Hammola Football Championship: Excel FC Seal Round of 16 Spot With Convincing Win Over Favour FC

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By Sportsgister

Excel FC confirmed their qualification for the Round of 16 of the Hammola Football Championship with a composed 2–0 victory over Favour FC in the third fixture of Match Day 7, a game loaded with qualification stakes for both teams.

Heading into the encounter, the permutations were clear: a draw would be enough to see Excel FC progress, while Favour FC needed nothing short of a win to keep their hopes alive. From the outset, however, Excel FC played like a side determined to leave nothing to chance.

The early exchanges set the tone, with Excel FC showing superior urgency and attacking purpose. Just five minutes into the match, Ayomide Kehinde found space inside the penalty area for the first clear opening, but the forward rushed his finish, allowing the Favour FC goalkeeper to escape unpunished.

Excel FC continued to assert themselves, particularly from set pieces. In the 9th minute, Fawaz Lawal rose above his marker to meet a corner kick, but his header lacked the power and accuracy to trouble the goalkeeper. Two minutes later, another threatening corner caused panic in the Favour FC box. Goalkeeper Hammid Bello managed to get a hand to the ball but failed to hold on, presenting Ibrahim Adeshina with a golden opportunity from close range. Bello, however, redeemed himself with a sharp reflex save to push the ball away for yet another corner.

As the first half progressed, Excel FC maintained their dominance. Ibrahim Adeshina nearly produced a moment of magic in the 40th minute, driving down the right flank, cutting inside and beating his marker twice before unleashing a shot that narrowly cleared the crossbar. Despite sustained pressure and several chances, Excel FC went into halftime still searching for the breakthrough.

The second half began with renewed intensity, and Excel FC’s persistence finally paid off in the 66th minute. Ayomide Kehinde reacted quickest inside the box to pounce on a loose ball and slot home from close range, giving Excel FC a deserved lead.

The opener visibly boosted Excel FC’s confidence, while Favour FC struggled to cope with the mounting pressure. Just four minutes later, Kehinde struck again to complete his brace, calmly finishing another close-range chance to double Excel FC’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt.

Excel FC continued to press for more goals, winning two quick successive free kicks in the 72nd minute. Fawaz Sheriffdeen took responsibility for the first, firing narrowly over the crossbar. Moments later, another effort whistled inches wide as Excel FC threatened to further extend their lead.

At the final whistle, Excel FC celebrated a well-earned 2–0 victory, a result that not only confirmed their progression to the Round of 16 but also underlined their growing confidence and attacking quality. For Favour FC, the defeat marked the end of their qualification hopes after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.