Sharks defeat Shooting Stars to emerge Gold Cup champions

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coach Ronaldson Odey, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Sharks Captain, Odinga Odinga and Crown GM, Fatai Olayinka

Sharks defeated Shooting Stars 3-2 on penalties to win the second edition of the Gold Cup pre-season tournament played at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Friday.

The annual football championship staged to help Nigerian leagues clubs fine tune their preparations ahead the new season featured eight teams aside maiden champions Sunshine Stars.

The Port Harcourt and Ibadan based Nigeria Professional Football league sides had progressed to challenge for the trophy after semi-final victories against Supreme Court and Kogi United respectively.

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s men dominated the encounter but failed to take advantage of it as 3SC grabbed the surprise lead through Fuad Ekelojuoti who headed home a cross from teammate Okiti Afolabi in the 26th minute.

However, Sharks recovered with a leveller after seeing themselves behind on the brink of half time thanks to Ifeanyi Inyam, who converted from the penalty spot.

Thereafter, Sharks dictated pace for most period of the game but the NPFL returnees held up all the while ensuring the encounter was decided via penalty shootout.

Ebedei, Bolowotan, Westerloo FC and Kwara Football Academy took part in the championship.

Meanwhile, General Coordinator Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen, was impressed with the conduct of the clubs in the just concluded showpiece.

Shamsudeen, believes that the teams are capable of nicking impacts in their various leagues.

“I must confess that all the teams were wonderful with their quality of play and I believe they all deserves commendation for this. I believe Sharks and 3SC would give the other Premier League clubs a run for the title.”

“I need to thank everyone who really worked hard with us to make the second edition to become a success.”

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