MBBS won their first group stage game against Human Kinetics and Health Education (KHE) as they registered a late winner from a set-piece at the SUB Pitch on the 30th of July, 2024.
The match started at exactly 5:00 pm. In the early minutes, MBBS players appeared rusty, allowing KHE to draw first blood with a strike from Tomiwa in just two minutes. This came unexpectedly to the spectators on the sideline. However, MBBS later grew into the game, attempting shots in a bid to equalize, and six minutes later, got a reply courtesy of Ramoni.
MBBS began to mount pressure on KHE’s defence in the search for another goal, but their opponents were up to the task of clearing their lines. This continued for a while; however, they looked susceptible to KHE’s fast breaks. In the first minute of added time, Habeeb chased a loose ball and attempted to curl a beautiful one into the top corner. KHE’s keeper was equal to the effort, saving the blushes of his team’s defence. The first half ended with a goal from both teams at 5:33 pm.
The second half began at exactly 5:45 pm. KHE started the match strongly. They launched several attacks to subdue the defence of MBBS. Oscar, KHE’s number 10, attempted several crosses into the final third, but all his attempts found no scorer. In the 52nd minute of the match, a fast break from KHE resulted in a shot that hit the woodwork. All that was left was for a player to tap the ball into an empty post; however, MBBS was luckily saved by an offside call.
Interceptions and fouls went on as MBBS tried to secure a winner. In the last minute of normal time, Habeeb was fouled, earning a free kick in a dangerous position. It initially appeared like Habeeb could not take it, but all doubts were cleared when he stood over the ball. He curled it in from the left wing; KHE’s goalkeeper deflecting the ball into the back of the net. The match ended 2-1 in favour of MBBS after 4 minutes of added time. Habeeb, who scored the winning goal, was the Man of the Match.
Speaking with the Press, David Akinnusoye, a member of the MBBS team said, “I am very happy with the result. This is a good start for us. I feel positive for the future games, and remain confident”.
Gandoki, a KHE fan, said he felt sad, but was sure his team would go back to the drawing board and get good results in future games. “It was a fiercely fought game between both teams. It truly lived up to its hype. I am sad because my team lost, but I believe that my team will improve in other areas. Kudos to the MBBS team. I knew they were not a team to underestimate as they knocked us out of the Super Cup. They came all out with their guns and got the victory. I know my coach will go back to the drawing board with his team and see that they improve in other areas that they did not”.
Emmanuel Ibitunde