By Femi Atolagbe

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Ijapo Ages Stars FC defeated Barrack Eagles 3-0 in the first semi finals to qualify for the final of the 2023 Adu Cubana Unity Cup competition.

Also, Victory Lions pip Fortune Rangers 1-0 in the second semifinals to book a final date against Ijapo Ages Stars FC on Friday at the Ondo State Sports complex, Akure.

Nosa Enabulele drew the first blood in the first half of the enthralling encounter at the Ijapo Housing field to put Ijapo Ages Stars FC ahead in the 35 minutes, having received a sumptuous pass from Olorunda John. He wasted no time in putting the ball into the top roof corner of the net.

The semifinals between both sides were not without display of football artistry to the admiration of the spectators.

 Barrack Eagles efforts to draw level before the first half was not successful as Ijapo Ages Stars FC kept it tight from the midfield to defence, as the first stanza ended 1-0 in favour of Ijapo landlords.

The restart of the encounter saw both sides picking the gauntlet where they kept it by displaying what they know how best to do.

It took Nosa Enabulele to dribble past Barrack Eagles’ defence, but was smatched down by the goal keeper, the center referee wasted no time in pointing to the penalty spot.

Damilola Aladekayero stepped in to convert from the spot to take his tally to three in the competition and extended his side lead to two. 

Adeleye Adewole sealed the victory for Ijapo Ages Stars FC when he sent the opposing goalkeeper the wrong way from Seun John’s final pass to make it 3-0.

The organizer of the competition, Ayokunle Oluwatope commended the semi finalists for their display, saying he was very impressive with the maturity exhibited by all the participating teams.

Oluwatope added that the competition will not depart from the purpose at which it was organized which he said was to discover talents.

He congratulated the two finalists and urged them to adhere strictly to the rules of the competition.

The final of the competition will come up on Friday at the Ondo State Sports complex Akure.