Beyond Limits booked their semi-final spot in the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup pre-season tournament after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over debutants Kasam FC of Ilorin.
It was a top-of-the-table clash in Group A, as both teams had won their opening matches on MatchDay One, beating ASVO FC of Benin and Ijebu United, respectively, at the Remo Stars Stadium on Thursday.
Isaac Chukwudi broke the deadlock from close range for the Optima Energy Gold Cup holders in the 16th minute after Kasam FC faltered in their defense.
A moment of resolute play came when Olamilekan Adegboyega raced with the ball past his marker from the wings. His precise delivery found Chukwudi, who headed the ball beyond the reach of Maruff Ajibola for a superb goal.
There was much to play for as Beyond Limits entered the break with a one-goal cushion at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The second half was action-packed, with both teams having opportunities to score.
In the 48th minute, Taiwo Cole should have found the net from an assist by Olamilekan Adegboyega. Adegboyega found Cole with a pass after dribbling past his marker, but Taiwo's shot was poorly executed, making it an easy save for the goalkeeper.
Kolawole Opeyemi had a chance to equalize in the 60th minute, but his shot after turning away from his marker hit the side netting.
Six minutes after the one-hour mark, Kasam FC could have been 2-0 down but were fortunate when Muhammed Abdullahi's well-struck free kick from the edge of the box hit the woodwork.
The win made it two out of two for Beyond Limits, who now face a tricky tie against Ijebu United, whom they defeated in the 11th edition final, in their last game of Group A.
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