Host, Ottasolo FC are the first team to be officially eliminated from the ongoing Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament after they could only secure a 1-1 draw against Yobo FC on Thursday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Ottasolo FC that had earlier drawn with both 36 Lion and Lobi Stars needed an outright victory against Yobo FC to seal a semi-final place even before the start of the final Group A game between 36 Lion and Lobi Stars slated for Friday.
But it was Yobo FC who were with three points before the commencement of hostilities that began the game impressively. With only 11 minutes gone, Chinedu Okafor dribbled three Ottasolo FC players and fired a shot that beat the hosts’ goalkeeper but the effort crashed the upright and returned back to play.
Yobo FC made their early domination count with the opening goal of the game in the 24th minute when Shedrack Kaye nodded home an inviting cross from Chukwuma Ugbo.
Ottasolo FC woke up from their slumber almost immediately when they were behind but they were unable to get the equaliser until the end of the first half.
Ottasolo coach introduced Ugo Samson in the 50th minute to beef up the attack and barely 18 minutes later the super sub found the equalising goal from a good cross from Tosin Adelosi in the 68th minute.
The game ended 1-1 despite Ottasolo FC’s late desperate efforts to score the winning goal.
Despite only playing two games, Lobi Stars are on top of the Group A log with 4 points and plus one goal difference while Yobo FC are second with four points also but they have completed their three games.
Ottasolo FC are currently third with 3 points from three games but they are out of the tournament.
While 36 Lion, Yobo FC, and Lobi Stars are all the race for the two tickets to the semi-final. 36 Lion versus Lobi Stars tie billed for Friday will unravel the mystery behind those that will qualify from Group A.
