22nd October, 2012
Apapa Golden Stars proved bookmakers wrong by humiliating high-flying MFM Ikeja 5-0 in the first semi-final of the 2012 Extra Joss Football competition which held recently at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The match which was watched by top dignitaries including the Chairman of Apapa Government, Ayodeji Joseph, saw Adewale Ojora score two quick goals in the 10th and 19th minute of the first half of the game which destabilized the MFM Boys while Alabi Apatapiti made it three in the 42nd minute, and the first half ended 3-0.
The Coach Nathaniel Olagunju tutored side which had defeated MFM, Yaba Headquarters’ team in the quarterfinal, continued their scintillating performance in the second half as goalkeeper Ajayi Samuel saved MFM’s penalty kick in the 65th minute while Alabi Apatapiti scored his second goal of the match ten minutes later.
Ekene Ozuomena rounded up the goal feast with a terrific shot three minutes to regulation time to end the game 5-0 in favour of the Apapa team.
Golden Stars’ Coach, Bayo Olagunju said: “Our ultimate is to win the trophy to reciprocate the kind gesture of the council boss, Ayodeji Joseph who has been on ground to watch and support us during all our matches in this competition.”
Apapa Golden Stars will battle the winner between Messiah FC and Lucky Babes who slug it out this evening in the second semi-final slated for the astro turf pitch of National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
In the quarterfinal matches played on Friday, Yobo Football Academy lost 3-4 to Messiah FC on penalty after both teams played 1-1 at the regulation time as Lucky Babes FC defeated ASC Jobi Stars 1-0 in the other game.
The third place match has been fixed for Thursday afternoon while the final is billed for Saturday.
—SUNDAY AKINTOYE