Semis Bound: Sigma Chief’s League Knockouts and Quarter-Final Match Recap

Adekunle Azeez

The 3rd edition of the Sigma Chief’s League has reached its semi-final stage, and as anticipated by football lovers at the University of Ibadan, the knockout and quarter-final stages have delivered thrilling action. The tournament has been filled with exciting clashes, stunning goals, dazzling dribbles, and controversies, making it a spectacle for fans.

Knockout Phase Results

Match Day 1

The opening match of the tournament saw two-time champions SFA face off against Nazi Boys FC in what was dubbed the battle of the minions vs the heavyweight. True to their reputation, the champions SFA delivered with a 2-0 victory. Their winger, known as Mbappe, opened the scoring with a long-range effort, while Pogba, a postgraduate student, doubled their lead with a header in the second half. This result saw SFA qualify for the quarter-finals.

In the second match, Epic Alliance locked horns with Bluewaves. Bluewaves took the lead in the first half, but Epic Alliance equalized in the second half with a penalty after a handball in the box. After a tense period without further goals, the match ended 1-1, with Bluewaves triumphing in a penalty shoot-out to advance to the quarter-finals.

City FC and Clippers FC followed with an intense encounter. Despite Clippers FC hitting the post twice in the first half, City FC broke the deadlock in the second half, with Ay, a postgraduate student, scoring the winning goal. City FC advanced to the next round with a 1-0 victory.

The final game of the day saw Da Ebbs face Achievers FC. Da Ebbs won 2-0, but their victory was shrouded in controversy, as they fielded ineligible players. After deliberation by the Sigma Sports Committee, Da Ebbs were allowed to replace their ineligible players and retained their spot in the quarter-finals.

Match Day 2

Day 2 began with Black Titans taking on Blaze United FC. Blaze United opened the scoring in the first half, but Black Titans responded in the second half with two quick goals, one from Starlizzy and another from Baloo, a header. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Black Titans, who advanced to the quarter-finals.

Next, Tech Pirates faced Alpha FC in a closely contested match. Tech Pirates, composed mainly of 300-level students, edged out Alpha FC with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a brilliant free-kick that ricocheted off the post into the net.

Tomtom FC, made up entirely of tech Star players, faced United Raiders. Although Tomtom struggled, they managed to score through Papi. United Raiders equalized, and the match ended 1-1. In a penalty shoot-out, Tomtom’s goalkeeper, Olami, saved two crucial penalties, and Tomtom won 5-3 to advance to the next round.

The final match of the knockout phase saw Soccernet FC face United Superstars. After a 1-1 draw at full-time, United Superstars, composed of 200-level FASSA students, won 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

Quarter-Final Results

The quarter-finals lived up to expectations, with intense matches and thrilling finishes.

City FC faced Da Ebbs in the opening quarter-final clash. City FC’s Ay scored in the first 10 minutes, making him the competition’s highest scorer with two goals. Da Ebbs couldn’t find an equalizer, and City FC held on to their 1-0 lead to advance to the semi-finals.

Next, Soccer For All (SFA) took on Bluewaves. Ibrahim, a 500-level law student, was the standout player in midfield, creating several chances with his defence-splitting passes. Korede, a forward from the Faculty of Education, opened the scoring for SFA, and Ibrahim capped off his performance with a deflected goal to seal a 2-0 victory. SFA moved on to the semi-finals.

In another quarter-final, United Superstars defeated Tech Pirates 1-0. The only goal came from a well-taken shot in the first half, and despite Tech Pirates’ attempts to equalize, United Superstars held on to secure a place in the semi-finals.

The final quarter-final clash between Tomtom FC and Black Titans was filled with drama. The match ended 0-0 after the first half, and both teams continued to battle in the second half. However, after a few minutes of play, the linesman called for an early end due to fading light, much to the fans’ dismay. The game was postponed to the following day. Tomtom eventually triumphed with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a header from Ebuka, setting up a thrilling semi-final clash.

Semi-Final Fixtures

The results of the quarter-finals have set up two exciting semi-final match-ups. City FC will face Soccer For All (SFA), while United Superstars will take on Tomtom FC. These matches promise to be a thrilling contest as the four teams battle for a place in the final.

Football fans are in for an action-packed finish to the 3rd Sigma Chief’s League! Chief’s League Knockouts and Quarter-Final Match Recap.