By Saheed Afolabi
Ghetto Tigers FC on Saturday evening defeated HRA Youth Vanguard 4 – 2 in the final of the HRA Youth Challenge Cup at Ilupeju Secondary school, Ilupeju.
In a colourful ceremony which featured the launching of new kits for Ghetto Tigers FC Male and female players, as well as the coaching crew. The club dedicated the jerseys to Hon. Rasaq Olushola Ajala the chairman of Odi Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA.
The Chairman of Odi Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA ably represented by Hon. Rafiu Obanle launched the new set of jerseys as well as kicking off the final of the HRA Youth Challenge Cup match.
Less than 10 minutes into the game the clear favorites for the encounter Ghetto Tigers FC went behind in a goalkeeping blunder from their goalie.
A goalkeeping blunder by Olakojo Babatunde gifted forward player Mustapha Yakub a goal and the HRA Youth Vanguards the lead.
Parity would be restored seconds later as Ghetto Tigers FC set piece specialist and March Player of the month Seotan Taiwo sent in an audacious kick from the halfway line into the back of the net.
The HRA Youth Vanguard must have thought they were heading into break as equals but the Head Coach of Ghetto Tigers FC and matchday captain of the team Azeez Mustapha had other ideas.
The experienced striker sneaked into the 18 yard box and volleyed in a low cross from powerful forward Adeniran Habeeb. 2 – 1 was how the game ended in the first half in favor of the Tigers.
As soon as centre referee Adeola Eniola breathe life into the second half with the sound of the whistle and rulling out two goals on account of offside, winger Ishola Basit created more daylight between both teams by extending the lead to 2.
A scramble in the penalty box led to an appeal for hand ball. The appeal was successful and the centre referee pointed to the spot.
Matchday number 9 Samson Okunola made no mistake from the spot to score the Vanguard’s second goal. Taking the scoreline to 2 – 3.
In a bid to push for an equalizer Matchday Coach Ibrahim Adigun and Centre defender Tijani who had been doing great from the touchline came into frame to give the Vanguard a much need boost.
However, it was to count to nothing as centre forward Adeniran Habeeb put the game beyond the reach of the Vanguard with the fourth goal in favor of the Tigers. 4 – 2 was how it ended with the Tigers winning the trophy but the Vanguards making a bold statement that they are no pushovers.
ECHONEWS sport reporter, Saheed Afolabi did a great job by running the commentaries of the match which added more glamour to the event
The occasion came to an end with the presentation of a medals of honor to Hon Rasaq Olushola Ajala, his representative Hon. Rafiu Obanle and Mr Lukmon Ilori.
Also the first runner up got their silver medals while the champions Ghetto Tigers FC went home with gold medals as well as the HRA Youth Challenge Cup Trophy.
