AustenPlus Football Club faced off against Bayelsa United U19 in a thrilling league encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne Ogun State on 1st October 2024. The match, which kicked off at 1:00 PM, ended in a disappointing 4-2 defeat for the home side, leaving them with much to ponder as they look to improve in future fixtures.
AustenPlus adopted a 4-2-1-3 formation, which saw Ruke Komon stationed in goal, while the defensive line comprised David Oluwasegun on the right, Ayorinde Tope on the left, and the central pairing of Gafar Ademola and Darlington Ighedosa. In midfield, Sylvester Collins and Basit Hassan operated as central midfielders, with Anayo-Israel David playing just ahead as the attacking midfielder. Up front, Emeka Chibuike and Mudashiru Sodiq occupied the right and left forward positions respectively, while Imadojemu Joshua led the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match included Daniel Michael, Anwuchughim Victor, Ameh Ejembimale, Moses Olaoye, and Olaitan Jimoh.
The match began with Bayelsa United applying early pressure, and it took just nine minutes for them to capitalise on a defensive mistake from AustenPlus, allowing the visitors to take a 1-0 lead. The home side struggled to regain their composure, and as the first half progressed, Bayelsa United doubled their advantage in the 37th minute through a goalmouth scramble, making it 2-0.
As the teams headed into the break, AustenPlus made tactical changes, bringing on Daniel Michael for David Oluwasegun and Anwuchughim Victor for Mudashiru Sodiq at half-time. The substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy into the side and alter their fortunes.
The second half commenced with Bayelsa United continuing their dominance, scoring again just three minutes after the restart. A diving header from one of their forwards extended their lead to 3-0, leaving AustenPlus with a mountain to climb. However, the home side responded almost immediately; Anwuchughim Victor, who had just come on, scored a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box in the 49th minute, giving AustenPlus a glimmer of hope at 3-1.
The momentum shifted slightly, and AustenPlus began to find their rhythm. In the 64th minute, Basit Hassan found the back of the net with a close-range effort, assisted by Anwuchughim Victor, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. The home crowd erupted, sensing a potential comeback.
However, just two minutes later, Bayelsa United struck again, restoring their two-goal cushion with a close-range effort inside the box, making it 4-2. Despite their best efforts, AustenPlus could not find a way back into the match.
In the latter stages, AustenPlus made further substitutions, with Moses Olaoye replacing Imadojemu Joshua in the 75th minute and Olaitan Jimoh coming on for Basit Hassan in the 85th minute. Despite the changes, the home side could not break through the resolute Bayelsa United defence.
As the final whistle blew, AustenPlus FC were left to reflect on a match that promised much but ultimately delivered disappointment. The performance of Sylvester Collins stood out amidst the gloom, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match for his tireless efforts in midfield. The defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead as AustenPlus seek to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
