PROSPERITY CUP: DE GRACE FC STORM INTO FINAL OF NIGERIA’S BIGGEST GRASSROOT FOOTBALL COMPETITION
By Patrick Ndubuisi
De Grace FC of Yenagoa on Saturday, became the first team to book their spot in the Final of the fifth edition of the most popular grassroots football tournament in the country, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, after cruising to a two nil comfortable victory over Dream Boys Academy of Odi.
The first semifinals played at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex Yenagoa, saw striker, Don Pedro Samuel, and midfielder, Preye Victor, finding the back of the net in each half of the game.
From the blast of the whistle both sides showed dexterity but it was Dreams Academy FC that could have scored in the first five minutes but the experience Goalkeeper came the rescue.
However, it didn’t take long before De Grace FC found the back of the net. A crossed ball into the third half met defender Banks Lokoja who couldn’t communicate properly with his on rushing goalkeeper. The loose ball met Don Pedro Samuel, who calmly poked home to give his team the lead on 7 minutes.
The rest of the first half saw both teams matching each other size for size, creating chances and missing them as well.
In the second half, the intensity grew until on 78 minutes when Dream Boys Academy conceded a free kick from 25yards. Midfielder, Preye Victor stepped up and beautifully placed it beyond goalkeeper Elegele JohnMark, to send his team and supporters into a wild jubilation.
Substitute, Ebilado Ahrimota had an opportunity to reduce the deficit deep into stoppage time, but missed to tap in the ball from 3 yards.
Don Pedro Samuel’s goal is his 11th of the campaign, and looks certain to win the highest goal scorer award.
De Grace FC, a sister team to last year’s winners Eternal Grace Ministry FC, will await the winner between Agbere FC of Sagbama and Crusaders Feeders of Peretoru. The game comes up on Sunday, 23rd July, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex at 3pm.
Dignitaries at the stadium to watch the first semi final included Youth and Sports Development Commissioner, Hon. Daniel Igali, Chairman, State Civil Service Commission, Perekiye Buruboyefe, Bayelsa United Chairman, Ebiki Timitimi and his Coach, Diepreye Teibowei, Ex-international Tarilaye Okorowanta, among other football enthusiasts.
