Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan confirmed their superiority over Crown FC of Ogbomoso, beating the Ajilete Warriors 1-0 in the final of the 2019 Oyo State FA/Aiteo Cup.
Ayobami Junior became the match hero again, scoring the only goal in the 25th minute of the well contested encounter decided at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
It will be noted that Ayobami’s solitary strike earned the Oluyole Warriors victory last year
The two sides cane into the match confident of victory with coaches Edith Agoye of 3SC and Oladuni Oyekale of Crown rolling out the best in their armoury.
The Ibadan soccer lords led by Waheed Omololu, started the game on a high note, invading Crown’s territory for the opener
Former Crown midfielder Gbadamosi Fatai was a thorn in the flesh of Crown as he combined well with Ayobami Junior to create chances which they could not convert.
Crown tried occasional to take the game to the Stars but the defence line of Abbey Benson, Nurudeen Amodu, Taiwo Muritala and captain Omololu gave a solid coverage for goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh.
Ayobami eventually found his way though in the 25th minute, as his low drive beat Crown’s goalie for the only goal of the encounter.
Shooting Stars had few chances to increase the tally but were unlucky to hit the target.
The first half ended 1-0 in 3SC’s favour.
The tempo of the game changed as Crown tried to seize the initiatives, pressing for the leveller.
They had a couple of chances to draw level but were shy in front of goals, throwing away begging chances.
The Oluyole Warriors made occasional incursions to double their lead but could not get the leeway.
Not even the introduction of Ahmed Rasheed, who came on for Aderemi Yusuf could change the scoreline as the 3SC forward was well pocketed by the Crown backline.
The ugly moment of the game occurred midway into the second half when 3SC left back, Nurudeen Amodu was elbowed in the head, going down badly in the process.
The timely intervention of medics brought the situation under control as he was treated and eventually taking out.
His replacement, Ogundimu Mutiu was involved in the thick of things as Crown piled pressure on 3SC for an equaliser which refused to come.
The Oluyole Warriors responded with last minutes efforts to add to their slim lead but it was not to be till the referee brought proceedings to an end at the end of the three minutes added.
Tosin Omojola
Media Officer,
Shooting Stars Sc Ibadan.
