Value Jet Cup: Remo Stars to battle Smart City in Friday's final
Remo Stars on Thursday evening booked a their place in this year's edition of the Value Jet pre season cup after beating Kwara United 4-2 on penalties, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The game between the two CAF Confederation Cup campaigners can arguably be named the best of the tournament so far as both teams gave their all for a place in the final.
It was Kwara United who drew the first blood in the first half when a perfect cross from Kabir Balogun finds Wasiu Jimoh, who calmly heads the ball home.
With the scoreline 1 nil in favor of Kwara United going into the break, the second was filled with a lot of crackers and fireworks as Remo Stars pushed for the equalizer while Kwara United defended with their hearts.
The NPFL rivalry between both sides was reignited and one could hardly believe it was just a pre season cup.
Yellow cards ditched out in numbers by the center referee and in the 62nd minutes, the referee sent out Kwara United’s Anthony Omaka and Remo Stars Abayomi Adebayo.
With both sides reduced to 10, the game became more interesting as one side vehemently search for the equalizer while the other defended their slim lead with all they've got.
With the game in the additional minutes after the regulation time had been completed, loss of concentration in the dieing minute cost Kwara United their lead and eventually the game after a lovely pass meets Samuel Anaekwe in the box. His shot was well saved by Abdulateef Ishola but Edidiong Stephen was in position for a rebound.
It was a greatly celebrated goal by the fans of Remo Stars as the goal revived their spirits.
Remo Stars went on to win the game 4-2 on penalty to book a place in the final with newly promoted NNL side, Smart City FC of Lagos.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, Smart City FC of Lagos walked over Vandrezzer FC for a place in the final.
Both Lagos state team were billed to play the first semifinal but Vandrezzer failed to turn up due to sponsorship deal issues.
The final of the cup between Remo Stars and Smart City FC will be played today Friday 2nd of September, 2022 at the Remo Stars stadium Ikenne by 3pm.
By Oluwayemi Omolagba
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