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The semifinals of the GTBank sponsored Principals Cup played out an assortment of beautiful football on Wednesday May 24, 2017 at the Onikan Stadium. As excepted, the games played recorded less goals than the quarter finals and soccer fans can testify of the increasing competitiveness on the pitch as each game gained increasing momentums as each team fought for their chance to lift the Trophy.
With 27 goals scored in the quarterfinals stage of the competition and 20 goals in the semi-finals and this time the female category scored more goals, scoring 11 goals while the male category scored 9 goals.
On Wednesday morning, the first two games were played by the female category between Sanya Senior Grammar School, Surulere against Government Senior College, Agege, the game ended goalless draw in full time. Government Senior College Team won 3-5 on penalty shootouts sending Sanya Senior Grammar School home. In the second game played, Ikorodu Senior High School, Ikorodu lost their bid for the Cup by a single goal margin to the Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos Island in a game that ended 2-1.
In the afternoon, the male teams took the pitch in their quest for the trophy. In the first game, Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School won 2-0 over Ojokoro and Odogunyan Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu.
In the second game, Muslim Senior College, Oworonshoki and Ikotun Senior High School, Ikotun played a goalless draw in full time but was decided by a penalty shootout, which ended in 4-3 victory for Ikotun Senior High School.
In the final billed to take place on Tuesday May 30, 2017, Government Senior College, Agege will square up with Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos Island in their quest to win the coverted Cup for the female categories.
On the same day, Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School, Ojokoro will do battle with Ikotun Senior High School, Ikotun for the Cup.
There are no doubt that the games will be exciting as spectators look forward to an exciting games come Tuesday.
Commenting on the competition, Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said; “Sport plays a major role in the development of life skills and this competition paves the way for youths to cultivate their sporting talents and aptitudes, while fostering and building a healthier lifestyle at a critical stage in their lives.” He further stated that, “We are thrilled by the outstanding performances in the competition thus far and remain committed to providing an avenue for students to showcase their talents and passion for the game of football even as they remain committed to their academics.”
Speaking ahead of the final game, Farouk Yusuf, head coach of Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School said his boys would respect and not underrate their opponent.
“ Our aim is to emerge as the champions of the tournament, like I said earlier, our aim is to win the competition and noting short of that.
He lauded GTBank for organissing the high-level football games to discover raw and fresh talents and to grow the game of soccer in Lagos state
“ Am impressed with GTBank for organizing this level of football tournament for the boys to exhibit their talents and I hope they continue.
Anthony Nlebem & Hezron Atunde
