Oriade NLO Preseason Cup:Kazeem’s Late Free-Kick Rescues Point For Ridyem FC Against All Stars
3 min read
By David Edene
Matchday Two’s third fixture at the Oriade Pre-Season Tournament delivered a captivating contest filled with intensity, near misses, and late drama, as All Stars and Ridyem FC battled to an entertaining draw.
Ridyem FC made a bright start and almost took the lead as early as the third minute. Yusuf Abidoye raced onto a perfectly weighted through ball and looked poised to go through on goal, but All Stars goalkeeper Alli Muhammad reacted swiftly, charging off his line to smother the danger.
Abidoye remained a constant threat and returned just minutes later with another promising move. Showing great confidence, he weaved into the penalty area and beat his marker before attempting a decisive pass to a teammate in space. However, a timely defensive intervention from All Stars cut out the danger.
Despite Ridyem’s early dominance, All Stars gradually settled into the rhythm of the game and began to create chances of their own. Their best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 42nd minute when Taiwo Afolabi rose highest to meet a cross, directing a fine header toward goal. With the goalkeeper beaten, the effort narrowly missed the target, rolling just wide of the post.
The second half resumed with increased tempo and physicality. All Stars were awarded a dangerous free kick after Daniel Ola sustained a knock during an aerial challenge near the box. Bosun Afolayan stepped up and struck the ball with power, only to see his effort crash against the woodwork, much to the disbelief of the crowd.
All Stars’ persistence was eventually rewarded eight minutes into the second half. Kamal Adebiyi displayed strength and composure to outmuscle his defender before cutting inside and delivering a precise pass to Afolayan. This time, Afolayan kept his cool, controlling the ball before unleashing a powerful strike into the net to give All Stars a deserved lead.
Ridyem FC responded with determination, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Taiwo Afolabi found space and attempted an ambitious long-range effort, but the shot veered off target at the final moment.
As the match approached its closing stages, All Stars came close to extending their lead. From a well-delivered set piece by Quadri Adeyemi, Taiwo Afolabi connected cleanly with a left-footed strike that looked destined for the top corner. Once again, the woodwork denied them, keeping Ridyem FC within reach.
The defining moment came in the 86th minute in dramatic fashion. Ridyem FC goalkeeper Ridwan Kazeem stepped up to take a free kick from distance and produced a moment of brilliance. His left-footed effort curled beautifully toward the top corner, and despite getting a touch, Alli Muhammad could not keep it out as the ball found the back of the net.
The late equalizer ensured the match ended all square, with both teams sharing the spoils after a fiercely contested encounter.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
