Mustapha's early goal sends Hydro FC into the final, where they'll play Comrades FC who beat Smarts FC on penalties

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Hydro FC and Comrades FC beat Faka United and Smarts FC respectively to set up a meeting in the final of the HF WORLD's Exquisite Soccer Gala while the two losing semi finalists meet in the third place match to battle for bronze.

Comrades FC team photo before the game against Smarts FC. Photo Credits: HF WORLD

The highly anticipated meeting between Smarts and Comrades FC, both whom were the two most entertaining teams in the competition as Smarts FC has scored the most goals of any team so far, 12, while Comrades FC had scored in each of their games before the meeting.

However, it was a dismal show by the two sides as a game lacking cutting edge ended goalless after the full time whistle and it headed straight to penalties.

Akanni, the Comrades FC goalkeeper saved Smarts FC first effort while Ibukun, the other goalkeeper saved Comrades FC’s second kick to level up at 1-1.

After the first five penalties each, it ended 4-4 and it headed for the decisive kicks. Taking first, Comrades FC scored from their effort but Uthman could not do the same for Smarts FC as his effort crashed off the woodwork and back out, to send Comrades FC into the final.

Semi final results, photo Credits: Moore's Graphics.

In the other semi final, Mustapha Salami connected with a free-kick into the Faka United box in the early minutes of their semi final meeting to score the only goal of the game which was enough to earn Hydro FC a place in the final.

Faka United were much the better side in the second half but could not convert their dominance into goals, as Hydro FC held on to the lead and book the final ticket.

Faka United and Smarts FC will lockhorns for Bronze medal on Wednesday before Comrades FC and Hydro FC battle for glory right after the third place game on Wednesday. 


Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi

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