Magic Stars maintained it good run in the maiden Magic Scouting Tournament as they left it late to beat SELECTED X1 by a goal to nil, in a fascinating Day 4 game that saw mild fireworks at both ends.
Magic Stars locked horns against the tourney’s selected team at the Legacy Pitch on Thursday, after they emerged as the better team from Group A with 4 points from two matches.
It was the SELECTED X1 up against goalkeeper Ogundele Kehinde, as he was forced into an early save for Magic Stars in the third minute of the game.
As they grew, the confidence level of both teams in terms of play and converting half chances increased. However, credit to the SELECTED X1 players for their teamwork, despite having 30 minutes of practice.
The first half ended goalless, but the SELECTED X1 should have killed off the game with the glaring two chances that came their way before heading into the break.
The second half saw flashes of good play after both teams brought on fresh legs.
It was Magic Stars that profited from the player’s substitution. A counter-attacking play had a SELECTED X1 player in the box but put his effort at goal to the body of the Magic Stars goalkeeper, his block fell into his Magic Stars teammate, who started the build-up towards goal.
Israel Emmanuel who was attacking at the left side into the SELECTED X1 box, created space for himself, when he got the ball and blasted into the roof of the goalpost for the opening goal with less than three minutes to play.
Emmanuel’s goal then turned out to be the winner for Magic Stars.
Action continues on Friday for the final game of the Magic Scouting Tournament, as the SELECTED X1 will lock horns against Bethel FC, who finished in Group B as the better team.
The match is billed for 11 am at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos.
