By Israel Ajise
On Monday, October 23, at the SUB pitch, the gallant players of the department of Political Science qualified for the Final of the SEALS Cup, after defeating tournament favourites, Medicine & Surgery.
The upset began in sublime fashion, as Political Science took the lead against MBBS via a penalty goal converted by Pogba, barely three minutes into the game. The intensity from the POS players shocked the SUB crowd as not many had predicted MBBS to concede their first goal of the tournament today, especially very early in the match.
The match progressed with an open exchange of attacks. Although, the MBBS players initially appeared to be struggling with their control of the ball, the POS midfield and defense showed more authority, as they continued to keep David and other opposition attackers in check.
MBBS did manage to create a few chances in the first half. However, highly rated goalkeeper, Olami, gave no room for errors, as he had an excellent day at the office. The scoreline would remain 1-0 in favour of POS at halftime.
The second half commenced with MBBS completely dictating proceedings. POS appeared increasingly fatigued as they struggled to keep up with their opponent’s intensity. MBBS were efficient in their marking as they restricted Obaloluwa’s presence in midfield. Obeya boys as they are fondly called also made more use of the field’s width.
However, their final crosses were well picked out by the opposition goalie. As MBBS continued to toildesperately for an equaliser, Coach Mark Obeyaintroduced Instabul into the game. The substitute made his presence felt immediately, as time looked unending for the Political Science players.
As the game approached a climax, the MBBS attack continued, while POS had to settle for a couple of counter attacks. The chants of “POS….POS…” from the crowd seemed to motivate the Faculty of Social Sciences side. Eventually, thanks to a man of the match performance from the goalkeeper and an impenetrable defense, Political Science not only achieved MBBS’s first defeat in the tournament, but likewise, advanced to the Final of the tournament.
Also, Philosophy defeated Computer Science 2-1 in their Semi-Final tie, played earlier in the day at the same venue. Philosophy, who were last edition’s competition finalists have won all three of their knockout games without heading to penalty shootouts.
Philosophy football team, who are also called Plato Academy, scored the opening goal, thanks to a John penalty kick. Minutes later, Computer Science thought they had scored an equalising goal, following an header from Grealish’s corner. The referee however, didn’t award the goal, as he deemed the ball hadn’t crossed the line.
The game remained separated by John’s lone goal at halftime. The Faculty of Arts, Giants had stamped their authority over the underdogs from the Faculty of Science. During the second half, Computer Science increased their resilience. However, as the chances of an equalising goal grew higher, John unleashed a Thierry Henry-esque shot yards away from the box-18, catching the keeper unawares and smashing the back of the net.
The first time taken volley makes it the second goal of the tournament contender scored by the last edition’s tournament highest goal scorer.
The results of the Monday’s Matchday means that SEALS’ Cup Final will be played between Philosophy and Political Science on Friday, October 27. While, the third-place match will feature MBBS versus Computer Science on Thursday, October 26.
