In the Optima Energy Gold Cup24 Group A clash between ASVO and Ijebu United, the encounter concluded in a 0-0 stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock despite several significant chances throughout the match.
From the outset, the game promised to be a tightly contested affair. In the 12th minute, ASVO’s Aboubakar had a promising opportunity when he pounced on a diagonal pass inside the six-yard box. His dangerous delivery, however, struck the crossbar, denying ASVO an early lead. The 21st minute saw another crucial moment when Dayo Ojo, showcasing his skill, delivered a well-measured looped pass to Aboubakar. Despite Ojo's creative play, Huzzein Lukman of Ijebu United managed to thwart the move with solid defensive work.
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| ASVO |
The first half hour saw Ijebu United’s first notable chance in the 30th minute. Suleiman Huzzein took a chance following a quick interchange at the edge of the opponent's area, but his curler missed by inches. ASVO continued to apply pressure, and in the 37th minute, Ijebu United’s goalkeeper Sulaimon Alabi made a brilliant save to deny a goal-bound shot. Huzzein then cleared the rebound, resulting in a corner kick.
ASVO remained persistent, and in the 42nd minute, Angelo made a forward run as ASVO switched direction. Ojo quickly returned the ball to Angelo, who crashed his effort against the crossbar once again. Despite their continued efforts, ASVO could not break the deadlock before the halftime whistle.
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| Ijebu United |
The second half began with renewed energy from both sides. In the 49th minute, Ijebu United's Akanimo had a close call when his header, following a well-executed free kick from Oshobe, went narrowly wide of the target. As the game reached the hour mark, both teams made substitutions to inject fresh legs and potentially change the game’s momentum.
The 70th minute saw Dayo Ojo drive forward and pass to Angelo, who attempted to finish from the byline. However, Huzzein once again intervened to prevent a goal. In the 79th minute, substitute Ajibola Oladokun had a chance for Ijebu United, controlling the ball at the edge of the opponent’s area and unleashing a powerful shot that sailed over the bar.
As the game approached its final minutes, ASVO’s goalkeeper Dertor Degbo made a crucial save in the 84th minute. Adetunji Olalekan aimed for the top corner, but Degbo’s quick reflexes tipped the ball over the bar, preserving the deadlock.
In the closing moments of the match, both sides sought a decisive breakthrough. Despite their efforts, the final whistle blew with the scoreline unchanged at 0-0. The match was characterized by intense moments and near misses, leaving both teams with shared points and the game still finely balanced.
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