Ramadan ‘Nations Cup’: Ijapo Landlords crushed

By Femi Atolagbe
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The match day one of the Ramadan 2019 Nations Cup decided at the Ijapo Housing field during the weekend was not a good start for the two teams that used the pitch as their home ground as they failed to make an impact.

The duo of Snippers FC and Ages FC tagged South Africa and Zambia respectively for the purpose of the competition performed below expectations as they loss to their visitors in their opening matches of the tourney.

South Africa had loss 1-2  to  Cameroon in the second match of the day ,as their visitor scored the fastest goal of the match day one in the 4th minute of the game via a 35 metres free kick .

South African’s swift reaction were denied by the Cameroon goalie , they continued their pressing for leveler as their efforts yielded in a penalty that was converted by Ayibiowu Abayomi.

The resilient Cameroon team keep pushing until they  found  solace in the 7th minute  to the half time through a thunderous outside shot that beat the goal keeper, making it 1-2 for the visitors.

The score line remained 1-2 as the referee signalled the end of the game. However the last match of the day between Zambia  and Ghana was adjudged  the star match of the day by the spectators , as both teams displayed their football artistry.

Defensive error gave the Ghanians the lead in the 15th minute of the entertainment encounter as they slotted home a miscue ball from the Zambia center defender.

Zambia  fought back by creating many chances that were rued due to un- clinical on the part of their attackers.

Ghana were later reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute for unprofessional conduct, few minutes later they added another goal to make it 0-2 .

At the restart of the second 45 minutes, Zambia  team showed some flashes of coming back into the game with more vigour and zest with some technical changes made by their head coach.

Their tactical changes later fetched them a consolation goal in the 86th minute from a beautiful tee up from the midfield to the wing for a square pass to John Tope who curled in the from the rear.

The match ended 1-2 in favour of Ghana .

In the other two matches earlier decided ,Senagal defeated  Togo  2-1 while Nigeria and Guinea played a goalless draw.

 Zambia Coach ,Mr Karimu Michael during an interview said he is rest assured  that his side will qualify for the second round .

The match day two will be decided on Friday May 25 2019 at the same venue.