By Saheed Afolabi
Eko Boys High School, Mushin defeated Anwar Ul Islam of Agege 2-0 at the Campos mini stadium, Lagos Island to lift the 9th edition of GTBank Masters Cup.
Before the final, Eko Boys High School had been defeating all their opponents comfortably, while Anwar Ul Islam had a draw during the group stage of the competition.
Eko Boys High School had their 13th manfully at their back which are their fans, who were roaring like wounded lions and beating drums from the start of the match till when the central referee blew the final whistle which paved a good result for the Mushin based school team.
Eko Boys had five players disqualified from the final because they have already graduated from the school, the same as the Anwar Ul Islam side.
Eko Boys scored two early goals in the first half to destabilize the Anwar Ul Islam side.
Eko Boys were able to score the two goals before Anwar Ul Islam could settle in the game.
Eko Boys dictated proceedings in the first half and had more chances to score more goals but the chances were squandered away.
Anwar Ul Islam couldn’t players couldn’t connect their passes in the first half as they gave away possession numerous times.
The Eko boys team decided to sit back in the second half and hit their opponent on the counter but the Anwar Ul Islam side garnered more possession in the second half but the resilience defence line of Eko Boys proved to be a turbulent task for them.
Anwar Ul Islam’s goalkeeper was impressive in the match with his breathtaking saves to deny the Eko Boys High School side.
Eko Boys were able to grind out a win and ultimately won the competition for the first time in 8 years as they last won it in 2014.
Coach of Eko Boys High School, Azeez Mustapha disclosed that he knew his opponent was very good so he told his midfielders to play diagonal passes and score early goals to shock their opponent.
Mustapha said he was very happy and excited about winning the GTBank Masters Cup for Eko Boys High School, saying they deserved it after coming close in previous years.
Coach of Anwar Ul Islam, Abdulmalik, said he was disappointed in his players and also blamed the organisers for the impromptu notice to play the final after a year break due to the effect of Covid-19.
However, he admitted that the better team won while boasting of winning the competition next edition.
