Lobi Stars thrashed Crown FC 3-0 to kick-start the 13th edition of the Gold Cup Pre-Season soccer tournament at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Coach Abubakar Bala’s technical line-up proved effective, as the Makurdi-based side dominated the match proceedings with the needed intent in search of an opening goal.
The breakthrough arrived, when Suur Kumaga scored the opening goal in the 36th minute from the penalty spot, following a deliberate handball by a defending player.
Lobi Stars continued to press, and Abdulazeez Tijani doubled the lead a minute before halftime with a well-taken goal, after receiving a lovely assist from his teammate, Daniel Edeh.
Lobi Stars maintained their intensity in the second half, curtailing Crown FC’s attacks, each time they surged forward.
As the minutes ticked down, coach Bala made a tactical change for more goals, and he introduced the youngster, Emmanuel Ofem
Shortly after, his decision paid off when, Substitute Ofem sealed the win with a stunning goal in the final minute of stoppage time, capitalising on a lovely pass to slot home calmly, after beating two defenders to complete the demolition.
Head coach Abubakar Bala praised his team’s performance, saying, “I am proud of my boys. They put in a commanding performance that made the difference. We are not carried away with the result but remain focused; we are still in a building process”, he maintained.
Lobi Stars Media Team
