By Mahbubat Salahudeen and Oluwademilade Ogunleye.
It was a dramatic afternoon at the New Awolowo Stadium as the University of Ibadan Amazons overturned a first-half deficit to defeat the LAUTECH Babes 2–1 in their opening PRENUGA qualifying clash.
Both sides began with attacking intent, testing each other’s defences in the opening exchanges. UI goalkeeper Abigail was called into action early, while Sarah spurned a golden chance to put the Amazons ahead. The game was briefly halted in the 11th minute when Jennifer went down injured, leaving UI momentarily a player short before returning to the pitch.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute when LAUTECH capitalised on a swift counterattack, beating Abigail to go one goal up. The Amazons responded with urgency, pushing for an equaliser through Aliyah and Sarah, but they were repeatedly denied by the resolute LAUTECH defence and an alert goalkeeper. Sarah came closest just before halftime, only to see her effort spectacularly saved as the first half ended 1–0 in favour of the visitors.
The second half brought renewed determination from UI. Sarah and Favour tested the LAUTECH goalkeeper, while Abigail was equally impressive at the other end to keep her side in the contest. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 59th minute when Jennifer threaded a pass to Sarah, who coolly slotted past the LAUTECH keeper to level the score at 1–1.
Just six minutes later, the game turned decisively in UI’s favour. A handball in the box gifted the Amazons a penalty, and in a remarkable twist, goalkeeper Abigail stepped up to take it. She dispatched the spot-kick confidently, completing the comeback and giving UI a 2–1 lead.
The match saw further drama in the 68th minute when Sarah and a LAUTECH player clashed heads, forcing a temporary stoppage. But once play resumed, the Amazons managed the game effectively, with Sarah continuing to trouble the LAUTECH backline.
Despite late pressure from their opponents, the Amazons held firm to secure an important 2–1 victory. The result not only showcased their resilience after going behind but also set a strong tone as they pursue qualification for the National University Games later this year
