Imperial Shock Iganmu FC to Record First-Ever TCC Cup Win

Match Officials

Ref: Bashir Abisoye

AR1: Ojeleye Sola

AR2: Mojeed Sikiru

RR: Owuru Dunmininu   

It was a first win for Imperial FC in the first game of MatchDay 3 in the TCC Cup. Theirs was a win largely unexpected because they had fallen short of winning a cup game since the maiden edition began earlier this year.

Aware of this run, Coach Adedeji made five changes to the side that started against Gbagada FC and asked his boys to start the game cautiously. Iganmu FC, on the other hand, were looking to make it two home wins in two TCC Cup games.

It was a rather quiet first half until the game came to life in the 37th minute when Ezekiel Samuel rose highest to nod home after a cross from the right flank of the pitch. It was the second time Imperial FC scored the first goal in a TCC Cup game – the other being, coincidentally, a header against Gbagada FC.

The remainder of the first half would see Iganmu try to get an equalizer before the half-time, all to no avail.

The first 10 minutes of the second 45 saw three players get cautioned by the ref as both sides tried to dominate the game.The Iganmu Lions kept pressing for an equalizer while the Imperial Boys kept their defense sturdy. Their patience paid off in the 77th minute of the game when Iganmu lost possession of the ball in the opponent’s final third.

A long pass from the defender found Chidera Ezeno who dribbled his way past his marker, Seun Abayomi, and found Ayomide Atorose with a pass. The defensive midfielder’s shot would find the back of the net, albeit via deflection off an opponent.

Although Gbadegesin Ogunfeyimi pulled one back for the Lions, this one was Imperial’s to win, their first of the 2021/2022 TCC Cup campaign.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Chidera Ezeno (Imperial FC)

The left-wing forward was more than a handful for the Iganmu defenders to deal with. A constant threat down the flanks, he provided the assist for Imperial’s second goal.

CAUTION

YELLOW CARDS

Iganmu – Olamide Korede (52’)

Imperial – Ezekiel Samuel (47’), Ademola Oladejo (50’), Sunday Okoro (77’)