In the most entertaining quarter-final of this year’s Professor Do Easter Cup, Victory Ones FA demonstrated remarkable resilience to defeat Freedom FC 5-3 in a match that featured eight goals, including two own goals, and six yellow cards. The pulsating encounter showcased attacking football at its finest, with Victory Ones FA booking their place in the semi-finals alongside Valour 1107 FC, Cyprus FA, and Formidable Titans.
Early Exchange of Blows
The match burst into life almost immediately when Freedom FC’s Number 11, Wale, stunned the home crowd by finding the net in just the 2nd minute. Victory Ones didn’t have to wait long for an equalizer, though, as fortune favored them in the 7th minute when Freedom FC’s Number 6 inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
This rollercoaster opening continued when Wale struck again for Freedom FC in the 14th minute, completing his brace with another clinical finish to restore the visitors’ advantage at 2-1. The back-and-forth nature of the contest had spectators on the edge of their seats with barely a quarter of the match played.
Hosts Find Their Rhythm
As the first half progressed, Victory Ones FA gradually began to assert their dominance in midfield. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Olayinka Shola, wearing the Number 8 jersey, scored an equalizer that sent the home supporters into raptures and ensured the teams entered halftime on level terms at 2-2.
Second-Half Surge
Whatever was said in the Victory Ones dressing room at halftime clearly had the desired effect, as they emerged for the second period with renewed purpose. Just six minutes after the restart, their Number 11, Oduga Muhydeen, completed the turnaround with a well-taken goal to give Victory Ones their first lead of the match at 3-2.
The misfortune that had befallen Freedom FC in the first half returned to haunt them once more in the 61st minute when their Number 3 scored an own goal, extending Victory Ones’ advantage to 4-2 and leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
Late Drama
Any hopes of a Freedom FC revival were effectively extinguished just three minutes later when Oduga Muhydeen struck again, completing his brace and stretching Victory Ones’ lead to 5-2 with a composed finish in the 64th minute.
To their credit, Freedom FC continued to fight, and their Number 9, Afeez, reduced the deficit to 5-3 in the 68th minute with a goal that ultimately proved to be mere consolation. Despite their best efforts in the closing stages, Freedom FC couldn’t find the additional goals needed to force an unlikely comeback of their own.
Disciplinary Notes
As passions ran high on the pitch, the referee was forced to issue six yellow cards throughout the contest. Victory Ones FA’s Numbers 15, 28, 5, and 9 all entered the book, while Freedom FC’s Numbers 12 and 4 were also cautioned for various infringements.
Semi-Final Picture Takes Shape
With this victory, Victory Ones FA secure their place in the Professor Do Easter Cup semi-finals, joining Valour 1107 FC, Cyprus FA, and Formidable Titans in the last four. Their ability to respond positively to setbacks and capitalize on opportunities will surely stand them in good stead as they pursue cup glory in the later stages of the competition.
For Freedom FC, despite the disappointment of elimination, they can take pride in their contribution to a memorable quarter-final that will long be remembered by those fortunate enough to witness it at Gberigbe Primary School Mini Stadium.
Victory Ones FA 5-3 Freedom FC Scorers: Victory Ones FA – Freedom FC No. 6 (7′, own goal), Olayinka Shola (37′), Oduga Muhydeen (51′, 64′), Freedom FC No. 3 (61′, own goal) | Freedom FC – Wale (2′, 14′), Afeez (68′) Cautions: Victory Ones FA – No. 15, No. 28, No. 5, No. 9 | Freedom FC – No. 12, No. 4
