In a thrilling encounter at the Ido-Osun High School, Egbedore, Osun State, Premium Boiz FC joined the list of 16 teams advancing to the next round of the ongoing 2024 5th edition of the Hammola Football Championship. Despite being reduced to nine men, Premium Boiz FC managed a 1-1 draw against a determined Ejigbo Football Academy in their Group H clash on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
The match, held in front of an energetic crowd that made its way to the venue after church hours, saw Premium Boiz FC take an early lead in the 17th minute. Ogunleye Stephen’s well-placed strike separated the teams at halftime.
Ejigbo FA came out stronger in the second half, mounting constant pressure on their opponents. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Mujib confidently stepped up and converted from the spot to level the score at 1-1.
Both sides fought hard to claim the three points, but neither could break the deadlock, resulting in a shared spoils. Premium Boiz FC, however, finished the match with only nine men after Ogunleye Stephen and Kasali Rasaki both received second yellow cards.
Earlier in the day, Tornadoes FC also played out a 1-1 draw against U.O.C. Tigers FC in a tightly contested Group H match. Suraju Maleek gave the Tigers the lead after exploiting an offside trap, but Tornadoes FC responded quickly when Abioye Bernard headed in from Odeyemi Muhydeen Oladele‘s corner to tie the game. Despite numerous chances in the second half, neither team could add to the score line.
With Adegbite FC already securing top spot in Group H after defeating both Premium Boiz and Ejigbo FA, Premium Boiz FC advanced as runners up in the group. Ejigbo FA and Premium Boiz remain winless in the group, but the latter secured their spot in the Round of 16.
Action resumes on Monday, September 23, 2024, with Kamal FC set to face Hemjay Cowboys FC in the lone fixture by 3:30 PM at the Ido-Osun High School Mini Stadium.
