Valiant Football Club emerged winners of the 2023 The Creative Championship (TCC) Cup following a 7-6 penalty shootout win against Gbagada Football Club.
In a keenly contested final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, Valiant FC rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 in regulation time.
Gbagada FC started the game brightly and took the lead through Jamiu Issa in the fifth minute.
The Blue Eagles doubled their advantage late in the first half through Segun Alfred.
Undeterred by the scoreline, the Valiant boys came out with more enthusiasm after the break and took the game to their opponent.
Gafar Olaniyan reduced the deficit for Owolabi Bidemi’s side a minute before the hark mark.
With eight minutes remaining on the clock, Sanusi Sadiq equalised for Valiant with a superb shot from outside the box.
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The game then went into penalty with enterprising midfileder, Gabriel Sanda the only player, who missed from the spot as Valiant FC won 7-6.
Man of the match, Elegalam Sixtus, attributed Valiant’s victory to the never say die spirit in the team.
“I must admit it was a tough game for me and my teammates but we kept on fighting after conceding twice in the first half,” the young midfileder said after the game.
“We don’t accept death in this team. We always give our best, while on the pitch and that has always helped us.
“Our coaches also played a key role in this victory. They told us to keep believing and it’s a good thing that we listened to them.”
Valiant head coach, Owolabi also reflected on the hard-fought win.
“This is the first time we are playing in the final of a major competition and it affected my players especially in the first half,”he admitted.
“Thank God, they got over it in the second half and we were able to win the game.”
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