Oriade NLO Pre-season Cup:Six-Goal Spectacle As AAYK FC And Telu FC Battle To Thrilling Draw
3 min read
By David Edene
Matchday three of the Oriade Pre-Season Tournament produced yet another unforgettable encounter, as AAYK FC and Telu FC played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in a game filled with drama, skill, and late twists.
Telu FC started the match with intensity and intent, immediately taking control of proceedings. Their attacking approach signaled clear ambition, as they pushed forward from the opening whistle in search of an early breakthrough.
Inside the first ten minutes, Abiodun Bolaji attempted to catch the opposition off guard with a clever low free-kick from about 20 yards, but the effort struck the defensive wall and was cleared away.
Their early dominance eventually paid off in the 16th minute. Edu Gaga, operating from the right wing, drove into the penalty area with confidence, skipped past a defender, and fired a precise low shot into the bottom-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Olagoke Abeeb helpless as Telu FC took the lead.
AAYK FC responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Olowookere Sunday won a free kick in a dangerous area. Hussein Sheriff delivered a teasing ball into the box, and although Telu goalkeeper Ibrahim Koyum failed to deal with it cleanly, Oleyede Azeez could not capitalize, sending a weak effort wide with the goal at his mercy.
Telu doubled their advantage in the 24th minute with a well-crafted team move. Bello Monsuru picked out Abiodun Bolaji on the right, who squared the ball across the face of goal. With the goalkeeper unable to intervene, Akintunde Ridwan tapped into an empty net to make it 2-0.
Despite going two goals down, AAYK FC showed resilience and determination. In the 35th minute, Makinde Iyanu raced onto a well-timed through pass and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit.
AAYK’s momentum continued, and just before halftime, they found a stunning equalizer. Olaoluwa Pelumi unleashed a remarkable long-range free kick from about 35 yards out on the right flank.
His diagonal strike sailed through the air and dipped perfectly into the top-left corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted as the scoreline leveled at 2-2 heading into the break.
The second half maintained the same high tempo. Telu’s Samuel Marcus tested Abeeb with a powerful long-range effort, but the AAYK goalkeeper produced a superb save, stretching to push the ball behind for a corner.
Telu FC came close to restoring their lead just before the hour mark when Abiodun Bolaji dazzled inside the box, weaving past two defenders. However, his final effort let him down as he fired over the bar.
AAYK nearly turned the game around in the 80th minute when Makinde Iyanu controlled a long ball and struck goalward, only to see his shot crash against the woodwork.
The drama intensified late on. In the 89th minute, Adebayo Sodiq’s powerful strike was deflected into the path of Edu Gaga, who kept his composure to curl home his second goal of the match, seemingly handing Telu FC a dramatic late victory.
However, the game had one final twist. In stoppage time, Telu FC were reduced to ten men after substitute Adebayo Sodiq received a second yellow card for persistent fouling.
With time running out, AAYK FC launched a final assault. Olowookere Sunday showed great determination on the left flank, winning back possession before delivering a dangerous cross into the box. Makinde Iyanu arrived at the perfect moment to fire home his second goal, completing his brace and rescuing a dramatic equalizer.
At the final whistle, both sides settled for a 3-3 draw an outcome that truly reflected the excitement and quality of a match that had everything.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
