FT Imperial 1 - 3 Gbagada

Match Officials

Ref: Sowunmi Matthew.      

AR1: Alaba Abayomi. 

AR2: Ìdòwú Olusoji.

RR: Owuru Dunmininu

Drawn in the same group for the 2021/2022 TCC Cup season, Imperial FC and Gbagada FC kicked things off in the first game of MatchDay 2.

Having dropped points from their first game – a draw against Atlantic Business FC – the defending champions were in search of their first three points of their cup campaign. On the other hand, it was the first cup game of the season for Imperial FC as they looked to do better than their last time in the competition.

The Blue Eagles would make their intentions known as early as the third minute when Sadiq pulled one into the box, forcing Imperial FC to concede a cornerkick. The next 15 minutes that followed were pretty much quiet, with Fagbayi attempting a cross into the opponents’ box in the 19th minute, a cross that failed to find any of his teammates.

The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute. Caught napping, the Imperial defense failed to clear their lines from a Gbagada throw-in. After saving a point-blank header, goalkeeper Kufre could only parry the shot on target into Ademola Akibu’s path, with the striker on hand to give Gbagada the lead.

Asides Bunmi Akande getting a yellow card in the 38th minute, things would return to the quiet normal between both sides as the chances were far and in-between until the ref called for half-time. Solomon Eya, after being introduced in the 46th minute, doubled Gbagada’s lead in the 50th, slotting home from close range. Goalkeeper Alaba was then called upon to make two quick saves as he helped protect Gbagada’s lead.

It didn’t take long for two to become three as Joshua Blessing was on hand head home in the 56th minute and finish off a move which started off from a corner-kick. Staring defeat in the eye, Coach Adedeji made a change, bringing on Samuel Ezekiel for Bunmi Akande in the 59th minute. The sub would make an almost instant impact, getting one for Imperial.

Although Fagbayi would later come on for Omolaja and Joshua Owopetu would get a yellow while helping to defend Gbagada’s lead, the deed had been done. The Blue Eagles soared to their first three points of the campaign, leaving Imperial with plenty to think about going into MatchDay 3.

Cautions

• Bunmi Akande – 35th Minute (Yellow Card)
• Joshua Owopetu – 63rd Minute (Yellow Card)
• Yusuf Salau – 76th Minute (Yellow Card)