By Daily Sports on May 16, 2019

BJ Foundation FC of Benin City produced a very dominant performance to crush Fatai Dragons of Ekpoma 3-0 in the semi-final of the 5th edition of the Bet9ja Super Agents cup at the S&T barracks pitch in Benin City.

It was a game billed as a big match before it started, given the profile of both teams, but once the center referee signalled for the start of the match, it was clear which the better side was.

BJ, renowned for their quick press and direct approach, swarmed around Fatai Dragons like flies attracted to honey and attempts by the Dragons to play their usual nice passing game were smouldered severally in the first half.

BJ had a number of very clear chances in the first half but somehow they missed them.

The Dragons tried to stay calm and pass their way out of the back but this often looked suicidal as, time and again, they kept losing possession in vital areas of their half.

BJ were truly dominant with skipper Solomon Osaghae running the show with dexterity and technical assurance in the midfield.

The deadlock was however broken early in the second half as Uyiosa Osaghae (younger brother of Solomon Osaghae) pounced on a rebound from his brother's free kick to slot home after the Dragons ’keeper failed to hold the ball.

BJ continued to push for a second and it duly arrived. Striker Precious Ediae continued his scoring form as he expertly controlled and fired low to the goalie’s right for the second.

BJ saved the best for the last though as substitute Chinedu China scored what looks like a goal of the tournament. He controlled a high ball at the center line, swivelled and sent a high lob towards Dragons goal to catch the unsuspecting goalie unawares. It was such a beauty.

The second semi-final of the day was a much more evenly contested affair between Rolly FC (the host team) and Mission Side FC of Benin.

It was end to end stuff from the kick off as both sides searched for a crucial first goal.

Mission Side took the lead late in the first half through controversial circumstances as the center referee ruled that the ball (following a goalmouth scramble) had crossed the Rolly goal line. Rolly players protested that the whole of the ball hadn’t crossed the line but the referee’s mind was made up.

Rolly pushed desperately for the equalizer in the second half but met a brickwall in the Mission Side defence expertly marshalled by a young and rugged center half Alika.

Alika is a fine central defender who has a mix of qualities including an ability to read the game very well, organise his defence and time his tackles excellently. All these he showed in the game to the admiration of fans.

To their credit, Rolly kept their heads and continued play their passing game, increasing the speed of their passing and movement. The reward was a late equaliser which came from a tap in via a fine cross from the right. The crowd went delirious in celebration following the goal.

With the score standing at 1-1, the referee brought proceedings to an end amd the two teams had to go for the dreaded penalty shootout.

It was Mission Side who won the lottery of the shootout and will now meet BJ Foundation on Friday in what promises to be a tough final match.

The winner of the final match will smile to the bank with a 500,000 naira cheque while the second placed team will be rewarded with 300,000 naira.

Winner of the third place match between Rolly FC and Fatai Dragons will earn 100,000 naira.

•Photo shows Chinedu China, BJ's mecurial midfielder who scored a wonder goal from the centre against Fatai Dragons in the Bet9ja Super cup semi-final.

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 16, 2019

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