Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) yesterday knocked out the defending champions, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to reach the final of the 2024 Ships and Ports Maritime Cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match proved a grueling encounter, as both teams worked tirelessly to exert dominance.
NPA, as defending champions, played with a lot of prestige to counter every surge from NSC and contested everything thrown at them.
The first half ended goalless but was not shy of many scoring opportunities from both sides and terrific moments that brought the best out of both teams.
NPA have their goalkeeper to thank for making good saves to keep his team in the game.
The second half resumed with a more purposeful NSC team using the flanks to mount pressure but were halted by NPA’s defence and goalkeeper.
The breakthrough would finally come in the 61st minute of the game through NSC striker, Musa Bashorun.
Bashorun, using the flanks, outpaced NPA defence, connected with a thorough pass and lobbed their goalkeeper to score the only goal of the match.
The goal gave the necessary morale booster to the NSC team who went on the strong foot to mount pressure on NPA struggling to keep possession of the ball.
NSC held on to their one goal advantage till the final whistle.
Head Coach, NSC, Jamiu Alao, said his team worked hard to win the match and deserved to reach the final of the competition.
He told NAN that he is confident of winning the competition having played well against NPA team who are regarded as the best team so far in the competition.
“We beat a good side and are confident of a good outing in the final match. We made good use of the flanks knowing fully well that the NPA team were very good in the midfield.
“We look forward to the final with more confidence and believe that this year could be ours,” Alao said.
On his part, Head Coach, NPA, Rotimi Williams, told NAN that his team was not disgraced having done well in the match and in the tournament.
“We worked hard to score our own goal but unfortunately it did not come. It is a very tough loss having played well in the match.
“We will look forward to doing well in the third-place match and, at least. take something back home,” Williams said.
In another semifinal clash COMETS Shipping Agencies Football Team defeated the National Inland Waterways Authority Football Team (NIWA) 3-1 to qualify for the finals.
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