Gbagada win, again. Valiant lose, again

Gbagada FC recorded a third win in a row after their slender 1-0 win over Valiant. The Matchweek 8 TCC League fixture started on a quiet note, with not much happening in the first 18 minutes.

The game would however come to life in the 20th minute when Valiant were awarded a penalty for a handball offense. The chance to open the scoring was however fluffed by the home side as the spot-kick taker sent his kick over the goal post.

Just a minute after, it was Gbagada’s Joshua Blessing’s turn to put his side in the lead. However, goalkeeper Abiodun was on hand to thwart his effort. The back-and-forth continued, with Valiant forcing a goal-line clearance from Gbagada’s Al-Hassan.

With the corresponding attack from Gbagada, the Blue Eagles opened the scoring.

After his clearance, Al-Hassan was on hand to provide an assist for Ademola Akibu, who was on hand to head the ball home. Smelling blood, Gbagada pushed for a second in the 30th minute, but Bakare’s attempt from outside the area was picked up by the goalie.

Desperate to not finish this one empty-handed, Valiant launched a counter in another episode of the back-and-forth between both sides. They were however unlucky, yet again, as the attempt hit the woodwork.

Valiant started the second half the better side, forcing Olotu into making a save as early as the 50th minute. Gbagada’s job of defending their lead and finding a second goal was a bit too much to ask as the chances disappeared for the Blue Eagles as the game drew to a close. They instead concentrated on defending their three precious points.

They had to be on top of their game for the last 10 minutes of the encounter as Valiant launched a series of late attacks. It’s the compact Gbagada defense that would come out on top in the fixture, condemning Valiant to yet another defeat in the season.

CAUTIONS

Valiant

Favour Nwoke   70’

Tosin Folorunsho   75’

Gbagada

Segun Alfred   14’

Ibrahim Kazeem   48’

Wasiu Balogun   62’

MAN OF THE MATCH

Ademola Akibu (Gbagada FC)

The difference-maker, yet again, for his side, as his goal proved to make all the difference.