Head Coach of Hammola Int’l FC, Ido Osun, Jamiu Mudathir has admitted that although Niger Tornadoes were one of the favourites to win the ongoing Optima Gold Cup Tournament in Ogun State but they were lucky to go away with the slim win over his team.
Recall that Tornadoes struggled to defeat Gold Cup debutant, Hammola FC by a lone goal in their second game of the preseason tournament in Ikenne, thanks to Amuda Sheriff’s 48th minute header from Samuel Oduola’s cross.
In an interview with journalists after the game, coach Mudathir said “it was a good game for both sides and I commend our boys for a good performance against one of the better sides in NPFL.
“Tornadoes were lucky to snatch the victory. It was a hard fought victory as we approached the game with determination. We had couple of chances in both halves that could have given us the lead but Tornadoes would have their goalkeeper and the woodwork to thank. Despite that they came back stronger in the second half, our players remained resolute, took the game to their half, put them under severe pressure until they conceded a penalty which could have forced the game to a draw.
“It was sad we lost the spot kick but chances created are indications of an improvement in our team and a good determination from our boys. We have identified our lapses and we’ll work on them in our next game,” submitted Coach Mudathir.
Hammola FC will slug it out against Remo Stars in their second group game 8am tomorrow Saturday while Tornadoes will trade tackles with Sunshine Stars of Akure in the second match billed for afternoon at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
The victory means Ikon Allah boys are on top of Group A with 6 points from two matches, having defeated Gateway FC by a lone goal in their opening fixture.
