5th August, 2010
Penalty shoot-out between the eventual winners, Stowe FC Shita, Surulere, Lagos and Star Boys FC of Apapa Road Ebute-Metta, Lagos was the most memorable in the final of the 2010 Paul Aketi Memorial Football Competition.
After regulation time had ended in a 2-2 draw, both teams settle for penalty shoot-out with the scores at 9-9. But Stowe FC’s goal tender, Samuel Olatunji, saved the 10th kick taken by the Star Boys FC’s right back, Adio Mustapha, for the Stowe Boys to lift the cup with a 10-9 victory.
The Stowe Boys operated from the left wing in the first stanza, while the Star Boys FC. launched their offensive from the middle. Both teams showed great commitment, determination and dedication during the encounter played at Ojo Oniyun Sport Centre, Ebute-Metta, West.
Inside left Dammy Lampard shot the Star Boys into the lead with a superb free kick from about 25 metres in the 39th minute, but Ibrahim Bakare in Jersey No.8, scored an equaliser for the Stowe FC three minutes later, as he collected a simple square pass from Aderogba Akinyoju to beat goalkeeper Bode Bathez.
Gbenga Omolaja shot Stowe FC ahead in the 83rd minute during a goal mouth scramble, but No.11 drew level for the Star FC in the 85th minute.
Ibrahim Bakare and Aderogba Akinyoju both of Stowe FC and Dammy Lampard of Star Boys FC are players to watch.
So also was Basira of Mainland Queens FC, who played against the Old Reliable Stars in a novelty match earlier.
The cup was presented to the winners by the Chairman of the De Reliable Sports Club and ex-player of the defunct National Bank FC of Lagos, Mr. Yemi Adeyemi.
The chairman, who was in company of the general secretary of the club, Mr. Gerald Nwogu, lauded the two teams for their fighting spirit, grim determination and the spirit of sportsmanship they displayed throughout the match.