By Paul Akhagbemhe
Historical moments and upsets were today recorded at the quarter-final stage of the ongoing YSFON organized Ramat Cup competition in Kano state.
On a “cold hot” afternoon in Kano and quarter-final pairings like no other, the National U-16 defending champions, Kwara, the darling of Kano football fans couldn’t live up to expectations. Despite the high ratings, they crumbled like a pack of cards, losing 2-0 to the host Kano state.
Although the match generated a lot of tensions, the fans couldn’t believe their eyes but resigned to fate and left the stadium disappointed.
Highly rated Jigawa team also failed to live up to expectations. Pundits had predicted an easy win for Jigawa going by their pedigree, only for Gombe to prove everyone wrong by beating them 3-1.
FCT team fought the battle of their lives to remain in contention. They came from behind to beat Kebbi 3-1 on penalties after an excruciating and breath taking 2-2 draw at regulation time.
The unbelievable upset of the day was the result of the game between Ogun and Kaduna.
Kaduna were three goals up and their fans thought it was all over and started celebrating. The second half turned otherwise, as Ogun fought back to equalise 3-3 on the dot of time.
Surprisingly, the Dapo Abiodun Babes won the match 10-9 on penalties. The outcome is still generating arguments in and around Kano metropolis.
YSFON’s Technical Director, Abdulgafar Agboola also couldn’t hide his emotions, saying that fans should expect more upsets on Friday during the semi finals matches.
In the semi finals, Ogun will again pray for another luck when they trade tackle with FCT, while Kano play Gombe.
The icing on the cake will be the YSFON President’s athletics competition coming up on Saturday, during the final game at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
No doubt the excitement is at its peak as even the visiting scouts are having a field day.
RESULTS QUARTER FINALS
Kebbi 2 (1-3) 2 FCT
Kwara 0-2 Kano
Ogun 3 (10-9) 3 Kaduna
Gombe 3 – 1 Jigawa
SEMI FINALS PAIRINGS
FCT vs Ogun – 9.00am
Kano vs Gombe – 10:30am
All matches at Kano Pillars Stadium on Friday 18 February 2022.
