In a dramatic showdown at the Ido Osun High School football facility, Hammola Football Club’s journey in the 2023 edition of the Hammola Football Championship came to an end on Tuesday, 17th October 2023. It was a day filled with both heartbreak and jubilation for football enthusiasts, as the Ido Osun-based club faced off against the formidable Timi Giants FC in the quarter-finals.
The Nigeria Nationwide League One side, Hammola FC, and their opponents from Ede, Timi Giants FC, battled it out on the pitch, and the match lived up to its high-stakes billing. Tensions ran high during the first half, with both teams struggling to settle into the game. Notably, former Hammola FC player, Olanrewaju Habib, known as “Elege” and the captain of Timi Giants FC, posed a constant threat to the defense of his former club.
It was in the 60th minute of the match that the equilibrium was disrupted. A set piece led to a chaotic scramble inside the penalty area, eventually falling to the left foot of Ajibola Awoeyo. With precision and finesse, Awoeyo unleashed a spectacular volley into the back of the net, sending the Hammola faithful into jubilation.
However, Timi Giants FC, under the guidance of Coach Semiu Alimi Adebayo, also had their moments of brilliance. In the 64th minute, they decided to bolster their attacking force by making a strategic substitution. Sunday Owolabi and Jamal Okunloye made way for Hassan Abdullahi and Moruf Sodiq. This move proved to be pivotal, as just three minutes later, in the 67th minute, newcomer Hassan Abdullahi connected superbly with an assist from Timi Giants’ captain, Habib “Elege,” leveling the score.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Gov. Adeleke Constitutes New Mgt. For Osun United & Osun Babes Football Clubs
As the game approached its climax, tension and desperation began to engulf the pitch. Hammola FC’s captain, Ayo Olajuba, received a yellow card for a foul on Maruf Sodiq, adding to the intensity of the match. After 90 minutes of regulation time, with an additional 3 minutes of injury time, the central referee blew the whistle to conclude the game with a 1-1 draw.
With everything on the line, the outcome was decided through the unforgiving arena of penalty kicks. Timi Giants FC showcased nerves of steel as they secured a 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout. Hammola FC experienced the agony of missed penalties from Ogundipe Moses and the earlier goal scorer, Ajibola Awoeyo.
With this hard-fought victory, Timi Giants FC have earned a coveted spot in the semi-finals of this year’s Hammola Football Championship. Their relentless spirit and determination have left an indelible mark on the tournament, and fans eagerly await their next encounter as they continue their quest for football glory. The Hammola Football Championship remains as unpredictable and thrilling as ever, captivating the hearts of football enthusiasts across the Osun State.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
