In our quest for a three-peat in the Lagos State FA Cup, Ikorodu City FC fell short, losing 4-5 on penalties to Inter Lagos after a goalless draw at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

The game started at a slow pace as both teams tried to find their rhythm, especially given our lads’ demanding schedule. We had the first real chance in the 8th minute when Toyeeb Ajeyigbe connected with a cross into the box, but his header didn’t trouble the goalkeeper.

We came close again in the 13th minute, when Shola Adelani teed up right-back Adewale Adebayo, who was deputizing for captain Ojetoye Waliu after his suspension. However, his shot went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Our opponents threatened in the 18th and 21st minutes from a free kick after our defender committed a foul just outside the box. Goalkeeper Oluwadamilare Aina came up big, producing a fine save and stretching high to tip another goal-bound effort over the bar.

We nearly broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Ajeyigbe Toyeeb sprinted through on a counterattack. Instead of laying the ball off to Chineme Chinonso for a tap-in, he went for goal, only for his shot to be blocked. The first half ended in a stalemate as both teams went into the break level.

The second half saw an improved attacking intensity as we pushed forward in search of the opener. In the 54th minute, our gaffer Nurudeen Aweroro made a double substitution, introducing Ubani Wisdom and Ayomide Cole for Chineme and Toyeeb. Substitute Wisdom almost made an instant impact in the 68th minute, but his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper. In the 72nd minute, midfielder Folarin sent a cross into the box, finding an unmarked Freedom Marvelous, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

Ubani came close again in the 83rd minute with a free kick from just outside the box, but the goalkeeper gathered comfortably. Oga Boys almost snatched a dramatic winner in stoppage time (90+3’) when Harrison Uzondu swung in a corner that found Ubani, but his shot went agonizingly wide. With the game ending goalless after regulation time, penalties would decide the winner.

In the shootout, Chibuike Oheagbulam and Ubani missed from the spot, as Inter Lagos triumphed 5-4 on penalties. Despite the disappointment of not defending our title, we take solace in qualifying for the national stage, where we will look to make our mark.

SUBSTITUTES

OUT: Adewale Adebayo IN: Leonard Ngenge 38’

OUT: Chineme Chinonso IN: Ayomide Cole 54’

OUT: Toyeeb Ajeyigbe IN: Dada Oladimeji 54’

OUT: Kelechi Onwe IN: Moses Shodeinde 

BOOKINGS

Leonard Ngenge 66’