Varsity Men's Football 2024 - October 15th - November 13th, 2024

                        

JOSTUM overpowers OAU in 3-1 Semi-Final thriller: Amodu Unite and Uga Mfame lead hosts to victory

The National University Football Championships which began with 10 teams are now down to a final four. The semi-final round of fixtures began with JOSTUM delivering a dominant performance to defeat Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) 3-1 on home soil thus setting the stage for a thrilling return leg. 

The crowd at the JOSTUM Football Pitch in Makurdi witnessed a match characterized by physical intensity and standout moments of individual brilliance as the hosts proved their mettle. Both JOSTUM and OAU came into the game with distinct playing styles and impressive group stage records. 

JOSTUM, the underdog story of the tournament had built a reputation for their defensive grit. Their journey to the semi-final included a crucial draw against group B leaders UNILORIN which showed that they could go toe-to-toe with strong teams. OAU, on the other hand, dominated Group A with their relentless attacking force and sought to carry that momentum into Makurdi.

JOSTUM wasted no time in taking control. In the 21st minute, Uga Mfame broke the deadlock with a well-placed shot, thanks to a precise assist from Iorliam Theophilus. The early goal rattled OAU whose defensive frailties were exposed by JOSTUM’s high-energy pressing and quick transition play. It was clear that JOSTUM intended to use every advantage at home to take a solid lead into the second leg.

OAU struggled to control the game as the first half progressed with JOSTUM’s midfield continuing to break down their counterattacking attempts. The hosts continued to press and in the 43rd minute, it was Amodu Unite who struck to extend JOSTUM’s lead. Once again, Iorliam Theophilus displayed his playmaking ability and provided the assist. Unite’s clinical finish left the OAU defense scrambling and the visitors went into halftime facing an uphill battle.

The second half saw OAU trying to regroup, with their possession rising slightly to 45% as they attempted to claw back into the game. But JOSTUM’s relentless defense and midfield control coupled with the intense heat in Markudi left them with few opportunities to create chances. 

In the 72nd minute, Amodu Unite struck again to seal the match with his second goal. This time, Ungwa Somieon set him up and Unite delivered with a composed finish to make it 3-0, a goal which sent the home fans into a celebration frenzy.

Despite their struggles, OAU refused to leave Makurdi empty-handed. In the 86th minute, their efforts were rewarded. Samuel Dilbert found a moment of magic and slipped past JOSTUM’s defense to score a consolation goal. While it offered a glimmer of hope, it was too late for OAU who now face a daunting task in the second leg at home.

Amodu Unite was named as the Man of the Match. With his brace in the game and having increased his goal tally in the competition to four, the poacher continues to solidify his place as one of the standout players of the tournament.

With a 3-1 win, JOSTUM heads into the second leg in Ile-Ife with a comfortable lead. However, this tie is far from over. OAU known for their attacking prowess will be desperate to turn things around on home ground. 

All eyes now turn to the second leg as the battle for a place in the final continues

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