Osun United FC dumped out of 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament

Posted : 21 August 2024

Osun United FC has been eliminated from the ongoing 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament after a narrow 3-2 defeat to NPFL debutant Ikorodu City in the group stage.

A brilliant effort from substitute Qamar Qamar was not enough to keep Osun United in the competition against a more determined side, Ikorodu City FC.

In what was an intriguing final matchday in Group B, all four teams were in contention for the two available semi-final spots.

Shooting Stars and FC Ebedei led the pack with 4 points each, while Osun United and NPFL newcomers Ikorodu City were chasing with 1 point each.

Both Osun United and Ikorodu City knew that only a win could keep their hopes alive, while Shooting Stars and FC Ebedei needed just a point to secure their places in the next round.

The match between Ikorodu City and Osun United got off to a blistering start, with Ikorodu City taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half.

This forced the Osun United coach to make an early tactical change, bringing on Qamar Qamar to inject some much-needed energy into the team.

Qamar, who had been in impressive form of late, did not disappoint. Just two minutes into the second half, he made an immediate impact by cutting in from the left wing and skillfully beating his marker to unleash a low, curling shot that slipped past the Ikorodu City goalkeeper, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

With momentum on their side, Osun United pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

However, Ikorodu City’s striker, Thankgod Chilaka, had other plans. Chilaka completed his hat trick shortly after Qamar’s goal, restoring Ikorodu City’s two-goal cushion and effectively sealing Osun United’s fate.

A late consolation goal for Osun United made it 3-2, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

In the end, both Shooting Stars and FC Ebedei played out a 1-1 draw in their match, securing the top two spots in Group B with 5 points each, while Osun United and Ikorodu City, despite their efforts, were eliminated.

For Qamar, it was a bittersweet moment.

His performance was one of the highlights of the match, showing why he is a player to watch in the future.

However, the loss means that Osun United’s Optima Energy Gold Cup pre-season journey has come to an early end, leaving them with things to reflect on as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

Osun United FC dumped out of 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament

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