Ashogbon Samuel, a player of Dino Sporting Club, opened up about his experience during the crucial penalty shootout in the third-place match of the Jagaban Cup 2024, where Dino FC emerged victorious against Charlesann FC.
In a post-match interview with Sports 247, Samuel recounted the intense moment when he stepped up to take a penalty kick, only to have it saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
“Yes, we had a penalty and that was a crucial time. Then I had to carry the load of the team, the pressure, everything. But unfortunately, I lost the penalty,” he revealed, acknowledging the weight of the situation.
Despite the setback, Samuel remained resilient, emphasizing his determination to bounce back from adversity.
“I felt bad. But as a footballer. When you fall, you rise. I just have to pick it from there. So, I did not allow the penalty to affect my game,” he expressed, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming challenges on the field.
Samuel’s perseverance paid off as Dino SC rallied from a 2-0 deficit to level the score, ultimately winning the match via a thrilling penalty shootout.
Reflecting on the unexpected outcome, Samuel admitted, “We didn’t expect this. We thought we were going to win before the penalty. But this is football.”
Looking ahead, Samuel shared his aspirations, expressing his desire to play in Europe both individually and as part of the team’s collective goals.
“We pray to play in Europe,” he affirmed, highlighting his ambitions for the future beyond the Jagaban Cup.
