Igbajo United Football Club on Wednesday defeated Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu 6-5 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the win in the 2023 Federation Cup Round of 64 men fixture helped the Osun side to advance to the Round of 32.
The game played at the FiFA Goal Project pitch at the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja saw Igbajo United FC coming close to opening scores in the 22nd minute.
Mohammed Musa however gave Yobe Desert Stars the lead in the 62nd minute, while Igbajo United drew level through Ganiyu Wasiu in the 82nd minute.
Igbajo United went on to subdue their opponents 6-5 during the ensuing penalty kicks shootout.
Speaking after the match, Omoniyi Muhyideen, the coach of Igbajo United FC, said he appreciated the team work displayed by his players.
He disclosed that his team had never played on an astro turf before.
“We only trained on the pitch on Tuesday and today (Wednesday) we played and went on to win.
“We were only given hours on the pitch and my players were able to adapt to the pitch.
“Going forward, I believe we can replicate this kind of attitude in the next round of 32,” Muhyideen said.
On his part, Emmanuel Olowo, the coach of Yobe Desert Stars,said his team did well in spite of the loss.
“Actually we dominated the game in the second half to take the lead and they leveled up. But a penalty kick shootout is a game of luck and luck wasn’t on our side.
“We will go back and focus on our league campaign, because we are presently topping our group,” he said.
NAN reports that Igbajo United FC qualified to represent Osun after qualifying for the state final, where they lost 1-2 to Osun United FC.
Yobe Desert Stars qualified to represent Yobe and even won the state’s competition after beating Yobe Desert Feeders 1-0 in the state’s final match.
