Defending Optima Energy Gold Cup champion, Remo Stars brightened the chances of qualifying from the ‘group of death’ after they humbled stubborn Hammola FC 4-2.
The first fixture of Matchday 3 lived up to the billing as two fabulous goals were scored from set plays by both teams in the first half.
Hammola, a Nationwide League One Division One team from Osun State, were brave enough to take a surprise lead in the 11th minute via a set-piece from Olajugba Ayokunle that beat goalkeeper Charles Tambe.
Experienced Cameroon shot stopped and could not help but spill the ball into his own goal as he attempted to force a save.
Hammola’s one-goal lead only lasted for 23 minutes, as Remo Stars Odibo Godwin got the equaliser after a lovely finish from a Seun Odunsi assist.
With the game nearing half-time, Hammola regained the lead courtesy of a cool finish from Olarenwaju Habeeb, who beat his marker to lob the ball beyond the reach of Tambe, to the top right corner of the goal to make it 2-1.
Former MFM and Enyimba right-back Stanley Okorom displayed captain stuff, as he put the game on level terms with a sublime free kick in the first minute of added time.
Eleven minutes into the second half, Remo Stars showed why they’re an NPFL side, after Mujeeb Odufeso punished Hammola’s backline, creating space for himself to score his team’s third with a decent finish.
As the NLO side searched for their third goal, they then got punished on the counterattack in added time.
Samuel Anakwe put the game beyond Hammola with the sixth goal of the game and fourth for Remo Stars
