By Akinjide Adebowale
Coming from a disappointing friendly where Ransom Kuti Hall toppled over Zik with a 3-0 scoreline, the Baluba Lions made a remarkable comeback by overwhelming Sultan Bello Hall in their second friendly match held at the SUB Stadium. The match concluded with a resounding 4-0 victory in favor of the title holders.
Played around 5pm, the match showcased Coach Genesis Ikas employing a more adventurous attacking approach and a stronger defense compared to the game against Kuti. Tomide opened the scoring, with Afolabi and Francoburger also registering their names on the scoresheet. However, the highlight of the match came when the sports minister himself, Jamiu Kareem, slot home a brilliant goal from a dead ball situation.
Kareem’s goal from a free kick opportunity emphasizes the level of preparedness exhibited by Zik as they head into the tournament. In one-off knockout tournaments like the inter-hall, such fine margins can often determine the outcome of a game.
Speaking about the significance of the win as the tournament draws near, Ikas emphasized that the victory was crucial for the backroom’s mo morale and mindset after the loss to Kuti.
“I believe it is the reaction we desired after that defeat. While we still have work to do as a team, we are certainly on the right track,” he conveyed.
On the flip-side, if Zik Hall and Kuti advances further in the tournament, we might be witnessing a rematch of the Zik-Kuti game, this time in a competitive and larger atmosphere.
