Masaka United FC clinched the 2023 One Big Family Cup, defeating Dunamis FC 1-0 in the final on Sunday evening, reports Sports247.ng.
The 2023 One Big Family Football Tournament began on June 30, 2023, and was the 15th edition of the annual tournament held at the MOPOL football pitch in Nyanya, FCT. 32 teams registered for the competition and were split into eight groups of four teams each.
On Saturday, July 29, in the third-place game, Ramasaky FC defeated Silk Road FC 1-0 to claim the bronze medal. The final between Masaka United and Dunamis FC, which took place on Sunday, July 30th, drew thousands of spectators from the FCT/Nasarawa axis.
Masaka United had the better chances in the first half but were left disappointed as the Dunamis FC goalkeeper, who won the Man of the Match award despite his team’s loss, made numerous impressive saves to keep the score even at halftime.
Masaka United finally got their breakthrough deep in the second half when winger Tony James’ goal-bound attempt was handled by a Dunamis FC defender. The referee awarded a penalty kick and issued a straight red card to the offending Dunamis FC defender.
With nerves and tensions running high, Simon ‘Pele’ Daniel stepped up to take the penalty. The attacking midfielder sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Masaka United a 1-0 lead.
United held on to their lead for the final quarter of an hour to win the One Big Family Football Tournament for the first time. The final whistle was met with euphoria as fans rushed onto the field to join the winning team in celebration.
Masaka United swept the tournament awards at the awards ceremony following the conclusion of the showpiece event. Starting with their head coach, Emmanuel Aboiodun (Coach Utaka), who won the Best Coach of the Tournament accolade. Shot-stopper Emmanuel Oche Monday was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, and star player Simon Daniel won Best Player and Top Scorer with six goals.
