Gbagada FC 1-1 Valiant FC

Gbagada FC played out 1-1 draw against Valiant FC in the second leg of their semifinal TCC Cup game on Wednesday, seeing out the cup tie 3-1 on aggregate.

It was a slow paced start to the game as either side tried settling into the game under the hot scorching sun at the Agege stadium.

Gbagada captain Semiu Fagbayi found some space behind the visitors backline and his intended cross for Edema Peter was unfortunately turned home by Muktar Muhammad in the 16th minute. 

That goal sprunged the Brave Boys to life and they should have levelled moments later. Akinsola Babtunde found himself free in the box but his tame effort was easily parried away by the goalkeeper.

Another chance soon went begging for the away side but this time it was Olotu Alaba who denied them. The goalkeeper parried Babatunde’s effort into Agboola Ifeoluwa’s path and the rebound by the latter was saved by the shot-stopper.

The chances kept coming for coach Achieve Yunus’ men but they met a resolute defence and the goalkeeper’s net difficult to breach. 

At the other end, Solomon Eya’s effort from range was well gathered by Okoro Chijioke as Gbagada held on to their 3-0 aggregate lead as the half came to an end.

Valiant returned with more zeal and hunger to turn the tie on its head but they were lucky to remain in the tie as Edema missed two great chances to increase the lead for the Blue Eagles.

Babatunde converted from the spot to level the score when the referee pointed to the spot for ball handling in the area. More efforts on goal from Lukman Ibrahim and Babatunde failed to trouble Alana in the closing stages.

Gbagada march on into the final and will face the winner between Remo U19 and Dino SC in May.

Man of the Match

Olotu Alaba (Gbagada)

The shot-stopper made some excellent saves to keep his side in the tie and ensure their progress into the final of the cup competition.