Day FIVE: Akindele Amos comes clutch for Javelin Boys as they are joined by The Expendables, Hydro FC and Faka United in the quarters

In an highly controversial opening game of day five of the HF WORLD’s Exquisite Soccer Gala, Javelin Boys came out on top in their group C fixture, winning 3-1 against Predators FC to secure their place in the next round of the competition.

Javelin Boys made it to the last eight after a 3-1 win over Predators FC. Photo Credits: HF WORLD

Wale popularly known as Waposh gave them a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute of the encounter from the spot, after he was brought down in the box by an opposition defender. His effort managed to beat the Predators’ goalkeeper, who went the right way but couldn't get enough pace on his dive.

The lead was doubled early in the second half by Akindele Amos, Steady, but Predators FC pulled one back from a controversial penalty spot to put themselves in a good position to qualify. The penalty was first taken by Doyin and saved by the Javelin Boys goalkeeper, Seyi.

However, the assistant referee denied him of his save as he was adjudged to have move off his line before the kick was taken and the decision to retake the penalty was favourable for them as David this time, converts from 12 yards to half the deficit.

They their hearts were broken late on as Steady completed his brace with an easy finish from close range to send the Javelin Boys into the next round of the competition, despite picking up just one point in their first two games.

Predators FC, who recorded four points from their first two games disappointingly drop out of the competition and it is Hydro FC who topple the group after coming from behind to beat Fandane FC by two goals to one.

With his third goal, Israel Salami is now joint top scorer in the competition. Photo Credits: HF WORLD.

Fandane FC took an early lead through Camals in an evenly contested first half. However, Hydro FC showed their superiority in the second half as two goals from Israel Salami, who now has three goals in the competition sends them into the last eight.

They topple the group C and now await the results of the Group D games on Thursday to know whom it is they will be up against in the next round.

The Expendables made sure of their place in the quarters with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Empire FC. Having picked up four points in their first two games, the mission is to avoid defeat against a direct opposition for a place in the quarter finals and they were able to achieve this thanks to Lawrence’s lone strike.

The Empire FC missed a host of golden opportunities to level and maybe go on to win the game but it was The Expendables, who held on to the win, the points and the ticket to a place in the last eight.

Faka United were presented an easy points as Kennyology FC failed to show up for the game after losing their first two games. A 3-0 win was awarded to the Olamifesi Clinton's side and that earned them the needed criterias to finish top of group A.

They await the results of group B games on Thursday to learn whom they will face for a place in the last four.

Meanwhile, themselves and The Expendables become the only two teams to have qualified for the last eight without conceding a goal in three games.

Day Five results. Photo Credits: Moore's Graphics.

The goalkeeper of both side have been crucial in their run in the competition but more is to be done for them to go all the way in the tournament. The two sides can also meet again in the semi finals if they both win their quarter final games.

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi