From Moshood Karim
Match Day Two of the ongoing Benin Unity Cup delivered pulsating football and high drama on Saturday as fans at the Crescent Sports Club, Irhirhi, were treated to a flurry of goals, dazzling individual displays and fierce local rivalries.
Orhionmwon Local Government kicked off the day’s fixtures in blistering fashion, overpowering Ovia South West 4–2 in a match defined by quick-fire goals and relentless attacking play.
The tone was set almost immediately, as Iworie Chinedu produced a moment of brilliance to weave through the Ovia South West defence and score the fastest goal of the tournament. But the early lead was short-lived. In the 13th minute, Ovia South West responded through Oghene Ovo, who calmly slotted home the equaliser after a well-worked team move.
Orhionmwon, however, regained control before the break. Osifo Osakpolor restored their lead in the 35th minute, before Kish Danjuma struck four minutes later to extend the advantage to 3–1. Barely a minute into the second half, Osakpolor completed his brace, firing home in the 46th minute to put Orhionmwon firmly in command.
Ovia South West fought to stay in the contest and were rewarded late on when Osadolor Lucky reduced the deficit in the 88th minute, but it proved only a consolation as Orhionmwon held on for a convincing 4–2 victory.
The second fixture of the day, an all-Oredo derby, served up its own share of excitement as Oredo II and Oredo I battled to a dramatic 3–3 draw.
Oredo II took the lead through Waheed Ahmed in the 27th minute, but Oredo I roared back early in the second half. Three goals in quick succession, Samuel Brownson (47’), Sunday Henry (49’), and Brownson again in the 58th minute, turned the game on its head.
Unfazed, Oredo II mounted a spirited comeback. Friday Omoregie struck in the 52nd minute, and two minutes later Anthony Ogudu levelled the match at 3–3, sealing one of the most entertaining fixtures of the tournament so far.
With only two matchdays completed, the Benin Unity Cup is already living up to its billing, showcasing exceptional grassroots talent and setting the stage for an even more explosive competition in the days ahead.
The Benin Unity Cup Football tournament is sponsored by Senator Neda Imasuen to empower the youth and discover new talents for opportunities abroad.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
