Gbagada FC Beat Remo U19 to TCC Cup Glory

It was time for the final of The Creative Championship League Cup as league Champions Remo Stars take on Gbagada FC at the Agege stadium on Sunday.

Remo Stars U19 were crowned league champions about a fortnight ago and were up against Gbagada FC, who edged the battle of the Lagos teams with Valiant FC to reach the maiden final.

Remo Stars started the game without a recognised centre-forward as Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was saddled with the responsibility of a false nine while captain Oyedele Lekan returned to the backline after his time out. For Gbagada, reliable left-back Martins Nwocha was dropped for Alfred in coach Akinyelu Olajide’s only switch.

The game began with high intensity as both teams were trying to settle down as quick as possible. Like they have always done all season, the League champions flew out of the blocks early and were creating chances upon chances.

Meanwhile, Gbagada FC could have taken the lead against the run of play when Edema Peter played Eya Solomon through on goal but the midfielder blazed high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. At other end, it was Olotu Alaba who kept denying the Sky Blues the breakthrough.

Edema and Semiu Fagbayi headed straight at Olisa Emmanuel in quick succession as the Blue Eagles continue to threaten from set-pieces and crosses. But there was no goal as the half ended in a stalemate.

After the break, both coaches rang a couple of changes as we approached the final half-hour of the game with the game finely balanced and still without a goal.

Remo Stars had the chance to go ahead from the spot after Ebenezer was brought down in the area but Dada Oladimeji who was saddled with the responsibility saw his effort saved by the impressive Alaba. 

Balogun Wasiu’s strike for Gbagada from outside the box missed the goalpost by some inches. Young player of the season Ogundana Shola then dragged his shot wide after a lovely team move when he should have at least committed Alaba into making a save.

Edema was replaced by Alashiri Tomisin and he would go on to become the hero of the day. Fagbayi played a pass to him in the area and the striker smashed the ball past Emmanuel for the game’s only goal in the 78th minute.

Remo U19 pushed for a way back into the game but they met a resolute Gbagada defensive wall as the Lagos side held on for a famous cup win.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Olotu Alaba (Gbagada FC)

The goalkeeper was on hand to repel various attacks of the league champions and his penalty save was crucial in the cup at the end.