It all started with a tense atmosphere, with bated breath, as the
Philosophy players warmed up against their last obstacle to the elusive Seals
Cup trophy. Indeed, they were warming up, but they were definitely feeling the
chills from excitement, anticipation, and the possibility of failure, as they
took the walk that opened their final fixture against Political Science.
The Plato Academy has been associated with footballing success at the
University of Ibadan, and they were seeking to conquer the newest
interdepartmental trophy to cement their campus-wide dominance yet again. They
tried well enough last session, but they came up second best against Geography
on penalties, and the oldies in the Philosophy squad were definitely running
that day through their minds as they prepared for yet another final.
Political Science started on the front foot as usual, seeking to use
their early goal to upset the Philosophy squad as they did against MBBS. And
yes, Philosophy was upset, but they displayed mettle worthy of champions as
they kept up the fight throughout the match.
Political Science got an early goal courtesy of their left winger's
perfect run to pick Oba's through-ball before slotting an angled shot past
Leke. It was the perfect start for them, and they kept the engines firing at
almost 100% efficiency for a second goal.
Political Science was not to get a second, though, but they made small
work of keeping Philosophy's attack at bay for extended periods while mounting
dangerous runs-in behind the Plato Academy defense. Philosophy fell short of
expectations in front, as most of their forwards failed to get in sync to cause
trouble for the Political Science defense.
Their best two attempts before halftime came from Lakesjay and
Awolowo, with the latter sending a trademark freekick narrowly wide of the
right-hand post. Lakesjay sent a tame effort straight at the keeper after a
spectacular drive from the right flank, then lost a 1v1 battle to poor control.
Olami produced a breathtaking save in the second half to deny
Philosophy a leveler, and John sent a vicious shot wide from the right minutes
later as Philosophy got more desperate for a single goal.
That goal came from the hero of the tournament, Awolowo, as he
showcased some of his set-piece expertise while dispatching a pace shot from
over 30 yards to beat Olami's jump. From then on, the game was sure to progress
to a shootout, as Philosophy fought valiantly against the Political Science
attacks.
Political Science lost their first penalty kick to give Philosophy the
early advantage, but the Plato Academy lost their third spot-kick, and the
shootout got a lot more intense after that.
Philosophy emerged champions after the last Political Science kicker
played his penalty wide of the mark, ending the shootout 4 - 3 to Philosophy.
It was a euphoric moment, and Philosophy fans kept celebrating their team late
into the night.
From Faculty of Arts champions to UI champions, the Philosophy team
has made quite the transition, and that too at the second time of asking. They
left a trail of dominant football throughout the tournament, and it is evidence
of how resilient they are to be able to mount comeback after comeback as they
raced to the trophy.
Till next year, they will bear all the rights to banter, at least
until they face worthy opposition that will strip them of such rights. Till
then, it is the Plato Academy who are champions of UI, the first among the
departments.
0 Comments