BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Sporting Director of Panthers Football Academy, of Alimosho, Ayo Akalo has hailed his boys for their impressive performance against Ultimate Stars in the ongoing round of 16 of Managers Cup.
Panthers boys against all odds defeated Ultimate stars Football Academy 2-1 in the first leg of the competition played on Wednesday afternoon at Abesan Sports Center, Ipaja, Alimosho, Lagos.
Akalo who commended his coaching crew led by Segun Kayode for the hard fought victory admitted that his opponents were good side but praised his boys for their determination and doggedness exhibited in the encounter watched by hundred of fans.
He also expressed his confidence in the ability of his boys to qualify for the next stage.Panthers are expected to play their opponents in the reverse fixture to determine who qualify for the quarter final stage.
“The job has not finished yet because we still need to play them in reverse fixture the same venue.However I must commend my boys and the coaching crew for their victory because nobody gave us a chance before the game. This victory would help the boys to go into the second leg with full confidence and we would approach them with all seriousness in their home match, “he said.
In his own comments, Panthers Coach, Segun Kayode said the game has not finished yet and urged his players to remain focused in their reverse fixture. He noted the grey areas in his team again their opponents and promised to work on the team’s deficiencies before their next game.
“I have identified the problems of my team and I need to work on the grey areas. Our return leg would be tough because our opponents would like to beat us but I have my own game plan to stop them from scoring,” he said.
In the first leg played yesterday both teams played better in the first as they missed some scoring chances in the first half. The second half was tensed for both teams before Boniface Favour found the back of the net in the 60th minutes.
As Ultimate stars were looking for equaliser, a superb shot was taken by Daniel Eke to give Panthers commanding 2-0 lead in the 70th minutes. Kingsley isiguzo quickly scored a late goal for Ultimate Stars to end the pulsating tie 2-1 in favour of Panthers boys.