The Lagos preliminaries of season seven of the Channels National Kids Cup is heating up as teams continue to fight for a place at the national finals. St. Paul’s skipper, Afolabi Yusuf produced another spectacular performance in the round of sixteen.
Afolabi Yusuf scored another hat-trick to become the highest goalscorer of the competition.
Day three of the preliminaries featured an intense challenge as last year’s second runners-up, Dr. Teslim Elias, crashed out of the competition. Toyibat, Ebute-Metta, St. Paul and Hopeland impressed and all four have equal chance of making it to the National event.
The first game of the day was the Ikorodu derby between Rockford and Eunifrance. Rockford’s top striker, Jonathan Okepara gave his team the lead in the 7th minute. Two minutes later, Sanni Idris scored the second. It finished 2-0 and ended the campaign of Eunifrance.
The second game between Hopeland and Innercity was a one-sided affair. Five minutes into the game, Kuti Sodiq scored the opener for Hopeland and in the 14th minute, Olagundoye Tobi made it two. In the second half, Asiba Kingsley scored another to give Hopeland an easy 3-0 victory.
Dr. Teslim Elias and Daem played arguably the toughest game of day three. Wahab Habeeb scored an own goal to give Daem the lead, before Sanni toyosi drew level in the 20th minute. Both sides took the game to each other but none could find the back of the net. At the end of regulation time, the scoreline stayed at 1-1 and penalty kicks were played to decide the winner. Daem emerged 3-1 winners in the shoot-out to send Dr. Teslim back to school. Star player Isiaka Adedeji could not control the emotions, he was so hurt by the defeat to his team.
The 4th game at the Onikan Stadium produced a 3-1 victory for Uncle Bayus over Donmen schools. Onabolu Tunisi needed just three minutes to score Uncle Bayus first goal, Adeleye Samuel added the second in the 12th minute while Ademola Samuel sealed victory in the 5oth minute.
Ebute-Elefun also advanced to the quarter-finals after beating National Primary school 3-1. Last year’s losing finalist, Ebute-Metta did not lose a sweat to beat CMS 5-0 for a place in the last eight.
Defending Champions, Toyibat defeated Ladi-Lak 5-1 to progress. Samuel Idowu netted a hat-trick, Timileyin Ola and Azeez Salami scored one each to ensure a smooth passage into the quarter-finals.
The major talking point of day three of the Lagos preliminaries was the game between St. Paul’s Anglican School and The Tennets. It was an A+ performance from St. Paul’s skipper, Afolabi Yusuf, who scored a hat-trick to give his team a resounding 7-0 victory over their opponents. After the game, Yusuf was given the match ball and spectators asked for a photograph with the rising star.
At the end of day 33, goals were scored with the favourites advancing into the quarter-final stage.
DAY THREE RESULTS
St. Paul Anglican Church 7 The Tenets 0
Ebute-Metta 5 CMS Primary School 0
Ebute-Elefun 3 National Primary School 1
Uncle Bayus 3 Donmen Schools 1
Rockford 2 Eunifrance 0
Toyibat 5 Ladi-Lak 1
Hopeland 3 InnerCity 0
Daem 1 Dr. Teslim Elias 1
(Daem won 3-1 on penalties)
QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES
Toyibat vs St. Paul Anglican
Hopeland vs Daem
Ebute-Metta vs Ebute-Elefun
Rockford vs Uncle Bayus