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A team of 10 Shooting Stars from Ibadan defied the odds by breaking their record. Optimal Energy The Gold Cup final was a bittersweet affair as they emerged champions of the 12th edition by beating defending champions Beyond Limits 2-0 in a thrilling clash at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday.
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It was a heartbreaking defeat for Beyond Limits, who, despite an impressive performance, were defeated by the more experienced and determined Oluyole Warriors.
Just after the half-hour mark, Shooting Stars reminded fans watching the Optima Energy Gold Cup final exactly what they are capable of with the ball and tactical play.
In the 32nd minute, the referee was right to award a penalty to 3SC after Sodiq brought down Olaniyi Fasanmi, which was scored by Utim. Aliyu Abubakar stepped up and converted the goal to give the Shooting Stars the lead before the break.
Two minutes after the second half restarted, 3SC lost their captain Taye Muritala, who was ordered off for an unnecessary foul on the Beyond Limits forward.
A second goal for the Shooting Stars would come in the 72nd minute, after Desmond Ojietefian leapt highest and connected with an excellent pass to head into the net from distance for a second goal.
Beyond Limits would rule by luck and rue their missed opportunities as the Oluyole Warriors were crowned champions after their fourth attempt at making the finals.
Shooting Stars received a sum of ₦2,000,000 from proud sponsors Optima Energy, while Beyond Limits took home a sum of ₦1,000,000 for finishing in second place.
As for the individual awards, Beyond Limits’ Olisa Emmanuel took home the Golden Glove after keeping three clean sheets in the final.
Benin Premier League side Association Sportive de la Vallée de l’Ouémé (ASVO) FC were awarded the Best Behaviour Team, while Stephen Idowu received the Best Referee award.
Kparobo Arierhi deserved it, as his three goals and one assist earned him the Top Scorer award.
The tournament’s Most Valuable Player went to Shooting Stars attacker Aliyu Abubakar, while his coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, received the award for Best Coach of the pre-season tournament.
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