Balogun heroics not enough as Firecrackers fall to Supremos in Lagos Liga Group D penalty drama

Supremos FC and Firecrackers FC shared the spoils in their opening Lagos Liga Group D encounter at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium on 7 December 2024.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game got off to a slow start, with both teams taking a cautious approach. However, Oluwafolahanmi Sodeke brought it to life when he forced a save from Firecrackers’ Elebiju Adedamola in the fourth minute.

The Don Jazzy boys hijacked momentum, and their growing dominance began to produce chances with Raheem Abdulmuiz’s shot in the seventh minute going wide off the Firecrackers’ goal.

Despite their opponents’ dominance, Firecrackers grew into the game in the presence of their owner, Stephanie Etiaka, and had a chance at goal via a counter-attack but the resulting shot from Ojeah Joy was not enough to work the goalkeeper before Monday Olamiposi sent in a wayward free-kick to conclude the action of the first half as the referee signalled for a break.

One minute into the second half, Firecrackers brought on Suleimon Tunde to replace Okeke Prince as they sought the game’s opener. However, four minutes later, Amoo Idris plays a corner short to Daniel Ndukwu who then forces a save from Balogun Quadri.

In the 27th minute, Firecrackers FC had a counter-attacking chance, but Prince was unable to bring the ball under control just outside the Supremos box.

Supremos looked to be the better side as the game neared its end. Daniel Ndukwu found Jacob with a delightful backheel pass on the box, who then forced a save from Balogun. Late into the game, Raheem Abdulmuiz set up Daniel Ndukwu from a free kick but the resultant shot was blocked by Balogun who was having a fantastic game in goal for the Firecrackers.

Nothing separated both sides at the end of forty minutes as both teams took a share of the spoils. However, Supremos FC defeated Firecrackers 3-2 via penalty shootout to earn an extra point.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS