Smart City Football Club of Surulere and Messiah Football Club of Ikeja would renew their rivalry as both teams clash in the round of 16 WGB Lagos State FA Cup.
The much-anticipated game would hold tomorrow afternoon (2 pm) at the Nathaniel Idowu Sports center, Ajegunle.
Smart City walkover Emmydinho to reach this stage, while Messiah beat BE Arena 3-2 yesterday to reach the round of 16.
The last time both teams clashed was in NLO at the home ground of Smart City, Teslim Balogun Stadium. Although the match was abandoned less than 10minutes of the game as a result of the controversial goal being awarded to the home team.
Tomorrow’s match is another opportunity for both teams to meet again on the neutral ground.
Smart City are in good form following their performance in NLO. They are on top of their group in NLO but their last match against Amazing Grace was not too impressive as Smart City struggled to win their opponents 1-0 at the tail end of the game.
On the other hand, Messiah’s form are average but their experiences in FA Cup over the years cannot be pushed aside. Their game against Be Arena sent a warning signal to Smart City and other teams in the tournament.
No doubt, the officiating in this year’s FA Cup is superb and organizers would do everything humanly possible to appoint one of the best referees and assistants in the state to be in charge of the Messiah and Smart City match.
Meanwhile, in the match Messiah played yesterday, they were able to control the game as Deji Alo opened the goal-scoring before Wale Adegoke scored at the close range to make two goals up in the first half.
Messiah who were at their best could not waste time as Tunde Baruwa fired a long-range shot to send Messiah fans into wild jubilation.
But less than 20 minutes to goal, Messiah players went to sleep as Be Arena striker, Abel Isreal scored two goals to close the margin. The effort by Be Arena to get an equalizer proved abortive as the referee signaled the end of the game.
Reacting to the team’s defeat, Be Arena president who doubles as chief coach commended both teams for their performance saying that he was satisfied with the team’s performance despite defeat.
Messiah coach, Tunde Olayinka confessed that the game was tough and admitted that he needed to work on some grey areas on the team before their next game.
