by Quadri Labaika
The Department of Mass Communication’s 300-level male football team emerged champions of the 2023 HOD’s Cup on Friday after defeating their 200-level counterparts 2-0 at the PG hostel field of the University of Jos.
The keenly contested match witnessed early end-to-end actions from the blast of the whistle to the delight of the teeming supporters of both teams.
A series of attacks broke the deadlock in the 15th minute through a well-worked team goal that saw Jesse Bitrus get to the end of a cross and slot the ball past the rooted 200-level goalkeeper.
300-level players celebrate with goalscorer Jesse Bitrus.
The 200-level “Pinnacles” tried very hard to restore parity before the end of the first half but were let down by their lack of composure in the final third, which saw them fluff plethora of begging goal-scoring opportunities.
At the resumption of the second half, the Pinnacles continued their quest for the equaliser but met a resolute 300-level defence.
Henry Emmanuel put the match to bed in the 78th minute using his pace after a swift counterattack that saw him beat three Pinnacles defenders and place the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to send their supporters into Rapture.
The match at the end of 90 minutes ended 2 nil in favour of the 300-level Elites to the delight of their energetic and teeming supporters.
The ecstatic first-goal scorer Jesse Bitrus, reacting after the match, expressed his delight that his team was able to overcome the stubborn 200-level team and implore them to work on their temperament going forward.
“The 200-level are a good side; what they lack is how to control their temper, because in football, once you lose your temper, you will lose the game.”
The 200-level class representative, Coach Samuel Abioye, commended his team for a good fight and said they were unlucky to lose the match.
“The boys gave their all, but we were unfortunate not to have utilised our chances most especially in the first half.”
On their road to the final, the 300-level Elite defeated the 100-level team 2–0, while Pinnacle thrashed the defending champions 400-level 6-3 to book their place in the final.
The tournament recorded 13 goals in total, with 200-level being the most prolific with 6 goals and Longwus Pessan emerging as the top scorer with 3 goals.
Report and photos by Quadri Labaika
A MAC 219 Blogging and Webcasting Class Assignment
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