Gateway United secured their place in the final of the 2019 Ogun F.A Cup with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over FC Nilayo at Gateway International stadium, Ilaro.
It was a tight contest from the start of the game as both teams hit the ground running in search of an early goal.
Julius Ikechukwu opened the scoring for Gateway United in the 20th minute. The forward teed up with Kola Odunbaku at the edge of the box to be clear on goal and unleashed a left footed strike.
8 minutes after, Julius Ikechukwu came close to doubling the lead when he bellied a loose ball from close range off a corner kick but Nilayo goalie was well positioned to make a save.
As Gateway United grew in confidence, Nilayo, like a wounded lion, became more fluid in attack but all efforts to produce a leveller were botched by a resolute defending from the duo of Azeez Durojaiye and Oluwole Johnson.
After missing a handful number of chances, FC Nilayo levelled matters in the 63rd minute courtesy of Onyenachi Kalu who latched on to a loose ball off a defensive mix up to smash in the goal.
Gateway United FC however couldn’t capitalise on a couple of freekicks at the edge of Nilayo’s box to retake the lead.
With no further ado, both teams went into penalty shootout after regulation time. with a double miss from Nilayo and a miss from Gateway, Adamu Azeez last kick was enough for Akeem Busari side to get past stubborn FC Nilayo and book a spot in the final against either Olisa FC or Almar FC on Sunday 28th April, 2019 at MKO Abiola Int’l stadium, Abeokuta.
