UNILAG defeat LASU in dramatic penalty shootout to qualify for FASU 2024 final vs UDS Ghana in style

By Adegboyega Oluwaremilekun Adeleye

The University of Lagos Marines continued their amazing run at the 11th All African University Games (FASU) with a deserved semi final win against arch rivals, Lagos State University via penalty shootouts (4-1) on Friday after the pulsating encounter ended 0-0.

The much anticipated semi final derby clash, played in front of the large home crowd at Lagos State University Sports Complex, lived up to its expectation as both sides (co-hosts) rekindled their rivalry and battled for a place in the final, in an intense, fierce, and competitive manner for 90 minutes.

LASU goalkeeper, Seyon Isiaka and UNILAG Marines’ goalkeeper, Micheal Valour were outstanding with both goalies marshalling their defense to prevent either sides from taking the lead throughout the exhilarating encounter.

After an evenly balanced first half in which Elijah, Malik, Abdullahi, and Emmanuel Okoro tried to utilise goalscoring opportunities to put LASU ahead as well as Isaac, captain Oluwaseun, Ayomide, Samuel, and Samad also creating fine runs in attack for the UNILAG Marines, the second half became more intense with both sides earnestly pushing for a winner.

One of the standout players of the tournament, Marines’ winger, Isaac Olaonipekun, continued his impressive form as he was the star of the show with superb runs from the left which posed dangerous threats to the home side’s defense at quick intervals and made LASU commit a lot of fouls, thereby piling more pressure on the hosts.

Despite a series of injury scares, Isaac continued to dazzle and with the addition of Ramon Quadri and Ogala David, it further bolstered the Marines attack and made the visiting side gain confidence amidst the intimidating and resounding jeers and loud noise by the home fans.

In the final minute, both teams prepared for the possibility of a shootout being the decider as both goalkeepers were substituted– Isiaka making way for Ojele Olumuyiwa while Valour made way for Lateju Boluwatife Hendricks.

In the eventful shootout, Osigwe Bright stepped up to take the first kick for UNILAG and scored while LASU also scored their first spot kick but it became more intense when the home side lost their next two spot kicks while UNILAG took advantage by scoring all four including a clinical strike by Samuel to comfortably emerge winners of the Semi Finals, causing rapturous celebrations from the visiting supporters.

The win ensured the Akokites booked a place in Sunday’s final vs University of Development Studies, Ghana, who defeated FUOYE 4-2 on penalties after the first semi final also ended 0-0.

The final will be played at the University of Lagos Sports Complex on Sunday morning by 10am with the closing ceremony scheduled to hold at Lagos State University later in the day.

Sunday’s final promises to be exciting with a lot at stake for both sides including pride and prestige. The UNILAG Marines will hope to seek revenge after UDS Ghana defeated the Nigerian side 1-0 in the opening day fixture last week and the winners of the FASU championship will also stand a chance to represent Africa at the 2025 World University Games.