THE qualities expected of an opening match of the 2011/2012 season of Lagos Junior League were displayed by Eko-Akete United FC of Lagos Island East and Apapa Golden Stars, which the former won 4-3.Islander's playmaker Alade Muyiwa put his side in the lead when he converted the first opportunity his side had into goal in the third minute of the game. The Island team increased tally to two in 15 minutes. However, with an impressive play, the Apapa Golden Stars converted the spot kick awarded after one of its players was brought down in the opponent's 18-yard box in the 27th minute.Also, a chance came for the Apapa team when Sapara Adewale utilised the last minute of the first half to level scores. In the second half, Eko-Akete was awarded a penalty kick in the 49th minute, which Alade Muyiwa capitalised on to make the tally 3-2, but Stars equalised with a magnificent strike by Ibrahim Yusuf in the 65th minute.Eko-Akete further brought its goals hunt to four with a stunning header by Alade Muyiwa just as Sapara Adewale was sent off for a foul ' a record first red card of the tourney.Meanwhile, the Chairman of Apapa Local Council, Ayodeji Joseph, who was present at the event, lauded the two teams for their creativity and also advised the Federal Government to embrace grassroots football for youths development. He said: 'We don't value our own home-based players, we prefer going abroad. These are players that can play for 15 years.'Coach of Apapa Golden Stars, Nathaniel Olagunju, would rue their loss, however: 'It is unfortunate we lost despite the fact that my club dominated the match. We will try and put the past behind us and focus on other matches.'Also, coach of Eko-Akete, Adefulu Ademilola, spoke with The Guardian with enthusiasm about their victory but lamented the financial problem the club was encountering. He hoped the next chairman would support the team financially.
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