The biggest heroes from today were the paramedics who in a heart-stopping moment during one of the games were called into action to resuscitate the life of a slumping player (name withheld) on the field, sending shockwaves through the University of Benin Sports Complex.
In an instant, the game came to a halt, and the crowd fell silent as they watched the player lying motionless on the ground. However, the quick response and expertise of the paramedics on the scene saved the day, providing life-saving treatment to the collapsed player.
Pulsating and scintillating displays of sheer willpower dominated the games as 18 goals were recorded in five matches. The highest Platinum Cup has been recorded in a day.
Eagle Wings 2-1 Ine Stars
⚽ Onome Daniel 65′, Oghenetega 90′ – Omoregie Charles 15′
Day 1 started with Eagle Wings confirming their place in the last eight as Oghenetega’s goal at the death of the match sealed their qualification. In Stars opened scoring with a half volley from close range, but it took Eagle Wings 40 minutes of action to find an equaliser. Two minutes until the end of regulation time, Ine’s centre midfielder, Macaulay Fidelis was shown yellow for saving a goal-bound shot with his hands. Oghenetega did not fail to convert.
Dynamo Academica 0-0 Worshippers
In a game filled with goalscoring chances, there was no victor nor vanquished as the spoils were shared evenly in a barren draw.
Oloke United 0-1 BJ FC
⚽ Uche Epete 38′
BJ FC could only manage a first-half goal in a keenly contested encounter as both sides matched each other strength for strength and ability for ability. Oloke on several attempts tried to get a goal but it proved abortive.
Genesis 0-5 Florence Joshua
⚽ Ezike Christian 15′, Ayibiowu Abayomi 35′(p), 53′, Emmanuel Akinjo 69′, 74′
It rained goals under the scorching sun of Benin as the ‘Cele Boys’ today suffered a humiliating defeat to Florence Joshua in a five-goal thriller in which the boys from Akure scored all the goals. Ezike Christian, Ayibiowu Abayomi and Emmanuel Akinjo were the goalscorers.
St Andrews 3-2 Etto FC
⚽ Henry Chidu, Omoregie Precious, Ekene Dike – Okobhiole Beckham, Eze Junior
Captivating, enthralling and jaw-dropping best describes a five-goal thriller filled with twists and turns at the University of Benin Sports Complex. Etto FC were the first to take the lead in the breathtaking game but the resilient Samba Boys equalised quickly and made it 3-1. In a bid to level the game, Eze Junior’s free-kick made it 3-2, but time was not on Etto’s side whose stay at Platinum Cup came to an end.
Hostilities resume tomorrow, Saturday, April 15, at the University of Benin Sports Complex.