Plato Academy has always been a wonder team in the history of University of Ibadan football. Against the strong-spirited Adult Education players, their 2 - 1 victory came after a dominant first half that saw goals from Awolowo and John, putting the Faculty of Arts champions in the lead.
Many spectators were skeptical about how deadly Philosophy would end after that loss to MBBS. However, Plato Academy players took little time to let everyone know why they remain the best team in UI. John and Awolowo seemed to be the pivot forwards in a 4-4-2 diamond set-up, drifting centrally from wide positions to create and drop into spaces carved open by the midfielders.
Lakesjay topped the diamond-shaped midfield, making dangerous false-nine runs to shake up the Adult Education defence. With Raphael's midfield prowess, the first goal for Philosophy was only a matter of time.
It came from a likely suspect, as Awolowo received a short pass within striking distance on the right side of the box and made no mistakes from about 15 yards out. The second goal was even more remarkable, as John outmuscled his markers to meet a low cross from Awolowo on the right.
Plato Academy was clearly not ready to stop at just two, as they must have still had the game against MBBS on their minds. Awolowo sent in a dangerous freekick that scorched the Adult Education goalie's hands, Lakesjay was a menace in the middle of the defence, attempting to wriggle through the last line several times, and John almost doubled his tally with a long-range strike that flew just wide of the bottom right post.
Their intensity slowed in the second half, but Philosophy was still with the upper hand. Iyanu and Lakesjay saw early chances to push their team clear, but Iyanu's shot was straight at the goalie from 20 yards.
The Adult Education team slowly grew into the game, as their resilience saw them trouble the Philosophy defence at times. They got their consolation, thanks to poor defending in the Philosophy box.
It was an end-to-end game from then, as Adult Education saw renewed hope to push for a point. They were also very emotional about the game, particularly the officiating. The game ended with the Adult Education players flaring up after a wrong offside call. It was a rather unprofessional way to go about it, as the players walked off the pitch just before the referee blew the whistle.
But the Philosophy camp won't be bothered with the outcome; they are in the last 16 and will be preparing against another Faculty of Education team, Educational Management. They face off on Monday, 16 October 2023, by 12 p.m., and they will be looking to go all the way to the finals from there.
Be there to cheer Plato Academy on!
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