The stage is set for a blockbuster semi-final, as Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, and FC Ebedei have confidently secured their spots in the semi-finals of the 13th edition of the Gold Cup.
In the final Group A and B fixtures held simultaneously at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu, Sunshine Stars and Ekiti United faced elimination, falling short despite their desperate need for a favourable outcome to continue in the tournament.
In Group A, GreenLock FC struck early, taking the lead in the seventh minute with Aminu Abdullah’s impressive half-volley that left Abdulgani Ishola helpless in goal for FC Ebedei. However, Oliseh Boys rallied back, snatching a 2-1 victory with two expertly taken second-half penalties by tournament top scorer Kennedy John, who rightfully earned the Player of the Match award.
Sunshine Stars, who were in a prime position to qualify ahead of FC Ebedei, had their hopes dashed in a hard-fought match against Abakaliki FC.
They took the lead with a goal from Chuks Adoha in the 48th minute, but saw their advantage slip away just 11 minutes later when Jude Aleke struck a stunning free kick to equalize, sending both teams out of the tournament, as they respectively finished on seven points and four points respectively.
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Sporting Lagos and FC Ebedei progressed from Group A on nine points each but the former, an NNL team, tops the group on head-to-head, having defeated the Oliseh Boys 2-1..
In Group B, Lobi Stars dominated Seamoriow FC with a commanding 5-1 victory, finishing second on seven points and plus six goals difference. The top-of-the-table clash between seven points Ekiti United and six points Crown FC proved to be an unmissable encounter.
A crucial substitution by Coach Deji Ayeni for Crown FC saw Fabode Olaitan beat his marker and delivered a decisive shot into the top left corner for the winning goal in the 84th minute.
Crown FC finished the group top with nine points, followed by Lobi Stars (seven points +6), Ekiti United (seven points +2).
With yesterday observed as a rest day, anticipation builds as semi-final action is set to resume today, promising intense competition among the four qualifying teams.