Ayinde Kehinde’s stunning header was all the Unilorin Warriors needed to defeat their counterpart from Kwara State Polytechnic in the opening fixture of Emir of Ilorin Cup.
The opening match of the Emir of Ilorin Cup, which was held at Queen Elizabeth Secondary School in Ilorin heralded the tournament which was put together by the Ilorin Emirate football council as part of the activities line up to celebrate the 28th year coronation anniversary of the Emir of Ilorin,Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR.
Graced by the executive governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the well attended event also had top dignitaries from the sporting fraternity and royalty.
The Kwara Poly boys started strong, creating chances in the midfield but struggled to convert in the final third.
Unilorin capitalized on this, and Ayinde Kehinde broke the deadlock with a beautiful header in the 20th minute to give the Warriors the lead.
Kwara Poly had some opportunities to equalize, but the brilliant saves from Unilorin’s goalkeeper, Adam Josiah denied them.
Despite some late chances for both sides, Ayinde Kehinde’s goal proved to be the deciding factor and he was finally named the Man of the Match.
The competition continues tomorrow and the final is scheduled to take place on November 11, the exact day when the commemoration of the first class monarchs will be marked.
