“Playing Gombe United in yet another game, this time in the final match of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament is one my team will win,” these were the words of Coach Encho Anthony as ABS FC beat their local rivals Kwara United 5-4 on penalties after their semi-final game ended in a 4-goal thriller.
“We know their strength and weakness having beaten them 2-1 in the group stage.
“My lads went into the semi-final with a clear mind set of give the game against Kwara United their best shot.
“We defended well in the first half then conceded a cheap goal early in the second half. Kudos to my players as they responded scoring the equalizing goal and from that moment, we knew we could beat Kwara United.
“The team pressed further and went up 2-1. Kwara United then made it 2-2 in the closing minutes of the game and the die was cast as we headed straight to penalty shot out.
“I was delighted with my boys performance and also I had much belief in my goalkeeper Nasiru Toheed going into penalties. At the end, proved himself in the shoot out scoring the first penalty and saving the last kick from Kwara United.”
Speaking further, “The Ogunjobi Gold Cup has proven to be the platform for teams to prepare for the new season.
“We didn’t really practice during the period of COVID-19 lockdown, I just assembled the team after the ban on football was lifted.
“So am using this period to blend the team and also looking at the new players we have scouted as we get set for the new season,” said the Cameroonian.
