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

The post Onuche orchestrates Applebee’s march to Lagos Liga glory in one-sided semi-final appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Recap

Lagos Liga 2024 Quarter-finals

Mobalaji Johnson Arena

December 20, 2024, 3:00 PM

Applebee FC

Mavbrooks SC

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Preview

Applebee FC delivered a statement performance at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday, 20 December 2024, overwhelming Mavbrooks FC with a commanding 4-0 victory to advance to the semi-finals of the Lagos Liga.

Despite a goalless first half, Applebee FC exploded into life in the second period, netting four unanswered goals to underline their title credentials.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The match began with Applebee showing early intent, dictating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Mavbrooks, however, remained well-organised defensively and looked to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

Applebee carved out a few early half-chances but struggled to find the finishing touch. Their captain, David Onuche, tried to orchestrate play from midfield, but Mavbrooks’ defence stayed compact, forcing their opponents to take shots from distance.

The Oyikolo-led team, meanwhile, had their moments on the break but lacked the final pass to truly trouble Applebee’s backline. The closest they came was in the 17th minute, when a long-range effort from Hassan Abdulrahman forced a routine save from the Applebee FC goalkeeper Samuel Eneh.

As the first half wore on, Applebee’s dominance in possession grew. They completed 90% of their passes and looked the more likely side to score, yet Mavbrooks’ resilience kept the game scoreless heading into the break.

The second half painted a completely different picture, as the Nnazilim Egbonu boys finally found their rhythm and took complete control of the game.

The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute when Onuche latched onto a well-placed pass from Sodiq Folorunsho before rifling home a composed finish to put his side ahead.

Once the deadlock was broken, Applebee FC did not look back. Their confidence surged, and they doubled their lead in the 33rd minute through Favour Anieke, who finished off a clever assist from Ramon Ishola.

Mavbrooks, rattled by the two quickfire goals, struggled to regain composure. Applebee kept up the pressure, and in the 39th minute, Famous Adewale got on the scoresheet, finishing off another assist from Ishola to extend the lead to 3-0.

The icing on the cake arrived in the final minute of normal time when Anthony Badejo fired home a fourth goal, with Onuche turning provider this time, capping off a dominant second-half performance.

Applebee’s dominance was not just reflected in the scoreline but also in the match statistics. They enjoyed 56% possession, completed 90% of their passes (154/171), and won six corners.

Mavbrooks, by contrast, struggled to make an impact offensively. They finished with 44% possession, an 85% pass accuracy (121/142), and crucially, failed to win a single corner throughout the match.

With the victory, Applebee became the first-ever team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Lagos Liga. Their second-half performance sent a strong message to the remaining contenders, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with as the competition enters its final stages.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS

The post Applebee dismantle Mavbrooks with second-half goal blitz to reach Lagos Liga semi-finals appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Recap

Lagos Liga 2024 Group A

Campos Memorial Mini Stadium

December 14, 2024, 5:00 PM

Koko FC

Applebee FC

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Preview

Applebee confirmed their place in the quarterfinals of the Lagos Liga with a commanding 7-0 victory over Koko FC in the final match of Group A at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium on Saturday, 14 December 2024.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both sides started cautiously, probing for openings. Applebee struck first in the 4th minute through a well-taken free kick by centre-half Favour Anieke, whose effort flew past Koko FC goalkeeper Ogundipe Emmanuel into the back of the net.

Koko almost responded in the 8th minute when Kayode Adedeji chested down a pass before firing a shot, but his effort failed to trouble Applebee goalkeeper Eneh Samuel. Applebee doubled their lead in the 11th minute as Famous Adewale tapped in from close range following a fine buildup play orchestrated by David Onuche.

Two minutes later, Precious Ogunyase made it 3-0 with a long-range strike after another assist from Onuche. Koko’s goalkeeper was called into action again in the 16th minute, making a crucial save to deny Onuche from adding to the tally.

Anieke, who had already scored, came close again before finally adding his second in the 20th minute with a stunning shot from the edge of the box, once again assisted by Onuche.

Applebee maintained their attacking momentum, and in the 29th minute, Obani increased the scoreline to 5-0 after weaving past Koko defenders before slotting the ball into the left corner. Onuche provided yet another assist, bringing his tally to three.

Adewale scored his second of the match in the 35th minute to make it 6-0. In the final minute of the game, Michael Tomisona completed the rout, finishing off a pass from Onuche, who had made a driving run from defence. Onuche ended the game with four assists.

Applebee then won the post-match penalty shootout 2-0, extending their lead at the top of group A and securing their place in the quarterfinals of the inaugural Lagos Liga tournament.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS

The post David Onuche orchestrates Applebee’s seven-goal demolition of D’Banj’s Koko FC appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Recap

Lagos Liga 2024 Group A

Campos Memorial Mini Stadium

December 13, 2024, 3:00 PM

Jarus FC

Applebee FC

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Preview

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

The post Lagos Liga: Applebee outclass struggling Jarus FC to strengthen grip on Group A appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Recap

Lagos Liga 2024 Group A

Campos Memorial Mini Stadium

December 7, 2024, 4:00 PM

Applebee FC

Krypton FC

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Preview

Applebee FC defeated Krypton FC 3-0 at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium to go top of Group A due to a higher goal difference in the ongoing Lagos Liga.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Bees dominated the early proceedings of the game and produced the first shot on target when Precious Ogunyashe combined with David Onuche in the fifth minute. The resultant shot was however brilliantly saved by Konsenimola Tosin in the Krypton FC goal.

Krypton fashioned their own chance in the sixth minute when Qudus Olayiwola produced their first shot on target of the game. However, this shot was unable to trouble Eneh Samuel, who made a comfortable save.

Applebee continued to see more of the ball and mounted pressure on the Krypton FC defence. In the 17th minute, David Onuche struck from inside the box after Krypton FC gave possession away cheaply inside their own penalty area to give his team a much-deserved lead.

Krypton substitute, Olanrewaju Sanusi shot straight at Eneh Samuel in the 19th minute after being played through on goal. However, his long-range effort was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

Applebee FC made a substitution in the 23rd minute of the game as they looked to double their lead. Favor Anieke was replaced by Sadiq Folorunsho who found the back of the net three minutes later. The 23rd minute substitute tapped home his first goal of the tournament after David Onuche’s loose touch fell to him just inside the Krypton penalty area.

Krypton made a substitution of their own in the 27th minute when Sefiu Rahmon was replaced by Martins. Krypton FC looked to halve the deficit as Oladehinde Sheriff shot straight at Eneh Samuel from the edge of the Applebee box.

Krypton was awarded a controversial penalty in the 32nd minute when Qudus was adjudged to have been fouled in the Applebee penalty area. However, Sefiu Rahmon struck the crossbar with the resulting penalty to keep the score at 2-0.

After Rahmon’s penalty miss, Applebee continued to press for a third with David Onuche finding Sadiq Folorunsho who controlled and turned in the box but failed to beat the on-rushing Konsenimola Tosin.

In the 38th minute, Sadiq Folorunsho rounded Konseniomola Tosin and squared the ball to David Onuche who struck the crossbar with his shot.

Applebee scored a much-deserved third goal in the 39th minute via Raheem Ishola who was then taken off. Referee Gbemisola signalled the end to the game with Nnazilim Egbonu boys claiming an emphatic 3-0 victory over their group A rivals to go top.

They went on to defeat Krypton 4-3 in the penalty shootout to claim an extra point. The result leaves Krypton FC rooted to the bottom of the table while Koko FC and Jarus FC occupy second and third place respectively.

MATCH STATISTICS

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

TEAM SHEETS

The post Lagos Liga: Applebee FC sends warning to rivals with emphatic win over Krypton appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.