Optima Energy Gold Cup: Shooting Stars Break Jinx, Emerge Champions
Shooting Stars FC Setting up an epic battle defeating the defending champions Beyond Limits 2-0 in the finals on Saturday at 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup pre-season tournament at Remo stars International stadium, Ikenne,Ogun State.
Meanwhile, Beyond Limits FC booked the final spot by a lone goal win over FC Ebedei ,while Ten-man Shooting Stars FC defeated Beninese Association Sportive de la Vallée de l’Ouémé (ASVO) FC by a lone goal in the semi match.
A 10-man Shooting Stars of Ibadan defied the odds as they broke their Optima Energy Gold Cup final jinx,
as they emerged champions.
In the 15th minute, Beyond Limits surges forward after series of touches without loosing possession. Shooting Stars FC also known as 3SC are pressing in their numbers.
On the 32nd minute , the referee was spotted on as he awarded 3SC a penalty after Sodiq brought down Olaniyi Fasanmi, who was put through on goal by Ikouwem Utin.
Aliyu Abubakar of 3SC then step on and converted to hand the lead and entered the break.
Two minutes after the restart of the second half, Beyond Limits are playing with urgency pilling pressure on 3SC defence.
3SC lost its captain ,Taye Muritala tests referee’s patience and receives marching order for a needless foul on Beyond Limits striker.
In the 68th minute, Adebayo Abayomi of 3SC is brought down before twisting in, Aliyu Abubakar send the resultant freekick into the area and that’s so close.
As Malachi Ohawume nearly increase the tally but Olisa Emmanuel goalkeeper of Beyond Limits parries away the ball.
Four minute later, Desmond Ojietefian jumped highest and connected with a superb delivery to nod into the net from range for a second goal.
That’s so close for Beyond limits, Oluwaseun Oguniyi , in the 85th minute , making a solo run attempt just before 3SC yard, his ferocious delivery towards top corner sails inches wide.
In the 95th minute,Close moment for Toyeeb as he pounces a low drive from Oluwaseyi Oguniyi, that creeps out agonizingly.
It was heartbreak for Beyond Limits who, despite an impressive performance, were put to the sword by an experienced and more determined Oluyole Warriors.
3SC were rewarded a sum of ₦2, 000,000 from Proud Sponsors of Optima Energy Gold cup preseason Tournament while Beyond Limits took home a sum of ₦1, 000, 000 for emerging as runners-up.
For the individual awards, Olisa Emmanuel of Beyond Limits took home the Golden Glove after keeping three clean sheets hearing to the final.
Benin Premier League Association Sportive de la Vallée de l’Ouémé (ASVO) FC were awarded the Best Behaved Team while Stephen Idowu got the Best Referee award.
It was deserving of Kparobo Arierhi, as his three goals and one assist earned him the Highest Goalscorer award.
The tournament Most Valuable Player went to Shooting Stars attacker Aliyu Abubakar, as his coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, was presented with the off-season tourney Best Coach gong.
