Valiant FC 0-2 Gbagada FC

Valiant FC were not at their best in their TCC League Cup semi-final first leg match against Gbagada FC on Wednesday and were duly punished by the visitors as they suffered a 2-0 loss. 

Having breezed past Emmydinho in the last league game, it was predicted that Valiant would deliver a near perfect performance that could set a tone for an exciting fixture in the cup. Surprisingly, they fell short and Gbagada FC had the last laugh after 90mins.

In the opening five minutes, Gbagada had good chances to go up but they were wasted. Not long after, Valiant goalie Okoro Chijioke misjudged a cross from Gbagada’s Yinusa Onashokun which allowed Eya Solomon to head into an unguarded net after just seven minutes.

The home side didn’t know how to respond as the creative Babatunde Akinsola was completely marked out by Nwocha Martins who gave him no breathing space. Striker Lukman Ibrahim had an effort which cannoned off the bar before the half-hour. 

Another long-range effort from Agboola Ifeoluwa was easily parried to safety by Olotu Alaba of Gbagada. So it ended in the first half as the Blue Eagles and Coach Akinyelu Olajide smiled back into the dressing room.

After the restart, it became one way traffic with Gbagada pegged back in their half and Valiant enjoying the lion share of the possession, seeking a way back into the game.

Babatunde and Ifeoluwa combined for another chance but Alaba made a great stop to thwart the danger. Play remained basic and unimpressive for larger periods until a moment of magic from Gbagada’s substitute Tomisin Alashiri in the 77th minute. The striker brought down a cross Olawoyin Wasiu, did a turn before firing into the bottom corner to increase his side’s lead.

Valiant couldn’t find a way back into the game and did lose inspirational captain Kamara Morrison after he was sent off for a second bookable offence.

With the win, Gbagada have now won two of their three mettings with the Brave boys in all TCC Competitions.

Meanwhile, Gbagada will play host to Valiant in the return leg of this cup tie at the Agege Stadium next week. But first, focus will be on the TCC League this weekend.

Man of the Match

Omolaja Gbenga (Gbagada FC)

He was in beast mode throughout his time on the pitch. Pushed his side forward and was reliable in his defensive role. A solid performance it was.