Marvelous Merveille Shines in Seven-Goal Thriller

Beyond Limits made it three wins in as many games, pipping Real Sapphire 4-3.

Early pressure from the visitors set the tone of the game. That, and the two goals they scored in the opening 12 minutes of the encounter.

The first came in the 5th minute, Olarinsoye Taiwo breaking the deadlock from a difficult angle – and scoring his second in as many games. Seven minutes later, Merveille Akinocho doubled their lead, finishing off a well-worked move that had started out in their 18-yard area.

Rattled, Real Sapphire struggled to keep up with their visitors who seemed to be running away with the game. They pulled one back in the 29th minute, with Akinfenwa Musa converting from the spot.

But Coach Olumide’s boys, wary of giving their hosts a lifeline, struck again in the 40th minute, with Merveille getting his brace. 

Looking to finish off Real Sapphire and avoid a third league draw in a row against them, Beyond Limits upped the ante in the second half, and scored 24 minutes in. Merveille again got himself on the scoresheet, completing his hat-trick after Real Sapphire fumbled the ball in defense.

Three goals to the good, Beyond Limits took their foot off the pedal. The hosts took advantage, scoring two goals in three minutes – Amole Abidemi (76’, 79’) – and setting up a nervy finish. 

The log leaders, however, kept their cool to see off the reigning champions and preserve their place at the top for at least another week.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Merveille Akinocho (Beyond Limits)

The striker grabbed his first hat-trick of the season to help his side continue their fine start to the season.