Optima Energy Gold Cup: Shooting Stars Edge ASVO FC, Secure Final Against Beyond Limits.
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan advanced to the final of the Optima Energy Gold Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Benin Premier League side Association Sportive de la Vallée de l’Ouémé (ASVO) FC in the second semi-final. The victory sets up a thrilling final against defending champions Beyond Limits at the Remo Stars International Stadium.
The match, which took place on Thursday, saw 3SC reduced to ten men early in the second half but still managed to secure the win. The decisive moment came in the 64th minute when former Flying Eagles star Ikouwem Utin delivered a precise pass to Victor Chukwudi, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Earlier in the match, Shooting Stars had multiple opportunities to take the lead, but they were denied by ASVO FC’s goalkeeper Douyeme Batori. Taiye Muritala missed a golden chance in the 15th minute, and Anthony Okachi’s efforts were twice thwarted by Batori.
The game turned tense when Anthony Okachi received a red card for a reckless challenge on ASVO’s Muri Dagbo, forcing the Oluyole Warriors to play the remainder of the match with ten men. Despite the disadvantage, 3SC held on to their slender lead, ensuring their place in the final.
The Optima Energy Gold Cup, now in its 12th edition, began with eight teams competing in Ikenne and Sagamu. After the group stage, four teams advanced to the semi-finals, leaving Beyond Limits and Shooting Stars as the last two standing. The highly anticipated final is scheduled for Saturday, with kickoff at 3pm local time.
Both teams will be vying for the offseason’s biggest accolade in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
