By Femi Atolagbe

Saint FC defeated Elite FC 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to book a spot against United Army in the final of the Crown 74 football tournament.

The highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at Ijapo Housing Field, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Saint FC struck first in the opening half of the first semi-final tie, but Elite FC equalised in the second half. With neither team able to find the winner in regulation time, the referee signalled for penalties. Saint FC ultimately triumphed with a 5-3 victory.

In the second semi-final, United Army secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Ijapo Ages Stars. United Army capitalised on their chances by scoring in both halves, while Ijapo Ages Stars lamented missed opportunities in the first half of the encounter.

The defeat relegates Ijapo Ages Stars to the third-place playoff against Elite FC, slated for Saturday.

Reacting to the loss, Ijapo Ages Stars’ coach, Adeola Adetomiwa, admitted his team was not at their best, acknowledging that the better side won.

“Football is about winning, drawing, and losing. We have accepted our fate and thank God we still have something to play for. We will not allow this defeat to weigh us down; we will strategise ahead of the third-place match on Saturday,” he assured.