The trio of SGFC Athletics, Abraysports and HMK FC, all from the Nationwide League One (NLO) have been joined by Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the semi-final of 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship taking place in Ilorin.
The Quarter-final matches that were decided on Friday produced enthralling encounters.
Opening match of the quarter-final was between SGFC Athletics and Nigeria National League (NNL) All Stars which ended 1-0 in favor of the latter.
Samuel Bamigboye scored the lone goal of the match in the 73rd minute after both sides had fluffed numerous begging chances.
Abraysports got the better of Jazzy Stars FA from Jos with 3-0 victory in the second quarterfinal engagement.
Two quick first half goals from Onatola Ayobami and Quadri Hammed put the NLO side in the driving seat.
Jazzy Stars tried to stage rally in the second half but met a more resolute Abraysporty side. Subomi Olatunji put the icing on the cake with third goal to seal the last four spot.
The encounter between Dickalo FA and HMK FC from Osun State was decided on penalties with the latter winning 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 in the normal time.
Ibrahim Akinade shot HMK to the lead in the 17th minute with a sublime free kick that left Dickalo keeper stranded.
Emmanuel Damilola got the equalizer for Dickalo within seconds into restart. Both sides would then canceled each other out for the remainder of the game until it headed to shootouts that was deservedly won 4-3 by HMK, thanks to brilliant goalkeeping by Okotore Rasheed.
The last match of the quarterfinal between KFA and NPFL All Stars was also decided by penalties.
The young academy boys marched the NPFL big boys for strength as they held on to a goalless affair in normal time.
The host boys won the shootouts by 5-3 to pick the last ticket for the semi-final.
SGFC Athletics and Abraysports will square up for the first semifinal on Saturday by 7:15am at the Pitch A of KFA while HMK FC will then be taking on KFA in the second semifinal match by 9:20am.
The grand finale will be decided on Sunday at the same venue.
Former Shooting Stars and Vandrezzer striker, Kola Daniel is currently leading the goalscorer’s chart with five goals.
