In a dramatic final Group F game of the 5th Hammola Football Championship on Tuesday afternoon, New Dawn FC advanced to the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw with ASE RIDYEM FC at Ido Osun High School football arena.
ASE RIDYEM FC entered the match needing a win to progress, while New Dawn FC required only a draw to secure their spot in the next stage. Both teams started cautiously, but ASE RIDYEM pressed hard and appeared in control early on.
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Taiwo Afolabi put ASE RIDYEM FC ahead after New Dawn’s goalkeeper failed to deal with a soft ball from Abioye Yusuf. With ASE RIDYEM leading 1-0, heavy rainfall forced a brief suspension of the match after 31 minutes, but play resumed shortly after.
In the second half, New Dawn FC battled hard, despite being reduced to 9 men. In the 67th minute, defender Olaoye Dare received a straight red card for dissent. Moments later, they got another marching order when Yahaya Abdullahi used foul language against the referee.
Despite being short on manpower, New Dawn found a way back into the game in the 75th minute when Dayo Folola unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box to equalize.
With the game ending 1-1, New Dawn FC have secured their place in the round of 16, alongside Group F leaders Sabo Strikers FC. ASE RIDYEM FC, despite their efforts, exits the tournament.
