By Oluwademilade Ogunleye
In a match defined by missed opportunities and defensive solidity, the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE) edged out Pharmacy 6-5 on Penalties after a goalless draw at Full-time. Both teams had battled intensely but failed to convert in regular time sending the contest into a dramatic shootout.
IPE had the first kick of the game and were the more aggressive side early on, earning them a FreeKick in the fifth minute. However, they failed to make it count as Pharmacy’s defense held strong. Abraham of IPE tested Pharmacy’s backline, forcing a smart intervention from the Goalkeeper in the 9th minute.
Pharmacy soon responded with an attacking intent of their own. Kenneth linked up well with Agbowo, who found Zee and his strike thundered off the Woodwork in what was the closest chance of the half. IPE doubled the pressure moments later, with Kenneth again feeding Agbowo whose shot was blocked by Pharmacy’s resolute defense.
Tensions rose as the half progressed, with both teams probing for weaknesses but lacking clinical finishing. A final first half effort from Pharmacy was thwarted by IPE’s Tona, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
The second half began with IPE pushing for an opener, but their attacking moves were neutralized by Pharmacy’s well-organized defense. Pharmacy earned a series of free kicks in the early minutes, but Afeez’s deliveries failed to find targets, allowing IPE to hit on the counter, only to be denied by an offside flag.
Both teams exchanged corner kicks and quick transitions, with IPE’s Kenneth and Agbowo consistently threatening. Pharmacy’s Goalkeeper was forced into a superb fingertip save to deny Agbowo’s curling effort from outside the box.
Despite chances for both sides, including a double clearance by IPE’S defenders and Pharmacy’s Goalkeeper denying multiple shots, the deadlock remained. Kenneth’s attempt in the 15th minute of the second half for IPE flew off target, while Pharmacy squandered a corner in the 20th minute that could have tilted the game.
Just before halftime, IPE’S Kenneth whipped in a dangerous freekick, but again, no teammate was able to connect. At full-time, the game ended goalless and would now be decided on Penalties.
The Penalty shootout was a tense affair with both sides initially scoring their first five penalties. IPE’s VK, Agbowo, Pamilerin and Kenneth all found the net as did Pharmacy’s Afeez and Ifco.
For the sixth round, IPE calmly converted, putting pressure on Pharmacy’s Dr. Show who unfortunately missed, handing IPE a 6-5 win on Penalties.
All in all, it was a game of fine margins and IPE’s composure from the spot made the difference. IPE now become the third tech team to qualify for the quarter finals.
