By Femi Atolagbe

Ijapo Ages Stars Football Club defeated Right Hand FC 3-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing Crown 74 football tournament played at the Ijapo Housing field, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Sunshine Stars’ recuperating player, Michael Olalusi, gave Ijapo Ages Stars FC the lead with a well-taken strike from outside the box, before Damilola Adekayero doubled the lead minutes later.

Right Hand FC’s efforts to reduce the deficit were not enough before the centre referee signalled the end of the first half.

The hostility continued in the second half, with Ijapo Ages Stars dictating the pace of the game through beautiful exchanges of passes from defence to the final third.

Femi Kolawole sealed the victory for Ijapo Ages, scoring from Nosa Enabulele’s sumptuous pass to make it 3-0.

Ijapo Ages goalkeeper Ayomide Francis denied Right Hand FC a consolation goal with a beautiful save in the final minutes of the entertaining encounter.

In the last match of the quarter-finals, United Army came from 1-0 down to defeat Ifedore United 2-1.

Earlier, Elite FC had put four past Shine FC in the first match of the quarter-finals, while Saint FC secured a dramatic victory over FJay Academy in the second match after trailing by a goal.

Ijapo Ages Stars coach, Adeola Adetomiwa, commended his players for adhering to the game plan, stating that there would be no room for complacency.

Adetomiwa noted that all the teams in the semi-finals are strong competitors, adding that his side will approach the semi-final with seriousness and renewed energy.

He also expressed hope that some of his injured players would return to action when they face their opponents in the semi-final.

The semi-finals have been scheduled for Thursday, 9th January 2025, at the Ijapo Housing field in Akure.