The University of Ilorin Warriors has qualified for the semi finals after beating Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi 5-4 on penalties in one of the semi finals played today at the FUTMinna Bosso Stadium.
Adams Josiah needed to be in superb form from the start of the match after he was recalled into the starting XI
Josiah was called into two early saves as ATBU dominated the opening exchanges with the first saw him turn Kenneth James effort around the post, before stretching to send Olu Kingsley free kick over the crossbar with his fingertips
Godwin Nyiuma again tested Josiah at the near post - although it was a routine save for the goalkeeper - with the Unilorin Warriors best chance of the first half coming in the 29th minutes and just before the break came from Igoh Godwin but center referee Abdullahi Lukman waves play-on after the striker was brought down in the area.
Muritala Abdullateef in his debut start for Unilorin Warriors races forward to beat his marker but was unable to find the finishing touch as he was closed down by Musbau.
The Momentum changes before the break as Unilorin took control of the final minutes of the first half.
ATBU had moments to win the match and poses more threats in the final minutes of the game but Unilorin Warriors showed more compactness and resilience.
Prince Upah beat Adams Josiah with his long range shot but saw his effort came off the goal post to the relief of Unilorin Warriors who had Adams Josiah to thank for his sensational saves as it ended in goalless in regulations time.
Josiah went on to win the Stanbic IBTC Man of the match becoming the third goalkeeper to win the award after Abdullahi Ridwan scooped the award at the quarter finals in Minna against FUTMinna Transformers in 2021 and Hanafi Moshood vs UAM Tilers in 2022 round of 16 first leg match in Makurdi.
In the first quarter final match, KSU Steelers came from behind twice to draw BUK Stallions and went on to win 4-3 on penalties shot-outs.
while in Uniben Sports complex, Fuoye Dazzlers eliminated Lasu Blazers and will take on Delta State University in the semi final who beat UNN lions by 1-0.
Unilorin Warriors will be hoping to reach yet another final to win Gold medal after thier triumph at the NUGA GAMES when they take on KSU Steelers in one of the Semi Finals billed for Saturday at the FUTMinna Bosso Stadium by 4:00 While Delsu Titans will entertain Fuoye Dazzlers in the other semi finals .
The Finals of the 2022 Higher Institutions Football League is scheduled to hold on 24th of September later this year.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0