The Charlesann displayed impressive performance to draw 2-2 with defending champions Smart City in the opening match of 2024 Jagaban Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday morning.
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The enterprising Lemon Busayo opened the scoring for Smart City after slamming the ball home from the penalty spot on 8 minutes.
With The Charlesann slowly settling into the game, they managed to push the Nigeria National League team into their shell on several occasions before finally breaching the defense of the Smart City to draw level through Ayinla Olayinka as first half ended 1-1.
The Charlesann stunned Smart City on the half hour mark. A beautiful long range shot from Abatan Ayodele outside the box landed in the top left corner of the post.
Smart City replied the Academy boys instantly scoring the crucial equaliser.
Although both teams tried to flourish in their attempt to find the winning goal, neither side had the luck and hence was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.
36 Lion started their Jagaban Cup campaign on a sweet note as goals from Bangoura Mohammed and Opeyemi Oluwafemi secured a 2-1 comeback win against Imperial.
Ashuku Joel stunned 36 Lion against the run of play in the 20th minute, striking beyond Oriola Samuel.
Lion missed strings of chances, with the Imperial keeper twice denying Wisdom Ubani and Bangoura.
Guinean Bangoura equalised on 35 minutes, when he stabbed home from the penalty spot as Imperial finally cracked under intense Lion pressure.
The match winner arrived from a flowing move and the energetic Oluwafemi fired straight to the net.
Meanwhile, Ikorodu City endured a frustrating morning as Mavlon held on for a 0-0 draw.
The Oga Boys were kept well in check by the Via Reggio Cup semi finalists, who also proved dangerous on the break.
Substitute Amos Adzuu scored a late winner to put Dino SC in a strong position at the Jagaban Cup.
Abubakar Ibrahim drew the first blood for Dino SC after just two minutes.
Henry Maduboko was denied by goalkeeper Okeoghene Isaac from the penalty spot as Dino failed to double their slim lead.
Broad City upped their game and were rewarded with a fine header by Jeremiah Christopher to equalise.
Adzuu, a second half substitute, powered a clinical effort beyond goalkeeper Okeoghene.
Day 1 Results
Smart City 2-2 The Charlesann
36 Lion 2-1 Imperial
Mavlon 0-0 Ikorodu City
Dino SC 2-1 Broad City
Day 2 Fixtures: March 27th
Ikorodu City Vs Smart City 7am
Broad City Vs 36 Lion 8am
The Charlesann Vs Mavlon 9am
Imperial Vs Dino SC 10am
