Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Saturday thrashed defending champion Ilaji Football Club 4-1 to qualify for the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup competition in Oyo State.
In the match played at the Olubadan Stadium, Ilaji FC did put up an impressive performance to underline their Cup-holders status in spite of their amateur status.
3SC who lost to them in the 2024 final however put their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) experience into play to emphasise the saying “once beaten twice shy”.
They managed to smother the daunting challenge put up by Ilaji FC and keep the match under control in the opening minutes.
Anthony Okachi gave them the lead in the eighth minute, before
Mustapha Adams doubled the lead just six minutes into the second half to remove the steam from their opponents.
Hassan Akanni took the game beyond Ilaji FC when he lifted over goalkeeper Hanson Gift in the 57th minute of the game.
Adams went on to convert a penalty kick in the 60th minute when Adebayo Abayomi was brought down in the penalty area.
In the 74th minute, Yunus Umara blasted a shot past 3SC goalkeeper Abiodun Akande to register Ilaji FC’s lone goal.
Commenting on the game, 3SC’s Assistant Coach, Abimbola Lawal, attributed the victory to their commitment and the respect they gave to all amateur clubs which participated in the competition.
He however said 3SC would work hard to defeat Crown FC of Ogbomoso in the final match on Sunday.