MBBS Women sealed their place in the SEALS Cup ‘26 final with a 3-2 shoot-out victory over HKE after a goalless draw in regulation time, on Wednesday, 13th May, at the SUB Mini Pitch.
Ibadan Medicine came into the tie looking to make their second final appearance in the 3 editions since the female category’s inception in 2024, but standing in their way were 2025 champions HKE, bidding to become the first side to successfully retain the trophy.
The match kicked off by 5:50PM, with both teams looking to impose themselves right from the blast of the whistle. There were tackles, interceptions and clearances flying in as the contest took shape, with neither side willing to cede to the other. HKE strung some promising sequences of play together but the MBBS backline remained disciplined enough to snuff them out and launch counters of their own. A breathless final play in the first half saw both keepers tested in quick succession, and it was only fitting that the half ended goalless.
The second half had all the action of the first, and then some, as the game took on a decidedly more physical edge. HKE’s number 17 was up first to head out every shot and the MBBS backline, spearheaded by Hemjay, held the line brilliantly on their end, as both teams stubbornly refused to be breached.
With yet some time on the clock, HKE’s #17 took to the sticks, presumably to hold out for the stalemate. At the blast of the full-time whistle, the deadlock remained unbroken, and the match went to a best of 3 penalty shoot-out.
MBBS went first, scoring the first and third kicks. HKE matched them, also converting two of their three, as #17 and Ope in goal for MBBS saved two penalties between them. At the end of the regular 3, with the score tied at 2-2, the tie went to sudden death. In the end MBBS prevailed, scoring their kick to run out 3-2 victors, and confirm their place in the final.
They will face ASSE in what is billed to be a blockbuster clash; a tantalising repeat of the 2024 final. This time, redemption is on the cards.
Ibadan medicine all the way! ✅
Who dem be..
MJ’s Pk was lit 🔥 It concluded everything.