Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan emerged as champions of the 2025 Oyo State Federation Cup after defeating Crown FC of Ogbomoso 4-2 on penalties in a keenly contested final at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday. The victory marked a return to glory for the Oluyole Warriors, who had lost the previous year’s final via penalties to Ilaji FC.
The highly anticipated clash between 3SC and Crown FC lived up to expectations, with both teams giving a spirited performance. Despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither team managed to break the deadlock in regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Shooting Stars dominated possession and created more scoring opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net. Crown FC, on the other hand, defended resolutely and threatened on the counterattack, making the encounter a balanced affair.
In the decisive penalty shootout, Shooting Stars proved clinical, successfully converting four of their spot-kicks through Mustapha Adams, Ikouwem Utim, Bamidele Ayodeji, and Gbolagade Adelowo. Their precision under pressure made the difference in the contest.
A tactical substitution by 3SC coach in the final moments of the game played a crucial role in their triumph. Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, who was introduced late in the match to replace Anozie Chindeu, became the hero by saving two of Crown FC’s penalty kicks.
Crown FC’s efforts throughout the tournament had been commendable, but they fell short in the final hurdle. Their players fought hard and pushed Shooting Stars to the limit but were ultimately undone by the penalty shootout.
With this victory, Shooting Stars reclaimed their status as the best team in Oyo State and added another trophy to their rich history. The win also serves as a morale booster for the team as they prepare for upcoming challenges in national competitions.
Both Shooting Stars and Crown FC have now qualified for the national finals of the President Federation Cup, where they will represent Oyo State. They will be looking to make an impact on the bigger stage against top teams from other states.
For Shooting Stars, this victory is particularly sweet after last year’s disappointment in the final. The club’s fans will relish this moment as they celebrate the team’s resilience and determination.
As the celebrations continue in Ibadan, Shooting Stars will quickly shift their focus to bigger ambitions, while Crown FC will take lessons from this defeat and aim to come back stronger in future competitions.
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