Alani Ope Cup Final: Damilola Taylor Coach Sad Over Defeat

The Chief Coach of Damilola Taylor Football Academy, Ahmed Sulaiman, expressed sadness that his team lost to Glory Football Academy of Ikotun in the final of U-12 Shamsideen Alani Cup.

Glory Academy defeated their opponents 4-3 on penalty shootout after a barren draw in full time in an encountered watched by a few crowd at the Union Bank Playground, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos State.

Sulaiman admitted that his players played below expectations. He also blamed his players for not taking their chances in the regulation time, saying that their opponents were not good enough for the trophy.

“I am sad and disappointed with the performance of my players. In spite of the chances they created in the game, unfortunately my players could not score a goal. It was a bad outing for us because we lost to an average team,” he said.

Glory Coach, Idowu Omotosho, commended both teams for their scintillating performance, but noted that his team were determined and technically better than their opponents.

“I don’t think Damilola Taylor played better than us. We have lost to them in the past final match but today (Sunday) we were determined and better. I want to thank my goalkeeper, Kingsley Emmanuel, for his performance during the penalty shootout. It was impressive. We will continue to encourage him to reach the climax of his  football career,” he said. The Cup donor, who doubles as President Eko Club, Prince Shamsideen, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the competition. He commended both teams for their doggedness and the  football artistry displayed in the encounter. He promised to sponsor the tourney annually.

Glory received the sum of N100, 000 and a giant trophy while Damilola went home with N75, 000.