By Mahbubat Salahudeen
The Department of Arabic and Islamic studies booked their place in the AFAS SUPER 4 final after a thrilling 6-5 penalty out against the department of Communication and Language Arts.
After a dull first few minutes into the encounter, AIS came close to breaking the deadlock in th, but it hit the crossbar. The attempt came from a free kick after a rough tackle on AIS’s no 9.
Another opportunity came in for AIS just a few minutes later in the 19th minute as Baaloo fired a pinpoint shot from inside the box. But it failed to connect with his man as it goes wide denying AIS a needed advantage.
But against the run of play, it was CLA who got off on the front foot. The goal began with a defensive error from Baaloo in the goal area but CLA’s Josh was quick to capitalize on the mistake as he makes a step over before placing it into the bottom left corner.
However, celebrations were short-lived as AIS found the equalizer just three minutes later. Adeniyi put his side back in the game following a chaotic sequence inside the box.
The second half kicked off with the same level of intensity as the first, until there was a turn of events as CLA took the lead once more with 28 minutes into the second half. Josh grabbed his second goal of the match after connecting a deep left-handed corner kick into the net.
CLA came close to making it three when Kante rifled his way past two AIS defender but misplaced the final touch denying his side a comfortable lead.
AIS put paid to that as there was still time for a second classic Baaloo equalizer as he clinched his second to make it 2-2 just before the final whistle.
The game went on to penalties with both sides flawless until a miss from Kanté sealed the win for AIS, 6-5.
They will now face Philosophy in the final on Thursday.
