Raji Ola’s heroics not enough for Dominant Force as Superstars earn last-minute equaliser, shootout win

Superstars FC forced Dominant Force FC to a 2-2 draw at the Mini Campus Stadium on Friday, 12 December 2024, before securing an extra point with a penalty shootout victory.

Dominant Force, who had won their opening game, aimed to extend their perfect run, while Superstars sought to build on their comeback victory from the previous match against Golden Alchemy.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game began with early action as Dominant’s Gafari Toheeb fouled Samuel “Ripper” Oladepo at the edge of the box, handing Superstars an early opportunity. However, Dolapo’s resulting free-kick failed to trouble the Dominant defence.

Dominant responded in the 5th minute with a long-range effort from Abdulmumin Ahmad, but the shot went off target. Superstars continued to press, with Ripper creating another free-kick chance a minute later, though it was blocked.

Seven minutes into the game, Raji Ola showed his brilliance in yet another game, weaving past three defenders before unleashing a 20-yard shot that went wide. He continued to threaten the Superstars’ defence, forcing a clearance from Ripper moments later.

Superstars earned the first corner kick of the game in the 10th minute after Tomisin “Skaara” Alasiri’s shot deflected off Chukwuma. However, the resulting set-piece did not yield a breakthrough.

Mr. Bayo boys made an early substitution in the 12th minute, bringing on Goodluck Anuba for Stephen Akhimien but it was Superstar that pushed forward for a goal as Skaara struck the crossbar from a free-kick.

The deadlock was then broken in the 13th minute when Ripper set up Chukwuneme Justin, who arrived from deep to fire the ball into the net, giving Superstars the lead.

Dominant sought an immediate response, with Raji attempting a free-kick in the 14th minute, but his effort went wide again. Minutes later, Raji was instrumental in winning a penalty for his side after his header from Toheeb’s long throw was blocked by Adegbite Dolapo’s hand on the goal line. He calmly converted the spot-kick to level the score.

The second half saw both teams find the net again in an intense battle. Raji Ola put Dominant in front, only for Nathan Emuobome to equalise in the dying moments, ensuring the match ended in a four-goal thriller.

The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Raji Ola and Hakeem Onitolo converted their penalties for Dominant and Super Stars, respectively. Both teams remained locked in a tense battle until Uchenna’s spot-kick was saved by Eniola. Ripper, who had been pivotal for Superstars throughout the game, stepped up and sent Dominant goalkeeper Ojele Olumuyiwa the wrong way, sealing the victory for his side.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS