Nayilifong FC
Nayilifong FC beat Limanfong FC 10-9 in a nail-biting penalty shootout
to win the maiden edition of the Might FM Soccer Festival which ended
Sunday, January 31, 2016.
The nerve–racking grand finale at the Savelugu Junior High SchoolPark,
was witnessed by hundreds of spectators, the largest to be recorded
ever in a single sporting event in the area.
Limanfong FC skipper, Yussif Abdulai’slow shot flashed wide off goal
in the opening five minutes of the finale.
Limanfong FC seem to have peaked late into the tournament,
well-drilled in tactical play better than Nayilifon FC who appeared
to have lost the top form that saw them produce a stunning
performance in the tournament white washing Laligu FC 5-0 in their
final make or break group game last Wednesday.
Limanfong FC dominated early proceeding, bossing play and had an Ahmed
Zidlila shot drift wide when forced from the wings mid-way through the
first half.
Nayilifong FC struggled to impose themselves into the game,graced by
representations of the Yoo-Naa, the Lushie Naa, theSavelugu Municipal
Chief Executive Nanton,Honourable Abdulai Alhassan Red,former Real
Tamale united defender, Shilla Alhassan among others.
The referee brought the enthralling first half to an end with the
score still at stalemate. Thesecond half resumed on a high note as
both teams made serious attempts to score.
Limanfong center–half,Abdulai Ishmed was called to clear a dangerous
chance in the box after Ahmed Ziblila was put through early in the
second half.
At the other end, Nayilifong Alhassan Abdul was brought down on the
edge of the area in a quick passing move. Iddrisu Sualisu curled wide
the resulting free-kick.
Limanfong FCMuffamu Kamara shot wide from 25 yards after a cross
bounced off a defender and found him on the edge of the area unmarked
in the dying embers of the game, throwing the game into penalty
shootout.
The nail biting and energysapping shoot out saw both teams locked at
3-3 with 2 misses each after the first set of five kicks.
Both teams concerted the next set of sixkicks in sudden including both
goalkeepers with skill and precision. Limanfong FC’s 12th penalty kick
of the evening was saved by Nayilifong FC shot stopper, Shahad Abdul
Wahab.
The moment of glory came when second half substitute, Abdulai Salman
walked into the penalty box with the crowd cheering him up. And in a
flash, he converted the tenth kick for Nayilifong FC.Wild jubilation
greeted the goal and the celebration went deep into the night.
Nayilifong FC won 10-9 and were crowed winners of the maiden edition
of Might FM Soccer Festival 2016, a feat they must defend next year.
