By: Akinsola Ayomide
In a nail-biting semifinal encounter, Human Kinetics Education (HKE) clinched a dramatic 1–0 victory over Civil Engineering to book their place in the Seals Cup final. The game, filled with intensity and late controversy, saw Civil bow out after a heartbreaking finish.
The absence of tewo left them vulnerable in the early stages. HKE took advantage and controlled much of the first half, creating several chances but failing to capitalize. Despite their dominance, they were unable to find a breakthrough, with Civil’s defense holding firm even as key figures like Heskeyman failed to influence proceedings.
Tewo’s second-half introduction brought balance to Civil’s play, and for a moment it seemed the match was destined for penalties. But as the final minutes ticked away, HKE mounted one last attack. A shot forced Civil’s goalkeeper off his line, leaving the goal exposed. As another HKE player attempted a bicycle kick that was heading for the net, tewo now playing as a centre-back, blocked the effort with his hand on the goal line.
The referee promptly awarded a penalty and, in a last-ditch effort, Tewo assumed goalkeeping duties, but it wasn’t enough, HKE made no mistake from the spot, sending the ball into the net and their team into the final.
This result meant that all hopes for qualification to the final for Civil Engineering are now dashed, as they would have to play for Bronze in the third place fixture on Friday. KHE on the other hand would face the winner of the other semi-final battle between MBBS and Petroleum Engineering in the final of the Seals Cup.
