By Kanu Samuel
Ijapo Ages Stars on Monday defeated Car Park All Stars 2-1 to emerge champions of the third edition of the Ileya Football Unity Cup at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The first half of the entertaining encounter ended goalless despite Ijapo Ages Stars’ dominance.
The second half began with Car Park All Stars showing flashes of attacking football, but their efforts were effectively contained by the Ijapo Ages Stars defence.
Ijapo Ages Stars made a tactical substitution with the introduction of Monday James, who wasted no time in putting his side ahead with his first touch of the game.
Car Park All Stars responded swiftly but were repeatedly denied by the outstanding performance of Ijapo Ages Stars goalkeeper, Ayomide Gabriel, who produced a brilliant save to prevent Amao Mumini from equalising.
Michael Olalusi doubled Ijapo Ages Stars’ lead with a thunderous free-kick that flew into the top corner of the net.
Alaba Adeniyi reduced the deficit in the dying minutes of the game, converting from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 before the centre referee signalled the end of the match.
Ijapo Ages Stars had earlier defeated Car Park All Stars 2-0 during the preliminary stage of the competition.
Earlier, Ebile FA defeated Dirhamz FC 2-1 to secure third place.
Speaking with newsmen after the match, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the final.
The minister, represented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leader in Akure South, Oluwaseun Adetunji, congratulated both finalists for their impressive display.
Olawande said it was an exciting final between two good teams, adding that the better side eventually emerged victorious.
“This is my little way of positively engaging young people and ensuring they stay away from social vices,” he said.
Ijapo Ages Stars coach, Olaleke Karimu, commended his players for their performance, noting that this was the third time the team had participated in the competition.
“During the first edition, we were eliminated in semi – final. In the second edition, we were knocked out in the quarter-finals. I thank God that we finally won the competition at the third attempt.
“Our opponents prepared very well for us because we had defeated them during the preliminary stage.
That was why the match was so intense and highly competitive.
“I must also appreciate the minister for his consistency in sponsoring this competition for the third consecutive year.”
Car Park All Stars representative, Promise Bankole, commended both teams for their performance, adding that the better side won.
“It was a good game for both teams, and I congratulate the winners,” he said.
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