10-Man Gbagada Squeeze Past VOE, Move Into Second Place

Gbagada fought off a VOE comeback to pick up their fourth home win of the season.

Having won their last two league games on the bounce, the hosts started the game in high spirits. And it was no surprise when they broke the deadlock in the 20th minute.

Godwin’s free-kick had enough power to slice through the wall and evade the goalkeeper on its way in. Four minutes later, Taiwo Akire doubled Gbagada’s lead after making the most of mix up in VOE’s defense.

Just after the half-hour mark, VOE halved the deficit. Abdulraheem Taiwo’s shot from outside the box bounced off an opposition player before rolling into the net. Smelling blood and desperate for that equalizer, VOE pressed and got their goal on the half hour mark.

Godwin John got his second yellow card after bringing down a VOE player in the 18-yard area. Muhammed Sodiq stepped up and converted from the spot to draw the visitors level.

The Blue Eagles would however have the last say. In the 62nd minute, Semiu Fagbayi looped his left-footed volley over the goalkeeper from a tight angle to restore Gbagada’s lead. Coach Akinyelu’s men held on tightly to their lead, thereby securing the win and moving within five points of the leaders.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Sodiq Muhammed (VOE)

His conversion from the spot was icing on an impressive display.