Abaji Football Council U-17 Tourney: S/finalists Emerge After Keenly Contested Q/final Duels
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
The identity of all four semifinalists of the 2024 Abaji Football Council Under-17 Vacation tournament are now known following the conclusion of two more quartersfinal fixtures, yesterday.
Kamsa FC of Naharati, squeezed into the last four with a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Amicable FC Sabon Tasha, after their 3rd quarterfinal fixture ended in a goalless draw, at the Government Science Secondary School, Abaji play ground.
The fourth and final quarterfinal, played at the same venue, which was also closely fought, was won 2-1 by Chikason FC of Road Safety Quarters.
Victor Elia opened scoring for Chikason FC, and the youngsters held onto the lead until the 79th minute, when Haruna Isah leveled matters for Dream Team FC of Old Market Street from the penalty spot.
But Chikason FC were not to be denied, as Salisu Ibrahim restored their lead, with five minutes left on the clock; and 2 minutes after a late red card was shown to Alhassan Abdulsalam of Dream Team FC, which ended the fixture with ten men.
In games decided at the same venue on Sunday, Emirates FC of Road Safety Quarters trounced Adham FC 6-Nil to rump into the semi-finals; while Future Planners of Sabon Tasha defeated Mega Stars of Angwan Gbakhe 2-0 to also advance to the last four.
This year’s vacation tournament is strictly an Under 17 Boys competition, being staged in honour of Coach Haruna Usman Ilerika, former Head Coach of the nation’s Under-15 Boys team, the Future Eagles, for his immense contribution in grassroots football development.
