Security Department left it late to knock out Engineering 3-2 at the ongoing University of Benin Teaching Hospital Inter-Departmental Cup on Monday evening.
It was a game filled with missed chances, Puskás-worthy goals, and a dramatic late winner that had spectators cheering from start to finish. The momentum swung like a pendulum, shifting in favour of both teams throughout the 90 minutes.
Engineering drew first blood in the 6th minute, with Stanley Ugbowo converting from the spot with a well-placed shot to give his side the lead.
In response, the Security Department launched wave after wave of attack, piling pressure on the Engineering defence. Their persistence paid off in the 43rd minute when Samson Nwabudike deflected a shot into his own net, gifting Security the equalizer.
Coming out for the second half with renewed energy, Security turned the tide in the 54th minute. Tormusa Wanger produced a composed finish to put his side ahead for the first time in the match.
But Engineering were not done yet. In the 67th minute, Collins Abu found a response with a stunning volley that hit the woodwork before crossing the line, sending the crowd into another frenzy as the game was level once more.
Just when it seemed the match was heading for a penalty shootout, Eze Ugoma stepped up with a decisive strike in the dying moments to seal the win for the Security Department. Despite a late push from Engineering, there was no coming back this time.
With this result, Security Department advances to the semi final, while Engineering bow out after a valiant effort.