Oriade NLO Preseason Cup:Super Subs Shine As Hammola FC Down Gold FC in Late Show
2 min read
By David Edene
Hammola FC delivered a strong second-half performance to defeat Gold FC, scoring twice late in the game to secure an important win in their Oriade Pre-Season Tournament clash.
Heading into the encounter, Hammola FC were determined to build on their dramatic opening match, where a stoppage-time strike against Victory FC earned them a valuable point. Gold FC, meanwhile, were playing their first game of the tournament and were eager to make a statement with a winning start.
The match began with both teams showing caution, carefully testing each other’s defense without committing too many players forward. Hammola FC nearly found the opener in the 28th minute when Abiodun Simon cut in from the right and fired a shot toward the near post, but Gold FC goalkeeper Timileyin Falana was alert to the danger and gathered comfortably.
Just minutes later, Hammola threatened again through Ajibola Awoeyo, who attempted a bold effort directly from a corner kick. The audacious strike briefly lifted the crowd but ultimately landed on top of the net.
Despite some promising moments, neither side could find the breakthrough before halftime, and the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
After the restart, the tempo of the game increased as both teams pushed forward in search of the opening goal. Hammola FC came close when Adeyemi Muslihudeen delivered a pinpoint cross to Alexandra Kehinde, whose header was well-directed but comfortably saved by Falana.
Gold FC responded in the 58th minute with Afolabi Mumeen driving into the penalty area, but his weak effort failed to trouble Hammola goalkeeper Ibiyanju Abiodun.
Shortly after, Gold FC produced a brilliant attacking move, stringing together a series of precise passes involving Abimbola Adeboye, Oladosu Mubarak, Bakare Ridwan, and Esho Oluwapelumi. The move culminated in a low strike from Oluwapelumi that narrowly missed the far post, giving Hammola a moment of relief.
Set-pieces continued to pose a threat, and Hammola nearly capitalized when Ajibola Awoeyo delivered a dangerous corner that caused confusion in the Gold FC defense. Badejo Oluwaseun rose highest to meet it, but his header drifted just wide.
The breakthrough finally came in spectacular fashion in the 71st minute. Substitute Adisa Olaadura showed excellent control to bring down an aerial ball before unleashing a powerful left-footed volley that beat the goalkeeper and gave Hammola FC the lead.
Aladura continued to influence the game and turned provider just five minutes later. Cutting in from the left, he delivered a precise pass to fellow substitute Shittu Yusuf, who calmly curled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to double the advantage.
The quickfire goals effectively put the game beyond Gold FC, sealing a deserved victory for Hammola FC and significantly boosting their chances of advancing from the group.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
