The Angels now have a tiny chance of snatching gold; the Marines are back for gold.
Temiloluwa Erinle
(Université de Labé player advances. Image Credit: UNILAG Communications Unit)
Yesterday, September 24, featured two football performances by Team UNILAG as 2024 FASU Games entered its third day. UNILAG Angels lost by a goal to nothing; the Marines snatched a 2-1 victory.
How They Fell
The first, where the female football team faced Université de Labé, Guinea, happened at 9 am in the university’s sports center.
After a goalless first half, the Guinean visitors converted an early opportunity in the second half of the game, going one up. The remaining minutes of the game would be dominated by UNILAG Angels, including losing a remarkable one-on-one chance and also pushing a close shot which the fans claimed was tainted by a hand-ball offence by the opponent, calling for a penalty.
However, there would be no equalizer. The game ended a goal to nothing, in favour of Université de Labé. And immediately, a brief altercation happened between some UNILAG fans and the referee. There were no physical assaults, though.
The Angels need to defeat Lagos State University (LASU) in their next match on Friday in order to get a silver or gold medal. Meanwhile, the Guineans will battle LASU on Wednesday. There are only three teams in the female football tournament.
How They Sailed Again
In the afternoon, at 4 pm, the male football team kicked off against Nkumba University, Uganda. And soon, about 10 minutes into the game, a Marine converted a throw-in from a fellow player into a low-level cross that got kicked into the net by the Number 2 player. This early lead would be maintained in the first half of the game.
The second half soon began and the Ugandans snatched an equalizer early-on with a powerful volley. This would be followed by an uptick in intensity, defined by loud drums and music, dancing fans and eager players – a sharp contrast to an otherwise boring first half.
UNILAG Marines would dominate the remainder of the game, seeking a crucial comeback – not just for the game, but for the tournament, after a loss in their first game. After a lot of high press and missed half-chances by UNILAG, the extra-time just setting in, a cross into the box-18 would be headed by a Marine to another whose powerful header embraced the net.
(Final result. Image Credit: FASU)
This goal, scored by Number 11 secured victory for UNILAG, resuscitating their campaign for gold. A dear victory which was met by glowing applause, post-match.
The Marines will continue their tournament march when they face University of Jos today, by 4 pm.
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