Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Monday knocked out the defending champions, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), 1-0 to reach the final of the 2024 Ships and Ports Maritime Cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match proved a gruelling encounter, as both teams worked tirelessly to exert dominance.
The first half ended goalless but was not shy of many scoring opportunities from both sides and terrific moments that brought the best out of both teams.
The breakthrough would finally come in the 61st minute of the game through NSC striker, Musa Bashorun.
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Bashorun, using the flanks, outpaced NPA defence, connected with a thorough pass and lobbed their goalkeeper to score the only goal of the match.
NSC held on to their one goal advantage till the final whistle.
Head Coach, NSC, Jamiu Alao, said his team worked hard to win the match and deserved to reach the final of the competition.
He told NAN that he is confident of winning the competition having played well against the NPA team who are regarded as the best team so far in the competition.
“We beat a good side and are confident of a good outing in the final match. We made good use of the flanks knowing fully well that the NPA team were very good in the midfield.
“We look forward to the final with more confidence and believe that this year could be ours,” Alao said.
In another semifinal clash COMETS Shipping Agencies Football Team defeated the National Inland Waterways Authority Football Team (NIWA) 3-1 to qualify for the final.
NSC will play COMET for the 2024 championship trophy at the Stable Centre, Surulere, Lagos, on Nov.6. (NAN)
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