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Nigeria nearly navigates miraculous comeback but still much to be decided on final day between Ghana, Senegal, and the hosts
The Ivory Coast dethrones Nigeria after tight win
The 5-4 win for the Ivory Coast over Nigeria was a great display of offense and defense, with both taking centre stage at various points of the match. The Ivory Coast never trailed but had to withstand the Nigerian attacks, which they masterfully did. The 3rd period was a display of Nigeria at their best but it was too little too late. This marks the first time that Nigeria has ever lost at the Copa Lagos, they will look to rebound and start a new streak on Sunday against Senegal. The win secures the Ivory Coast the title at Copa Lagos 2014, however they will look to continue the perfection on Sunday against Ghana.
The Sand Eagles and The Elephants are two of Africa’s strongest teams but neither was intimidated by the other at the outset of the match. The score remained tied at 0 going into the middle of frame as both goalies were needed to make spectacular saves to keep it that way. Nigeria controlled possession and chances but those meant very little as the Ivory Coast did just enough to quiet the Nigerians. Things changed quickly as the Ivory Coast turned one chance, a direct kick, into the first goal, and then almost instantly after that, scored again as they took the 2-0 lead into the middle frame. Both sides exchanged goal in the second period, as Nigeria got off the board but The Elephants quickly responded and then added a last minute goal to take a 4-1 advantage into the final period.
The last period looked like Nigeria would break things open and eventually tie the game but the first goal did not come until Abu netted his second of the match to pull the Beach Eagles to within two at 4-2. On cue, the Ivory Coast replied with the third goal of the day for Daniel, to go back up by three at 5-2. Nigeria refused to quit and rallied behind the home crowed to eventually get the score to 4-5, in advantage of the Ivory Coast. The final minutes were packed with speed and desperation for both teams, Nigeria desperate to score, and the Ivory Coast desperate to hold on. When the final buzzer sounded the Ivory Coast had secured the Copa Lagos crown with a 5-4 win.
Goals: 0-1: Kablan, min. 4 (1); 0-2: Kablan, min. 3 (1); 1-2: Abu, min. 8 (2); 1-3: Daniel, min. 7 (2); 1-4: Daniel, min. 0 (2); 2-4: Abu, min. 9 (3); 2-5: Daniel, min. 8 (3); 3-5: Olawale, min. 7 (3); 4-5: Najere, min. 2 (3).
Senegal bounces back for important 1st win
Senegal’s 5-2 win over Ghana was light and day from the way both teams played the day before, as Ghana gave the hosts and favourites, Nigeria, all they could handle and Senegal did not put their best foot forward against the Ivory Coast. The Lions of the Teranga started fast and had to hold off scares from Ghana. The win was the first of the tournament for Senegal and makes the final match on Sunday against Nigeria even more exciting. Ghana took the loss, their second of the tournament, but both matches could have gone their way, they will take on a tough Ivory Coast side on Sunday, in hopes of securing their first points and win.
Senegal, much like the opening day, started quickly and scored the first goal of the match. The offense did not come easy to the Senegalese in their opening match against the Ivory Coast, but it flowed in the opening period as they scored another three times, to take a 4-1 lead going into the second period, after a late goal from Ghana. The 3 goal disadvantage did not deter the Ghanaians as they scored to open the middle period and get to within two goals, at 4-2. The momentum was swaying towards The Black Stars as they continued to get better looks but as momentum is fickle, it never fully tilted to their side and the teams closed out the period without any more goals, with Senegal winning 4-2.
The final frame had the two teams sit back and rely on stingy defense while pushing matters when they saw openings. The openings did not immediately come and the African rivals went scoreless in the final frame until Senegal slipped one through to restore their three-goal advantage. The goalkeepers were more than doing their job and were it not for them the score would have been much higher. Ghana began playing with reckless abandon, at a break-neck pace, but they could not find the necessary four goals for the win and the match ended with a score of 5-2 for Senegal.
Goals: 1-0: Faye, min. 11 (1); 2-0: Faye, min. 7 (1); 3-0: Ndiaye, min. 7 (1); 4-0: Faye, min. 6 (1); 4-1: Ofori, min. 2 (1); 4-2: Lamptey, min. 11 (2); 5-2: Fall, min. 8 (3).
FC Barcelona overcomes fierce Stationery Stores FC
The friendly match between FC Barcelona and Stationery Stores FC finished how you might expect, with Barça taking the immediate lead, then doubling it within seconds, but Stationery Stores FC responded and tied matters going into the middle frame. Barcelona looked to take control in the second, though it was slight as the Nigerian club continued to fight, eliminating two-goal deficits twice but when the final buzzer sounded, Barça had seized the lead at 6-4
Goals: 1-0: Nico, min. 11 (1); 2-0: Llorenç, min. 11 (1); 2-1: Arubiewe, min. 9 (1); 2-2: Tyson, min. 5 (1); 3-2: Llorenç, min. 5 (2); 4-2: Amarelle, min. 0 (2); 4-3: Arubiewe, min. 10 (3); 4-4: Muntari, min. 9 (3); 5-4: Llorenç, min. 2 (3); 6-4: Dona, min. 2 (3).
COPA LAGOS 2014
Results Today:
Saturday 13.12.14
14:00 – FC Barcelona 6-4 Stationery Stores FC (Friendly)
15:15 – Senegal 5-2 Ghana
16:30 – Nigeria 4-5 Ivory Coast
Upcoming Matches:
Sunday 14.12.14
14:00 – FC Barcelona vs. Enyimba FC (Friendly)
15:15 – Ivory Coast vs. Ghana
16:30 – Nigeria vs. Senegal
