In a semi-final worthy of the Professor Do Easter Cup’s growing prestige, Formidable Titans FC advanced to the final after defeating Valour 1107 FC 4-3 on penalties following an enthralling 2-2 draw in regulation time. The match, played before a capacity crowd at Gberigbe Primary School Mini Stadium, delivered a perfect blend of early dominance, tactical adjustments, and late drama that kept spectators spellbound throughout.
Titans Strike Early
Formidable Titans FC wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest, taking the lead in just the 4th minute through their Number 4, Clegg. The early goal seemed to validate their pre-match tactical approach and settled any nerves that might have accompanied such a high-stakes encounter.
For much of the first half, the Titans controlled proceedings with a confident display of possession football, though they were unable to extend their advantage despite creating several promising opportunities. Valour 1107 FC, meanwhile, gradually grew into the match, demonstrating the resilience that had characterized their tournament run thus far.
Second-Half Surge from Valour
Whatever adjustments were made in the Valour dressing room at halftime paid immediate dividends as they emerged for the second period with renewed purpose and intensity. Their efforts were rewarded in the 61st minute when their Number 4, Tajudeen, scored the equalizer that brought the scores level at 1-1 and energized the Valour supporters.
As both teams sensed the possibility of a place in the final, the contest opened up considerably. The Titans responded to the challenge in the 74th minute when their Number 8, Ibrahim, restored their lead with a well-crafted finish that seemed to have put them on course for victory.
Late Drama Forces Penalties
Valour 1107 FC, however, had other ideas. Just five minutes after falling behind for the second time, they demonstrated remarkable character to level the match once more. Their Number 9, Sodiq, became the hero for his team with a crucial 79th-minute equalizer that ultimately forced the semi-final to be decided from the penalty spot.
Disciplinary Notes
The high-stakes nature of the contest was reflected in the referee’s notebook, with seven players receiving cautions throughout the match. Formidable Titans FC’s Numbers 16, 2, 10, and 1 were all shown yellow cards, while Valour 1107 FC’s Numbers 10, 3, and 8 were similarly cautioned as tensions occasionally threatened to boil over.
Penalty Shootout Heartbreak
After 90 minutes of enthralling football ended with the scores locked at 2-2, the semi-final would be decided by the cruelest of methods—a penalty shootout. In the tense finale, both sets of players demonstrated admirable composure under pressure, but it was Formidable Titans FC who ultimately prevailed 4-3, sparking jubilant celebrations among their players and supporters.
For Valour 1107 FC, whose impressive run included a statement 4-1 victory over highly-rated Alajede Active in the quarter-finals, this defeat will be particularly painful given how close they came to reaching the final. Their players slumped to the turf at the conclusion of the shootout, their dreams of Professor Do Easter Cup glory shattered in the most heartbreaking fashion.
Final Awaits
Formidable Titans FC’s victory sets up a mouthwatering final against either Cyprus FA or Victory Ones FA, who will contest the second semi-final. The Titans’ ability to withstand pressure and deliver in the most decisive moments suggests they will be formidable opponents (true to their name) regardless of who they face in the showpiece event.
As the Professor Do Easter Cup continues to deliver drama and excitement in equal measure, anticipation will now build toward what promises to be a fitting finale to this prestigious tournament.
Formidable Titans FC 2-2 Valour 1107 FC (Formidable Titans FC win 4-3 on penalties) Scorers: Formidable Titans FC – Clegg (4′), Ibrahim (74′) | Valour 1107 FC – Tajudeen (61′), Sodiq (79′) Cautions: Formidable Titans FC – No. 16, No. 2, No. 10, No. 1 | Valour 1107 FC – No. 10, No. 3, No. 8
