Emiloju FC has secured a dramatic semifinal berth in the 2024 1XBet Community Cup after a hard-fought 3-1 penalty shootout victory against Dominion Hotspur at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Following a tense goalless draw in regular time, it was the heroics of Emiloju FC’s goalkeeper, Enock Ebuka, that stood out. Ebuka made three crucial saves during the shootout and scored the decisive penalty, sealing his team’s place in the semifinals.
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Speaking after the match, Emiloju FC’s chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Alao, was full of praise for his goalkeeper’s performance, calling it nothing short of spectacular.
“A special thanks goes to our goalkeeper, who not only saved three penalties but also scored the one that secured our win. His contributions were vital, and we’re incredibly proud of his efforts,” he remarked, acknowledging the crucial role Ebuka played in the high-pressure situation.
Alhaji Alao also took a moment to reflect on his team’s ongoing struggles with finding the back of the net, but he remained optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming semifinal against Bethel FC.
“We need to improve our finishing, no doubt. But the foundation is strong. I’m happy that we played better because we know ourselves; we’re an academy, and we understand the basics.”
He further expressed his hopes for the quick recovery of one of his injured key players. “The injured player is a key figure to watch any time we’re on the field, and we’re hoping for his quick return.”
Despite the challenges, Alhaji Alao remains confident in the team’s preparation for the semifinals, emphasizing, “I have no fear because I will always do my work.” With their goalkeeper’s stunning performance and a dedicated squad, Emiloju FC is now focused on overcoming their scoring woes and pushing for a spot in the final.
