Coach Hails Team Despite Losing Ramadan Cup Final In Lagos

SUNDAY AKINTOYE

Following their 0-2 loss to Glory Football Club of Ikotun at the just concluded Ramadan Cup final, Sammy FC coach, Haruna Samuel, has hailed his players for their gallant performance.

The pulsating encounter which was played recently at Igando Palace playground, Alimosho, Lagos, saw Bayo Adejuwon scored a brace to give Glory FC sweet victory over their opponents to emerge as champions.

But Samuel said there was no ill- feeling about his team’s defeat, adding that their opponents were technically and psychologically prepared for them. He explained that his players created more scoring chances that would have resulted to goals in the first half watched by a mammoth crowd.

“It was a good match for us unfortunately we lose to a better side. My players did their best but they lacked finishing to win the game at the half time. Let me use this medium to congratulate our opponents for their hard fought victory. It was well deserved. Let me also assure our fans that we will do everything to win the next edition,” he said.

In his own comment, Glory coach, Lateef Idowu said the match was tough but thanked his players for their doggedness and commitment that helped them to win the tournament. Idowu whose team won the cup back to back dedicated the victory to their fans who were in support of them throughout the tournament.

Match coordinator, Prince Sulaiman Gbadamonsi said the tourney was organized to keep the youth busy during the Ramadan period. He disclosed that the tourney need more sponsor in order for them to organize better competition.

“One of the challenges the grassroots football organizers are facing is lack of sponsorship. We want to do more. We want to give our fans gift items for their support but we have limited resources and that is why we are calling for more corporate bodies and sports philanthropists in Alimosho to give us necessary support to keep the tournament going,” he said.

The sum of N150, 000 was shared among the best three teams of the tournament. Aside the cash prize, Glory and first runner up went home with trophies.