By: Oluwademilade Ogunleye
The 7th edition of the SEALS Cup, Female category kicked off in thrilling fashion as the defending Champions, the Department of Arts and Social Science Education (ASSE) faced the Department of Human Kinetics in the competition’s opener.
Both teams graced the pitch at 4:31pm with ASSE fielding Dorcas (in goal) , led by Captain Ololade alongside Peniel, Esther and Abigail.
KHE on the other hand, had Tayo Gold between the sticks, Deborah as skipper, alongside Oyindamola, Esther and Favour forming a compact team.
The match officially commenced at 4:36pm after the ceremonial first kick by the Chairman of Last edition’s SEALS Cup, Ojeniyi Ayobami.
The game came to life just three minutes in as Favour of KHE capitalized on a free-kick opportunity to hand her side the lead.
ASSE almost responded immediately in the 5th minute, but the effort only managed to rattle the crossbar before going wide.
ASSE’s persistent pressure finally paid off in the 14th minute when Esther latched onto Abigail’s pass to level the scores, bringing both sides level at halftime.
The second half began on a high for ASSE as Favour once again showed her attacking instinct, catching the ASSE defence off guard to restore KHE’s lead just one minute into the second half.
However ASSE, not to be undone maintained their composure.
Abigail of ASSE earned a yellow card in the 20th minute of the second half, however the ASSE team found their rhythm to ease into the game again.
Ololade, ASSE captain delivered a moment of brilliance in the 31st minute embarking on a solo run connecting Abigail’s pass from midfield to net the equalizer and bring the ASSE team level once again.
The final minutes saw a series of set-pieces, including a corner from Deborah for KHE and retaken chances by ASSE, but neither side could break the deadlock and the game ended in a 2-2 stalemate at full-time.
