Ramadan “Nations Cup” Competition: Zambia defeat South Africa 3-2

By Femi Atolagbe
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Goals from Ude Andrew (Yaro) and Seun John was all the resilience Ages FC (Zambia) needed to triumph over their arch rival, Snippers FC (South Africa) in what fans and spectators described as Ijapo derby.

The ongoing Ramadan “Nations Cup” competition decided at Ijapo Housing field during the weekend renewed the rivalry between the two Ijapo Landlords in an enthralling encounter .

Sporting Hope had last week  reported the previous meeting between the two clubs which was  in the last two year Easter’s Super four Cup competition where Ages FC defeated Snippers FC  1-0 in the preliminary stage before knocking them out in the final to lift the Trophy.

At the start of this weekend encounter between the duo, both clubs have been skeptical of each other.

Ude Andrew (Yaro) sent the spectators to a wild jubilation  when he out ran his marker with solo effort to tap home from the rear to give Ages (Zambia) the lead in the 20th minute.

Snippers FC reacted swiftly by cutting the Ages FC (Zambia) jubilation short few minutes later by restoring parity through  Ayo Timilehin. Ages FC goal tender, Jayeoba  Seun saved from a spot kick awarded Snippers FC (South Africa) in the 42nd minute  as the score line remained 1-1 going to the half time.

At the restart of the second half, Ages continued their domination and mounting pressure on their opponents, taking advantage of their pace which resulted in Snippers’ (South Africa ) changing of formation by substituting their center defender, Gbenga Olanipekun for a striker and drafted their right back, to the center.

The pressure continued as tee up between Pepe and  Michael Jello resulted in a threaded through pass to Seun John, who dribbled pass Snippers FC(South Africa)defender and goal keeper before curling in to the empty net to change the score board to 2-1 in 75th minute.

Snippers (South Africa) skipper,Abayomi Ayibiowu took the responsibility upon himself by giving his side the leveller in the 88th minute having received an assist from his team mate.

The more determinant Ages (Zambia) refused to be weighed down by the leveller, they put in more spirited efforts that got them the winning goal from Ude’s stunner in the box to end the match 3-2 in favour of Ages FC (Zambia)

AgesFC (Zambia) head coach, Karimu Michael (Bora)during the interview commended his boys’ doggedness, fighting spirit from the beginning to the end and for playing according to instruction. He likening the match to AC Milan vs Inter Milan derby.

“We won the match because you guys  are determined to prove a point.

 I must confess we fought a good fight against our rival , thank God we triumph over them.

The team manager of Ages FC , Femi Atolagbe charged the players not to relent on their oars and determinations for success, adding that the team’s last group match on Monday  is a must win to guarantee our club’s qualification for the second round of the competition.

One of the Proprietors of the Snippers FC , Mr Elvis Ogbebor, conceded that Ages FC (Zambia) are determined and eager to win the game.

Some of the spectators interviewed , said they have not watched an interesting and entertaining  local football like this in recent time.

Some said they abandoned Nigeria vs Qatar match to watch this local derby to the end.

Other results from the venue saw Guinea defeated Togo 1-0, Senegal edged Nigeria 2-0 while Ghana pip Cameroon by lone goal to zero.

Matches continue on Monday at the same venue.