continue winless run

Valiant rounded up the first half of their 23/24 TCC League campaign by recording their first away win of the season – a 3-2 triumph over Sporting Lagos.

The hosts came into the game without a win in four and seeking redemption from what had been a November to forget. And they started out well, dominating proceedings and forcing Valiant to concede free-kicks in dangerous areas.

All their hard work paid off in the 26th minute as Akanji Oluwaseun combined well with a team-mate before scoring from a very tight angle. But up against a resilient Valiant team, the hosts were back to square one within seven minutes.

Maleek Sanusi served as an outlet for a through ball after Valiant won the ball in the midfield. The winger raced onto the pass, got the better of an onrushing Hammed Gafar before slotting the ball into an empty net.

The winger was again in a similar situation, this time 13 minutes into the second half. The winger again took care of business, this time lobbing the ball over the goalie to hand Valiant the lead.

Coach Shola’s men picked themselves up and pressed for a goal to draw level. It however didn’t come until the 83rd minute when John Lucky was hacked down in the box. He stepped up and sent the ball straight down the middle of the goal.

But Valiant would go on to have the last say, with Adam. M firing a left-footed shot past Saheed Hameed to steal all three points in the 90th minute. It’s now five league games without a win, a worrying trend for Coach Shola.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Maleek Sanusi (Valiant)

His two goals and assist proved how pivotal he was to getting the much-needed second win of the season.