Beyond Limits, Gateway United to jostle for 2023 Ogun State Federation Cup title

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Beyond Limits Football Academy and Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Gateway United FC will square up in the final of the 2023 Ogun State Federation Cup.

Both teams emerged victorious over MKA FC and Ijebu United FC respectively in the semi-final on Friday.

Beyond Limits edged MKA FC 2-1 at the Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu to book a place in the final. A brace from Farouk Ogundare in both halves ensured the Ikenne-based side became the youngest side to reach the state’s grand finale.

The team had caused a major upset with a 3-2 win over its main team, Remo Stars in the quarter-final and will now face Gateway United FC in the final.

Meanwhile, Gateway United FC pipped holders, Ijebu United 4-3 on penalties following  a 0-0 draw at regulation time.

Gateway United coach, Toyin Ayinla expressed his happiness after the match stating that the main focus is to win the title after last year’s semi-final ouster by Remo Stars.

“I want to give glory to the almighty God for giving us this opportunity to be here this year. Last year, we were edged out in the semi-final and here now, we are in the final,” Ayinla told Nigeriafootball.ng.

“We must give praise to God. We would go back and try as much as possible correct most of the errors we noticed in this game. We are waiting for the final.”

“Penalties are part of the game. The teams we played in the quarter and semi-finals were solid sides and that was why we couldn’t edge them out after 90 minutes. Penalties is everybody’s game. We are luckier than them.

“We would see what will happen in the final against Beyond Limits. It’s not about playing a team but winning the cup which is our focus. We want to lay our hands on the cup at the end of the day.”

Ijebu United coach Fesjaye Tajudeen is positive that the defeat will spur his team to perform well in the NNL.

“The game was a good one and a keenly contested one. The winner emerged on a penalty shootout. Disappointed but it is a lesson for us to go and work hard before the league because we must get it right during the league,” he said.

“This disappointment will be a driving force that will make us succeed in the league. If we can’t go further here, we must be the first in the league.”

The two finalists will represent Ogun State at the national final of the 2023 Federation Cup later in the year.