By Adeyemi Jerry.
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the highly anticipated football interhall final between two powerhouses, The fresh Baluba lions and fresh Tedderites, ended in a captivating 1-1 draw. However, it was the heart-stopping penalty shootout that ultimately determined the winner.
The kickoff match started around 4:22 p.m at Sub pitch. There was also the presence of guest at the final, The student union president along with the Vice was also present. The both team adopted the same formation which was 4-3-3 and they had the same pattern of play.
From the very first whistle, both teams showcased their prowess on the field, leaving no doubt that this final would be a battle for the ages. The players exhibited exceptional technique, strategic plays, and unwavering determination, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
The first half saw both teams fiercely competing for dominance, with neither side managing to break the deadlock. The defenses were resolute, denying any clear-cut chances, and the midfielders tirelessly fought for control of the game.
The tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock ticked away. There was an uproar between both teams that lasted for about 5 minutes and almost caused a lot of distraction. Towards the end of the first half, The Tedderite outplayed the Baluba Lions with a goal from the striker due to a sloppy tackle from the central defender, After the goal the Zik players were unmotivated and could not perform till the end of the first half, which 1-0 in favour of the tedderite.
As the second half commenced, the intensity only grew.The tedderite was playing more of a defensive game and the zikite by all means were trying to penetrate the defence but the tedderite were resisting there pressure which lasted through out the match. There was a screamer shot from a tedderite player that landed on the top most bar, that made the zik keeper to be dumbfounded.
Towards the last seconds of the match, There was a corner kick against the tedderite which led to a goal From a Zik player who finally managed to find the back of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
With the scoreline locked at 1-1, The supporters of the tedderite violently went to meet the referee but he was bailout by the school team coach (Coach Allen). As a result of this, there was no extra time, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The fate of the championship rested on the shoulders of the players as they prepared to take their spot-kicks.
The penalty shootout was a true test of nerves and composure. Each team’s designated penalty takers stepped up to the mark, knowing that a single miss could cost their team the title. The tension was palpable as the crowd held their breath, witnessing the high-stakes drama unfold.
The Baluba lions and Tedderite displayed remarkable accuracy and precision, converting their penalties with confidence, But a player from the Baluba Lions missed a penalty kick that was of greater advantage for the Tedderite, which was capitalized upon.
However, it was a player from Tedder Hall with Jersey number ten, who emerged as the hero of the night. With nerves of steel, he calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, securing the victory for his team. The fresh tedderite were crowned the champions of the Interhall finals along with the Queens Elizabeth. Both teams were the winners of the competition.
