Lagos Liga: Applebee outclass struggling Jarus FC to strengthen grip on Group A

Jarus FC endured another setback in the Lagos Liga as Applebee come from behind to earn a 4-2 win in their matchday 5 clash at Campos Memorial Mini Stadium on Friday, 13 December 2024.

Despite an explosive start from Jarus FC, Applebee’s dominance proved too much as they overturned an early deficit to strengthen their position at the top of Group A.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The match began in spectacular fashion with Jarus scoring the fastest goal in Lagos Liga history. Within 13 seconds, Lukmon “Casilas” Shittu delivered a dangerous ball into the box, which Temple Akire converted with a simple tap-in to hand his side the perfect start and register their first-ever Lagos Liga goal.

Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Jarus pressed forward in search of a second. In the 8th minute, Casilas found Enoch Namene on the right side of the Applebee penalty area, but the midfielder’s effort sailed wide. Moments later, Casilas, who has been at the heart of every Jarus attack, set up Temple for another attempt, but his shot flew high over the crossbar.

Applebee responded emphatically, drawing level in the 10th minute when Sodiq Folorunso’s powerful shot was parried by Afeez, but Raymond Ishola reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.

Just two minutes later, Segun Badejo delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank, which Michael Tomisona met with a thumping header to give Applebee the lead.

Applebee quickly took control of proceedings, dictating play in midfield through captain David Onuche and Precious Ogunyase. The latter made his impact count in the 14th minute, unleashing a well-struck shot from outside the penalty area to extend Applebee’s lead to 3-1.

Jarus FC struggled to cope with Applebee’s dominance, and in the 19th minute, the table-toppers exhibited their tactical awareness by playing out from the back before launching a swift counterattack. However, Badejo’s final shot was blocked.

The second half saw Applebee extend their lead with a well-worked team goal in the 22nd minute. Ohiri and Onuche combined brilliantly on the edge of the box, exchanging quick passes before Ohiri played a return ball into the path of Onuche, who finished with a simple left-footed strike into an empty net.

Jarus FC attempted to mount a response in the 25th minute, but Enoch’s left-footed effort was comfortably gathered by Applebee goalkeeper Eneh Samuel. Applebee remained in control, coming close to a fifth goal in the 31st minute when Onuche tested Afeez with a powerful strike after receiving a layoff from Ogunyase. Seconds later, Afolabi Samad dispossessed a Jarus FC defender but failed to direct his shot on target.

Jarus FC pulled a goal back through Gaza’s superb direct free-kick after he was fouled by Ohiri on the left-hand side of the attack. With the score at 4-2, Applebee sought to restore their three-goal advantage, but Obani’s shot from the edge of the area in the 36th minute drifted wide.

In the final moments of the match, Afeez produced two excellent saves to prevent Applebee from adding to their tally. However, at the end of regular time, Jarus FC were left to rue their defensive lapses as they fell to their second defeat of the tournament.

Despite their loss, Jarus FC earned their first-ever Lagos Liga point with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory. The result sees Applebee extend their lead at the top of Group A with 6 points, three ahead of Krypton FC, who sit second with 4 points and a +3 goal difference. Koko FC occupy third place with 4 points and a -3 goal difference, while Jarus FC remain bottom with 1 point and a -3 goal difference.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS