The race for who becomes champions of the 2024/2025 North West Regional league, has now narrowed down to just four teams, following the closure of last quarter-final return leg games on Thursday. Defending champions Options Sports Academy, and Hilltop Strikers FA, booked the remaining two Semi-final tickets, following aggregate wins over Vision Sports and All Stars FA respectively and joined Mankon United and Dream Team FC in the last four.
The All Stars FA versus Hilltop Strikers’ game was the only Quarter-final encounter to the separated by a penalty shootout, after the return leg game ended one all, just like was the case in the away game. An own goal from Alphonse Kwalar at the 85th minute, gave All Stars FA the lead, and it looked like coach Ntoh Clifford and his boys were set to create an upset, but Hilltop Strikers FA snatched the equalizer at the fifth minute of added time through a towering header from captain Youssoufa Njoya, to force the game to penalties. Hilltop Strikers eventually won 4#1 on penalties, to book their spot in the semis.
In the other game on Thursday, Options Sports Academy defeated Vision Sports Academy 3#0, to qualify on a 6#0 aggregate win. A first half brace from Musa Yaya and a second half goal from Captain Oris Ambe Hanye, were enough for Options Sports Academy to continue their title defense. Both Musa Yaya and Oris Ambe, scored three goals each, in both Quarter-final games.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mankon United walloped My Soccer Center FC 7#0, to qualify on a 10#3 aggregate win. A hat trick from Tabort Etaka, a brace from John Njong, and a goal each from Gerard Tamukong and Adongcho Clovert, got the job done for Mankon United, who are now one of bookmakers favorite team in the league.
Dream Team FC suffered a 1#2 defeat to Rockland FC on Wednesday, but qualifies 3#2 in aggregate, thanks to their 2#0 win in the away fixture.
Semi-final Pairings
The Semi-finals promises to produce electrifying moments, as some big encounters are expected.Options Sports Academy will host Hilltop Strikers, while Mankon United will lock horns with Dream Team FC. Both games will be played on the home and away bases, with the winners of the ties progressing to the final.
▪️ Options SA vs Hilltop Strikers FA
▪️ Mankon United vs Dream Team FC
However, it should be noted that this Semi-final Pairings, is pending confirmation from the homologation committee. First league Semi-final games are expected to come up on Sunday July 27.
