Ariehi Kparobo’s exquisite strike of extraordinary quality proved decisive as Beyond Limits sealed a back-to-back final of the Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Silvernews.com.ng reports.
Kparobo capped a dazzling performance on the afternoon with a superb half-volley and Beyond Limits did quite enough to hang on, cutting every blade of the grass to preserve their sumptuous lead till the final whistle, thus reaching a second Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament final in a row.
The final scoreline proved a good advertisement of the quality of performance served on the tray by the two teams which highlighted some fireworks in the opening 44 minutes to the delight of fans who came to catch a glimpse of the first semi-final match action.
Being the only team that won all its group matches in the 12th edition of the nation’s prestigious off-season tournament, Beyond Limits dominated much of the ball possessions, with four shots on goal and one off target.
Kparobo then stole the show in the 45th with a sublime strike from out of the blues to give his Beyond Limits the lead into the break and took his goal tally to three goals, as he chases hat-trick hero and Ikorodu City’s Thankgod Chilaka for the top scorer’s award.
It was a balanced second half and all to play for FC Ebedei as they searched for an equalizer, but Beyond Limits’ backline was up and defending well.
Both teams brought fresh legs into the game to change the dynamics of play, but Beyond Limits held onto their one lead.
The best moment came for FC Ebedei in the final minute of regular time to put the game into penalties, but the effort from Olaide Owoyemi found the side netting to leave Beyond Limits within a game of being crowned the 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup champions.
