The 2024 Benin City Youth League season got off to a thrilling goals-filled start at school of health technology field on Wednesday as Dynamo Academical who are also the defending champions began their title defense on a high note.
They faced a tricky tie against Edo FA cup semi finalists De Light in the league opener watched by the Chairman of the Edo FA Mr Fred Newton.
After an even start, Dynamo’s star player, nicknamed SMS scored the first goal of the season and what a beautiful goal it was. Collecting the ball from outside the box, he let fly a sizzler to the top corner of the net to give Dynamo the lead.
De Light, who went toe-to-toe with the defending champions battled their way back into the tie and were rewarded with a late 1st half equalizer as lanky winger Efe poked a smart strike past the Dynamo keeper to slot home the equalizer.
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Dynamo were under the bush in the 2nd half, De Light’s attacking sub Chinanza threatened with his power and pace. Against the run of play late midway in the 2nd half, Dynamo put together a delightful passing move that bamboozled De Light and captain Dybala finished it off with a calm low strike to win it for his side.
Result of other games;
In the day’s 2nd game, BJ Foundation and Eminence locked horns in a repeat fixture of the opening game of both teams last season. Just as it was last season, BJ saw off Eminence with a masterclass of powerful attacking display to win by a comfortable 3-0 win.
Striker Purpose headed in the 1st goal midway in the 1st half. It was Purpose’s energetic pressing that brought BJ their 2nd. He pressed a dithering Eminence defense and the lose ball was picked up by the inspirational Uche Epete who proved a long range finish with precision and poise.
Goalkeeper Adeboye produced some wonder saves for BJ as Eminence desperately searched for a way back into the game, before last minute substitute Desmond Oji put icing on the cake for BJ with a beautiful free kick at the edge of the box to hand BJ a satisfying opening day win.
In the last match of the day, Ine Stars and Royal Force battled to a 2-2 draw. It meant the runners up of last season,Ine Stars are still yet to win in their first game of the Youth League since the league started in 2021.
Ine took the lead in the 20th minute through Saha with a diving header after a horrible error from Royal Force defender, who delayed and turned with the ball, only to slip. Eseosa of Ine picked up the gift and crossed for Saha, and with a striker of his quality, the finish was never really in doubt.
Royal Force got back on level terms not long after through a very well taken free kick by Ifeanyi, but Ine retook the lead almost immediately through Clinton from a classic counter attack, jabbing past Osazuwa in goal for Ine.
Denis however got the equalizer for Royal Force midway into the 2nd half, slotting home with cold calmness.
Matches resume on Friday.
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