10-man Shooting Stars dethrone Beyond Limits as Optima Energy Gold Cup champions

 

A 10-man Shooting Stars of Ibadan defied the odds as they broke their Optima Energy Gold Cup final jinx, as they emerged champions of the 12th edition beating defending kings Beyond Limits 2-0 in a tantalizing clash at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday. 

It was heartbreak for Beyond Limits who, despite an impressive performance, were put to the sword by an experienced and more determined Oluyole Warriors. 

Just after the half-hour mark, Shooting Stars reminded fans watching the Optima Energy Gold Cup finale exactly what they are capable of with the ball and tactical play.

On the 32nd minute, the referee was spot on as he awarded 3SC a penalty after Sodiq brought down Olaniyi Fasanmi, who was put through on goal by Utim. Aliyu Abubakar then stepped up and converted the to hand Shooting Stars the lead, as they entered the break. 

Two minutes after the restart of the second half, 3SC lost its captain Taye Muritala, who received his marching order for a needless foul on Beyond Limits striker. 

A second Shooting Stars goal would come in the 72nd minute, after Desmond Ojietefian jumped highest and connected with a superb delivery to nod into the net from range for a second goal.

 

Beyond Limits would rule lady luck and rue their misses chance as the Oluyole Warriors were crowned champions after fourth attempt at giving it a shot in the final. 

Shooting Stars were rewarded a sum of ₦2, 000,000 from Proud Sponsors Optima Energy 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.

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Shooting Stars confirm supremacy over Osun United

 

Osun United were no match for Shooting Stars, who claimed the South-West Derby bragging rights in the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament. 

The Group B Matchday 2 fixture played on Sunday at the FC Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu, had Osun United being taught some football lessons, while a poor decision from Mutiu Ganiyu cost his team dearly. 

In a game of two halves, and with two quick second-half goals in the derby. it took the Oluyole Warriors to tear the defence line of Omolubi Giants apart in the sixth minute, and deservedly took the lead after Yaya Idris shot his team in front with a cool finish from close range.

The Omolubi Giants put behind their sloppy play and got energized, as former Shooting Stars striker Ebenezer Odeyemi put the game level after slotting in the ball past Mustapha Lawal in the 13th minute.

It was all to play for in the second half, as both teams went into the break finding the back of goal. 

Shooting Stars put themselves in the driving seat in the second half, as it good play changes the dynamics of the game after being awarded a penalty following a foul by Mutiu Ganiyu on Malachi Ohawume in box, as the 3SC strike was about to convert the inviting cross and Abubakar Aliu made no mistake and scored from the spot to give Shooting Stars the lead.

Two minutes later, Victor Ehibe puts the game under locks and keys for Osun United, scoring the third goal, and sealed the first 3 points for 3SC.