Onuche orchestrates Applebee’s march to Lagos Liga glory in one-sided semi-final

Recap

Lagos Liga 2024 Semi-finals

Mobalaji Johnson Arena

December 27, 2024, 10:00 AM

Applebee FC

Tacha FC

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Preview

Applebee FC booked their place in the 2024 Lagos Liga final after a commanding 3-0 victory over Tacha FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday, 27 December 2024.

David Onuche stole the show with a goal and an assist, ensuring his side’s passage to the tournament’s last phase in emphatic style.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The match began with a tactical shift as Applebee’s top scorer, Famous Adewale, was left on the bench after twisting his ankle during the celebration of his goal against Mavbrooks in the quarter-final. The team adapted quickly, looking for an early breakthrough against a determined Tacha Titans.

The Titans, known for their tenacity, started aggressively. Onoja Matthew and David Onuche found pockets of space, but the defence of both teams stood firm.

In the sixth minute, Onuche delivered a cross to Michael Tomisona, but the effort went off target. Moments later, a lapse in the Tacha FC backline allowed Onuche a chance to strike, but goalkeeper Memud Adeshina was quick to deny him.

As the match progressed, Tacha began to gain momentum. However, their hopes took a hit in the 11th minute when Miracle Okpaise went down inside the box under a challenge from Anieke Favour. The referee initially signalled a foul in Tacha’s favour, but after a lengthy VAR review, it was ruled that Okpaise had simulated contact while also stamping on the Applebee’s defender. The decision resulted in a straight red card for Okpaise, reducing Tacha FC to 10 men, a decision that infuriated club owner Natacha Akide on the sideline.

After a 10-minute VAR delay, play resumed, with Applebee looking to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Two minutes later, Onuche unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, but Michael Adoghe reacted quickly to parry the ball away for a corner.

With the first half nearing its conclusion, Applebee came close to finding the opener. In added time, Onuche displayed fine skill to skip past a Tacha defender before laying the ball off to Precious Ogunteyesha, whose shot flashed just wide.

Applebee, known for their strong second-half performances, resumed play with renewed intensity. In the 24th minute, Tacha won a corner, which Destiny Onyeka delivered into the box for Ebube Joachin. The striker found space but failed to direct his header on target.

Six minutes later, Applebee broke the deadlock. Onuche received a pass inside the box, expertly shifting his body to put Micheal off balance before calmly slotting the ball into the far-right corner.

With their confidence soaring, Applebee doubled their lead in the 35th minute. Onuche turned provider, setting up Ramon Ishola, who made no mistake in finding the net. The midfielder’s impressive tournament continued, bringing his tally to nine assists and 11 goal contributions.

As the match neared its conclusion, Applebee capped off their dominant display with a beautifully crafted third goal. A sequence of quick passes between Ishola, Onuche, and Afolabi Sodiq ended with Sodiq applying the final touch, sealing a commanding 3-0 victory. The goal also marked the 104th of the tournament and Applebee’s 21st, further cementing their attacking prowess.

With the final whistle, Applebee celebrated their place in the Lagos Liga final, where they will now battle for the ultimate prize against the winner between Primal Sporting and 30BG SC later in the day.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS