DETERMINED ASSAN DITCHED SUG IN A SLIPPERY ENCOUNTER

 

ASSAN came into the game with determination and grit, knowing it was a must-win to keep their qualification hopes alive. They started brightly, pressing SUG and controlling possession. Despite their slow start, SUG displayed defensive resilience, especially in the first 10 minutes, as they thwarted ASSAN's early attacks.

In the 14th minute, SUG’s Olaiya Joel was booked for excessive complaints, as tempers flared in the tense encounter. SUG had their best chance of the first half in the 21st minute when Odey found space in the box, but his attempt to round the goalkeeper was smothered by the onrushing keeper.

The match quickly became an end-to-end affair as both teams sought to break the deadlock before the half-time whistle. Despite ASSAN’s dominant possession, they struggled to find a way past SUG's well-organized defense.

The second half continued in the same competitive spirit, with ASSAN controlling the tempo but finding it difficult to break through. SUG’s goalkeeper, Akande Victor, made crucial saves early on to keep his team in the game. Yellow cards were handed out to Kuye Akeem of SUG in the 36th minute for a foul, and to ASSAN’s Bello Damilola three minutes later, as the match intensity continued to rise.

In the 42nd minute, a key moment came when ASSAN's Adeleke Samuel was brought down in the penalty area by Ogunsola Mutiu, who received a yellow card for the foul. Adeleke Samuel calmly stepped up and converted the penalty to give ASSAN a crucial 1-0 lead.

SUG pushed hard for an equalizer, showing great spirit, but ASSAN's defense held firm. In the final moments, Adeleke Samuel, the goal scorer, was shown a yellow card for a foul. Shortly after the final whistle, Ogunsola Mutiu was shown a red card for dissent, receiving his second yellow card of the match.

ASSAN’s 1-0 victory keeps their hopes alive, but they will now await the result of the SUG vs. Languages match tomorrow, October 9, 2024, to determine whether they qualify as SUG will have to win for any hope of qualification. Adeleke Samuel was deservedly named Man of the Match for his crucial penalty and overall influence.

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