Ayoola Adeleke
In a pulsating finale, Crescent Sports Club of Benin emerged victorious in the Esama of Benin Veterans Cup, defeating Uwa All-Stars 4-3 in a nail-biting penalty shootout.The match played at the Igbinedion Sports Complex, Benin City, saw both teams display exceptional skill and determination.
The match played at the Igbinedion Sports Complex, Benin City, saw both teams display exceptional skill and determination.Crescent Sports Club, led by former Bendel Insurance coach Baldwin Bazuaye, dominated play from the beginning of the match with threatening attacks initiated with swift and precise passes. The team dazed its lacklustre opponents for a larger part of the game but was wasteful in front of the goal.
Crescent Sports Club, led by former Bendel Insurance coach Baldwin Bazuaye, dominated play from the beginning of the match with threatening attacks initiated with swift and precise passes. The team dazed its lacklustre opponents for a larger part of the game but was wasteful in front of the goal.After a goalless draw in regular time, the winner was decided by penalties.
After a goalless draw in regular time, the winner was decided by penalties.Crescent Sports Club’s goalkeeper, Ifada Ernest, made three saves, while his teammates converted four of their kicks with precision.
Crescent Sports Club’s goalkeeper, Ifada Ernest, made three saves, while his teammates converted four of their kicks with precision.The victory marked Crescent Sports Club’s first Esama of Benin Veterans Cup title, sparking jubilation among their fans.
The victory marked Crescent Sports Club’s first Esama of Benin Veterans Cup title, sparking jubilation among their fans.The tournament, sponsored by the former Governor of Edo State, Dr Luck Igbinedion, in honour of his father, the Esama of Benin, aims to promote sports development and unity among veterans in Edo State. The event showcased the region’s rich football heritage, with the array of veterans in the competition.
The tournament, sponsored by the former Governor of Edo State, Dr Luck Igbinedion, in honour of his father, the Esama of Benin, aims to promote sports development and unity among veterans in Edo State. The event showcased the region’s rich football heritage, with the array of veterans in the competition.
Crescent Sports Club’s triumph will be remembered as one of the most exciting finals in the tournament’s history, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in veterans’ football.
On the ground to support and cheer the teams up was the Bendel Insurance Supporters Club, led by its chairman, Chief Osadolor Ogiefa.