Agbere FC of Sagbama have progressed to the semi final of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football showpiece, the Bayelsa State Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup.
Agbere FC beat Ayisco FC of Ogboinbiri 5-4 on penalties to secure the semi final ticket of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle after a 1-1 draw at regulation time.
Igbunu Ehweihoma put Ebi Amula’s men ahead on 50 minutes from close range,despite creating few chances in the first half, the Ogboinbiri side had the opportunity to restore parity from a spot kick but was wasted by James Festus.
Daniel Bekewei leveled the scoreline for the Ogboibiri side on 65 minute having controlled a long duration of the game.
Despite Ayisco FC continuous pressure on Agbere FC in the search of the second goal, the Sagbama side kept their cool at the back with decent defending believing in the goaltender who has saved his team thrice in the tournament.
Charles Peletiri on 80 minute almost gave Agbere FC the winner from a Left footed curled shot but the Southern Ijaw side will have Nigeria Godgift to thank for pushing the ball away from his goal post.
To qualify to this stage Agbere FC beat Ofoni United 4-2 on penalties after a barren draw while Ayisco FC piped Oporoma FC 1-0 at the Amassoma center.
Action will return Saturday at the Samson Siasia Stadium as Dream Academy School confronts Dream Boys FC of Odi in the battle of dreams at 3pm while Odioma United of Brass will engage De Grace FC of Yenagoa on Sunday by 3pm.
Agbere FC coach Ebi Amula in a post match interview, said his lads gave their best to progress to the semi final for the second time in a row describing the victory as tough.
He explained that the opponent played better despite the victory attributing the tiredness of his team to lack of squad depth.
Ayisco FC coach Ayibakenimi Alpheaus, attributed his team’s defeat to striker’s wastefulness in front of goals having dominated the encounter.
In the meantime, Director New Media to the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Kola Oredipe has heaped praises on the organisers of the Bayelsa State Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Dr.Oredipe in an interview shortly after the Agbere FC vs Ayisco FC encounter, said he was glad to see the quality of the game he witnessed in the tournament from both sides, stating that the sterling performance of the teams was indicative of the huge talents in the state.
While congratulating Agbere FC for the victory, the governor’s aide, commended the Prosperity Administration and the organisers for giving youths in Bayelsa a veritable platform to show their talents, pointing out that he is hopeful that players from the tournament would be featured in various cadet national teams for Nigeria.
