ESG Final : Smart FC crowned Champions after shootout win, while Hydro FC ease their way to bronze in the third place play-off

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Smart FC have become the winner of the second edition of the Exquisite Soccer Gala following a shoot-out win over The Expendables FC in Monday’s final.

Smart FC - Champions of the second edition of the Exquisite Soccer Gala.

The anticipated final, between the two sides did not produce a goal in open play as both goalkeepers, whose contributions have been vital in earning their sides a place in the match repelled all thrown at them.

Smart FC dominated proceedings in the first half but were unable to carve out any clear cut chance, while their opponent, Expendables FC enjoyed wrecking havocs on the counter.

Hay Jay had a chance to test Smart FC goalkeeper, Emmzy midway through the first half but dragged his shot wide, while Taiwo in the opposing goal dealt with all set-piece delivered into his box expertly.

In the end, neither of the side was able to find a breakthrough and the referee ended the contest, to be settled by penalty shootout.

Akinbobo and Villa missed first two penalties for Smart FC while Tolu scored but his teammate, West failed to make it 2-0.

Smart FC went on to score all their next four while Rex failed to score his and Dami saw his effort saved when he needed to score - Smart FC then won 4-3 in the shootout.

Game of luck in the end decided the Champion this time and unfortunately for Expendables FC, who are the only team involved in the two shoot-outs witnessed in this edition and having beaten defending Champions in the semi finals, they fall to the newly crowned Champions, Smart FC in the final.

Meanwhile Hydro FC claimed bronze following a 2-0 win over A-Team in the third place playoff thanks to goals from Chuks and Warri.

Warri finished as the player with the most goals, four, and most assists, three. He picked went home with the prize for the top scorer award.

Smart FC goalkeeper, Emmzy won the Most Valuable Player as well as the Best Goalkeeper awards.

Apart from saving two penalties in the shootout win in the final, Emmzy did not concede a single goal from open play in the course of the competition, keeping five clean sheets in six games.

His only goal conceded came via a penalty against Samba FC in their third group game. He also put up Player of the Match performances in all their knockout round games, including in the final.

Best Coach award goes to Josh of Smart FC. Expendables Coach, Gabi came close but he was not on the sidelines for their first two games, hence, Josh, whose side remained unbeaten all competition, won the most games, takes home the prize.


Appreciation

The organizers of the competition, Kehinde Hassan Afolabi and Abdulrauf Abdulrasak Dolapo are thrilled by how much the students of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB Ogun State, Nigeria turned up for the competition and help made it so much fun.

Smart FC, Expendables FC, Hydro FC, A-Team, Yhung Titans, Ball Boys, Samba FC, Opulent FC, Peter Obi FC, Javelin Boys, Comrade FC, Dream Team, FIJSHPAP FC, Admin FC, Standard FC, Exceptional FC - all 16 teams that took part in this edition, thanks to each of the 19 persons that make up each team.

Thanks for your sacrifices and commitment to make sure the second edition of the Exquisite Soccer Gala is a success. And the officials, Regular, FM, Kenny, Biola, Constant, Stephen - Thanks for your time.

Thanks to member of Coaches and Staff at the Directorate of Sports of the University for the opportunity granted to utilize the Sporting facilities and support all through the competition.

Thanks to our Player of the match sponsor, Auto Spa, for the prizes given awarded to the standout players from the quarter finals.

Pardon our shortcomings this time as we promise to make up for them next time. We look forward to doing more with everyone in the future. Grazie!



Author : Kehinde Hassan Afolabi

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