FASU 2024: Isaac ‘Mbappe’s late strike earn win for Marines vs Nkumba Uni

By Adegboyega Oluwaremilekun Adeleye

It was an electrifying atmosphere at the UNILAG Sports Complex on Monday as the plethora of home fans were dazzled with an impressive performance by the UNILAG Marines who earned their first win of the 2024 FASU games in style.

Olaonipekun Isaac, fondly called ‘Mbappe’ by fans was the hero of the day as his late strike ensured the Akokites triumphed over Nkumba University, Uganda in a 2-1 win.

It was indeed redemption for the Akokites who had lost their first game 1-0 against University of Development Studies on Sunday as they played better with a high intensity to win and enthusiasm to return to the driving seat in the tournament.

With Nkumba University scoring an equaliser in the second half to cancel out Chisom Odili’s early strike, the Marines continued to push for a winner and dominated possession in the second half. However, all attemps to score by Doyin, Isaac, and Mahrez were unsuccessful with a series of goalscoring chances missed by the attackers including a glorious opportunity missed by eventual match winner, Isaac.

The push for victory eventually paid off when Mahrez’s wonderful cross from the left fell to Doyin Omotosho, who nodded to find Isaac and the attacker made no mistake this time, slotting home with a superb header; sparking ecstatic, resounding, and jubilant scenes from the home fans.

In the other group game, Universitie Julius Nyerere dè Kankan defeated University of Development Studies 1-0.

UNILAG Marines will next play against the University of Jos on Tuesday by 4pm as they hope to continue their winning run and fight for a chance to win the football championship.