Kunle Adelabu
Two teams from Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and one each from Ijede and Imota LCDAs, have qualified for the semi finals of the third edition of AMA U18 Star Youth Football Championship.
After explosive quarter final matches, Ogunlewe FC, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Palm Avenue FC, Ijede LCDA, Fawole FC, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA and Oriokuta FC, Imota LCDA are through to the semi final stage.
The tournament, initiated and sponsored by Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), the representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, is aimed at promoting unity within the constituency, give youth a platform to excel and show their talents to scouts and managers of age -group soccer teams in the country.
Quarter final matches were played at the ground of Elepe Senior Secondary School, Igbogbo,,on Saturday.
In the opening clash of the encounters, Mayflower FC lost 0 -1 to Ogunlewe FC in a tight and hard-fought game. Mayflower FC came into the game with energy and determination, pressing high and trying to dominate the early stages of the match, but Ogunlewe FC remained composed, disciplined and dangerous whenever they moved forward.
One decisive goal became the difference between both sides, which Ogunlewe FC protected until the final whistle. It was a victory built on concentration, courage and championship mentality from the team from Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA.
The second quarter-final match produced one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far, as Palm Avenue FC and Imota I FC gave the crowd a football war full of tension and emotion.
The match ended one goal apiece, but Palm Avenue FC proceeded into the semi final, defeating their opponents 6 – 5 in the ensuing penalty shootouts.
It was another intense battle as Solumade FC took on Fawole FC in a game decided by discipline, patience and one moment of quality.
Fawole FC qualified for the semi final after beating Solumade FC 1 – 0.
The last match of the quarter final stage between Elepe II and Oriokuta FC, was another explosive game as it kept everyone on the edge through out the regulation time.
The game ended 1 -1 draw and proceeded into the penalty shootouts which Oriokuta FC won 4 – 3, to qualify for the next stage.
