•••As Defending Champions Ologbonla Chase Fourth Straight Title
BY RAYMOND NWADUBA
The 5th Edition of Kudus Kasali Ileya Cup entered the semi finals stage after some breadth-taken but explosive quarter final matches that left fans asking for more.
Tournament’s defending champions, Ologbonla FC kept fate alive for a third straight title conquest after despatching their quarter final opponents, Kings FC 5-3 on penalties after playing out 0-0 at regulation time to make their intent clear. They will now face Horobo FC who defeated Kadima FC 1-0 for a place in the final.
Panatinacos FC and Future Stars FC will battle in the second semi final fixture to determine the finalist. While Future Stars FC were ruthless in a 4-0 pounding of Treasure Island FC in their quarter final encounter to advance to the semis, Panatinacos FC had to do it the hard way by beating Believers Foundation FC 9-8 on penalties after a pulsating 4-4 scoreline at the end of their quarter final duel to book their place in the semi final.
The two semi final matches will go down on Monday, May 18, 2026. The first match will begin at 2:45pm between Ologbonla FC up against Horobo FC while the second game is billed for 4:45pm between Panatinacos FC against Future Stars FC.
Tournament organisers, Prince GAS Global Sports Concept in conjunction with Kudus Kasali has praised the professionalism and the conduct of teams so far, urging every team to maintain their discipline as they work hard to ensure a level playing ground for all participating teams through our the tournament.
“We reassure all teams in this tournament of a level playing ground for every team throughout the competition.
“Once you play well you will win, assures the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Prince GAS Global Sports Concept, Prince Gbadamosi Adebola Sulaimon. There are no sacred cows, the referees have been instructed to ensure fair play and top quality officiating as the organisers will not condone any biased officiating”, he said.
