By Adekunle-Oni Daniel
In the final matchday for the group phase of the Monieball 5-a-side football competition, UI Pioneers lost to the FUNAAB football team 2-1.
The game kicked off with fans hoping to see a beautiful football from the two teams leading the table. Not disappointing the fans, the two teams kicked off playing an offensive style of play. FUNAAB got an early lead in the game, winning a foul in the box of the UI Pioneers. The FUNAAB player made no mistake in finding the back of the net. UI Pioneers aimed at scoring, but their efforts were empty threats. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the FUNAAB team.
The second half kicked off with the UI Pioneers having two opportunities at the FUNAAB goal, but they were unable to make good use of their opportunities. FUNAAB scored the second goal early into the second half with a shot that beat Olami, UI Pioneers’ goalkeeper.
UI Pioneers continued the game unfazed, putting more pressure on FUNAAB’s defence as two shots from Mbappe within one minute were directed out of the field of play by the goalkeeper. UI Pioneers got their opportunity to score when the goalkeeper of the FUNAAB team held the ball outside of the box with his hand, giving away a penalty to UI Pioneers. Mujeeb, UI Pioneers captain made no mistake in finding the back of the net, giving UI a chance at redemption but a comeback was not to be. The game ended shortly after the penalty kick with FUNAAB securing the 2-1 win against UI Pioneers.
FUNAAB leads the table undefeated in the tournament with 9 points, followed by UI Pioneers with 6 points. The teams of FUNAAB and UI Pioneers qualify for the semi-final stage of the tournament, which is to be played in the city of Calabar.
