Primal Sporting outlast Applebee in nerve-wracking final to claim Lagos Liga title

Recap

Lagos Liga 2024 Final

Mobalaji Johnson Arena

December 27, 2024, 2:00 PM

Applebee FC

Primal Sporting

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Preview

Primal Sporting etched their name in history books as the inaugural champions of the Lagos Liga after a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout victory over Applebee FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday, 27 December 2024.

The Abuja-based club lifted the trophy following an intense battle that ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, with goalkeeper Sunday Stephen coming forth as the hero after a decisive save in the shootout.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The highly anticipated final between two of the tournament’s most dominant teams began at a blistering pace. Applebee, known for their attacking prowess, broke the deadlock early in the first half courtesy of an own goal by Primal Sporting’s Rayyan Bashir when a swift attacking move down the flank saw Raheem Ishola whip in a dangerous low cross that took a deflection off Bashir, wrong-footing Sunday Stephen and nestling into the net.

Despite their prolific goal-scoring form in previous knockout matches, where they had netted seven goals in two games, this marked Applebee’s first goal in the opening half of a knockout fixture.

Sporting responded immediately, pressing forward in search of an equaliser and in the 13th minute, a fluid team move opened up space for captain Hassan Abba, whose powerful strike from distance was met by a brilliant fingertip save from Applebee’s goalkeeper Eneh Samuel, denying what looked like a certain goal.

The second half resumed with Applebee maintaining their momentum. Michael Tomisona came close to doubling their lead with a well-struck half-volley, but Stephen produced an acrobatic save to keep Sporting in the contest.

The Edojomariegwe Tony-led side continued to create opportunities, dominating possession and launching waves of attacks. However, their failure to convert chances proved costly as Primal Sporting’s defence and their goalkeeper stood firm, making crucial blocks and saves to prevent further damage.

With the clock ticking down, Applebee looked poised to claim the title, holding onto their slender lead while frustrating Sporting’s attempts to break them down. But football is a game of fine margins, and their inability to kill off the match came back to haunt them.

Deep into added time, Primal Sporting finally found their equaliser. Substitute Precious Meindinyo, introduced to add defensive impetus, combined brilliantly with Hassan Lawrence before rifling a first-time shot into the bottom left corner, sending the crowd into wild celebrations.

The goal forced the final into extra time, where both sides adopted a cautious approach, wary of making a costly mistake. Five minutes were played in each half, with neither side managing to carve out a clear opening. The best chance fell to Raheem Ishola in the dying moments, but Stephen produced yet another crucial save to deny Applebee a last-gasp winner.

With no winner decided in extra time, the contest had to be settled via a tense penalty shootout. Both teams displayed nerves of steel, converting their spot kicks with precision. The shootout extended beyond the standard five attempts, with each side matching the other blow for blow.

At 17 shoots, the decisive moment arrived. Applebee’s Raheem Ishola stepped up with the weight of the final on his shoulders. However, Sunday Stephen, who had been outstanding throughout the match, guessed correctly, diving to his right to parry away Ishola’s penalty and seal the title for Primal Sporting.

The Abuja-based club erupted in celebration as they lifted the Lagos Liga trophy and claimed the tournament’s 50-million-naira cash prize.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS