Magic Stars’ superb debut in the 75th edition of the Viareggio Youth Tournament in Italy, came to an end after losing via a lone goal to Genoa, who advanced to the semi-final.
The quarter-final match on Thursday at the “Piero Bibolini” Sports Field in Lerici, lived up to the billing.
Both teams had a fair share of the ball possession and half-chances, but Magic Stars will rue hard luck for not converting them in both halves.
The opening 45 minutes saw Magic Stars pull a few magic tricks with their counter-attacking, but it was Genoa who got the goal in the added time of the first half after Elia Spicuglia put the tie to bed with a close-range strike.
Coach Henshaw Bisoye, after the loss said: “First, I want to thank God almighty for this experience; at the same time, it was a good one for us as a team. The players came here and fought with all their minds. We have learnt from it, and we did very well, though it wasn’t the result we wanted.
It is part of the game; I am super proud of my lads; they gave their all in this tournament, and I am happy to say they did well.
“As for the tournament itself, it was a good one from the organizers, and this will definitely add more to our exposure as a team. Thanks to all our amazing supporters, we appreciate your show of love towards the team.”
