Osun United win 2019 AITEO/FA Cup
From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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Osun United has defeated Police Machine FC 2-1 in the final of the State’s AITEO/FA Cup on Saturday to further affirm their dominance in the annual cup competition
With a strong squad named by the veteran coach Samson Unuanel which included Suraj Sodiq, Francis Odudu, Alaji Rasaq together with midfield maestro AbduRahman Rahman, the Omoluabi Giants took the bull by the horn from the blast of the whistle throughout with scintillating display, which attracted wide applause from thousands of spectators who came en masse to support their darling team.
Marshalled by Rahman and Alaji, Omoluabi Giants were able to halt the offensive efforts of Police FC attack as they thwarted the challenge posed by Oluwole Jibola and Olaniyi Muideen who spearheaded the attacking force of Police FC.
The coordinated and well orchestrated pass of Osun United midfielders paid off when Suleiman was brought down in the 18 yard box in the 9th minute with the referee signaling a spot kick.
The in-form Gafar Olafimihan, who scored a lone goal victory over Ajiroba Ooni in the semi final coolly slotted the ball into the net by sending Police FC goalkeeper, Abimbola Lateef into the wrong side.
The rejuvenated Police FC came back stronger in the second half and their efforts were rewarded in the 63rd minute when Ibrahim Olaide capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to restore parity for the “Gunners”.
Meanwhile, the combined efforts of Osun midfielders paid off at 81st minute when the substitute, Adisa Rasheed fired home from a close range to make it 2-1 for the 2012 semi finalists.
Speaking after the match, Osun United gaffer, Samson Unuanel said the team was still a work in progress and that he was looking forward to the first league match at home to Abia Comets on Wednesday, 1st May, 2019.
“It’s good we won but our major task is the league match holding next week. We are prepared and will do our best to make our fans happy by getting the maximum 3 points, having lost our first game at Bayelsa’, said Unuanel.
Police FC Chairman, Mr Taofiq Ola while speaking with newsmen said “the two teams were worthy representatives of Osun at the national level of the tournament. We would not disappoint people of the state when the competition begins”.
