Dino SC FC of Abeokuta, Ogun State, beat all comers to emerge as new crowned champions of Lagos Supremacy Cup 2023.
In an enthralling and pulsating final held Friday morning at the FIFA legacy pitch inside the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos, Dino SC defeated Mavlon 4-3 in a gruelling penalties after both sides had played out a barren draw at the end of regulation time.
But sequel to the final, Dino had earlier in the semi final match played earlier in the day, also beaten former champions, 36 Lion 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the regulation time by both teams.
The tournament, which has been on since Tuesday at the Mobolaji Arena, formerly known as Onikan stadium, drew an appreciable crowd during the group matches, before proceedings were moved to Legacy.
Expectedly, the final did not fall short of expectations as both teams entertained fans with their football artistry. They created some scary moments but failed to convert their chances which led to the penalty shootout.
Dino SC Coach, Godwin Gibson Zakka said they came to the tournament with determination and commended his boys for their commitment and doggedness especially in the semi final against 36 Lion.
“Of course, nobody gave us chance, but we have shamed our critics and proved the bookmakers wrong. Our tactics worked for us, and we deserved to be crowned as new champions,” he said.
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While the Dino SC Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Omamofe Samuel expressed gratitude to God for the victory saying that it was a well deserved victory.
“We came, saw and conquered. I am happy that we achieved our target. Alhough we lost to Mavlon in our group opening match when we were not settled down. After the defeat, we were able to rise to the occasion and show football fans we are a formidable team.
“I thank the coaching crew, players for their commitment and the management would continue to support the team in subsequent engagements,” he said.
Mavlon coach, Abdulraham Kayode Sulaiman said he was not disappointed with the defeat and congratulated his opponents for a hard fought victory.
“We were unlucky at the penalty shootout. My boys did well but the better side won the game. It was a tournament that exposed my players and I thank the organisers for this initiative,” he said.
In his own comment, Tournament Coordinator, Liameed Olawale Gafar thanked the participants for their commitment and support to make this year’s edition a memorable one saying that the competition had garnered huge success.
