Dominant Force crumble as Abuja’s Alchemy strike gold in Lagos Liga

Golden Alchemy produced an electrifying 4-2 victory over Dominant Force FC at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium on Monday, 16 December 2024 to finish second in Group C of the inaugural Lagos Liga tournament and advance to the quarter-finals.

The Abuja-based side entered the match with momentum, having dismantled Spiritual Movement FC 4-0 in their previous outing. Needing a win to progress, Golden Alchemy delivered a commanding performance, navigating a dramatic contest filled with goals, skill, and moments of controversy.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game kicked off at an electrifying pace, with Golden Alchemy taking the lead in the 5th minute when Jamilu Muhammad provided the decisive pass, setting up Sa’ad Ahmad to slot home the opener. However, the early advantage did little to settle the nerves, as the match soon took a chaotic turn.

Just three minutes after the goal, Amusa Samson picked up an unnecessary yellow card following a reckless challenge. His discipline issues worsened in the 16th minute when he dangerously raised his boot and caught Fashola Quowiy in the head, conceding a penalty in the process. Raji Ola stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, bringing Dominant Force level.

Raji’s celebration also proved costly for him, as he earned himself a yellow card for kicking the ball away after his shot had rippled the net, making him the most booked player of the tournament so far.

Golden Alchemy responded before the break, showing resilience in the face of Dominant Force’s pressure. In the 24th minute, Ibrahim Ahmad was the beneficiary of a well-placed assist from Yusuf Abubakar, slotting past the goalkeeper to re-establish his side’s lead.

That advantage was short-lived when Dominant Force hit back in the 29th minute, with Raji Ola once again proving his worth. The forward, who had already converted from the spot, exhibited his technical brilliance by curling in a superb effort from the edge of the box after receiving a clever layoff from Fashola Quowiy.

Golden Alchemy, however, wasted no time in reclaiming the lead. Seconds after Dominant Force had drawn level, substitute Yusuf Abubakar made an instant impact. Positioned on the right side of the opposition’s box, he connected beautifully with Jamilu Muhammad’s pass, striking an audacious half-volley that stunned the Dominant Force defence.

With Dominant Force struggling to regain control, Abubakar struck again in the 37th minute. This time, he defied the odds by drilling a powerful shot from an almost impossible angle, leaving the goalkeeper helpless and wrapping up the win for Golden Alchemy.

At the final whistle, Golden Alchemy had done enough to advance, collecting all three points and sealing their place in the quarter-finals. Despite a spirited effort, Dominant Force finished third in Group C and was eliminated, even though they managed to win a 2-0 penalty shootout after the game to claim an extra point.

Sadiq Dantata’s Golden Alchemy attacking display, led by the brilliance of Abubakar and Muhammad, ensures their journey in the Lagos Liga continues, while Bayo Akinde’s Dominant Force is left to reflect on what might have been.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS