Match 1: 2k27 vs 2k24 (Eximius vs Impeccabilem)
Initially scheduled for 3:00 PM, the match kicked off at 3:45 PM with Eximius taking the first touch. They dominated possession in the opening five minutes, appearing the more threatening side with their starman, Prestige, orchestrating play.
Impeccabilem had an early corner but failed to capitalize. However, they regained the ball high up the pitch and came close to scoring.
Dimeji burst down the right flank and threaded a fine through ball to an Eximius teammate, who failed to connect just in front of the goalkeeper. A quick recovery by Eximius in their own half led to a swift counterattack, but again, they couldn’t make it count. Overall, Eximius played the better football in the first half, creating more chances and looking more likely to score as halftime approached.
Impeccabilem started the second half with intensity, quickly creating a shooting opportunity that was parried away by the Eximius goalkeeper. Gerald came close with a curling effort that deflected off the bar. Impeccabilem clearly came alive in the second half.
Eximius also had chances, but their forwards, though quick, struggled with physical challenges from the opposition. With no goals after full time, the match proceeded to penalties.
Both teams missed their opening penalties before Sir Dave, Behemoth, and Gerald scored for Impeccabilem. Chimex and Prestige converted for Eximus, but it wasn’t enough. Impeccabilem triumphed 3-2 on penalties and advanced to the final.
Match 2: 2k21 vs 2k23 (Insignis vs Invictus).
This semifinal began almost immediately after the first.
It didn’t take long for Invictus to score. After Mujeeb misjudged his control of the ball, Hollandia charged forward and, with a deflection, found the net.
Invictus continued to attack with pace, though Hollandia missed a clear opportunity by firing wide. Yellow cards were issued to Istanbul and Toba of Invictus before halftime. At the break, Invictus looked more dangerous in attack and well-organized in defense.
In the second half, a near-post free kick almost doubled the lead for Invictus, but the chance went begging. Soon after, another free kick taken by Habib found Fuhad, who headed home to make it 2-0. Invictus showed their strength in set-piece situations.
They added a third when Fuhad calmly slotted home after winning the ball high up the pitch—his second of the match.
A handball by an Invictus defender awarded a penalty to Insignis, which Teslim converted confidently, bringing the score to 3-1.
Momentum began to shift toward Insignis. Invictus dropped into a low-to-mid block, leaving just one attacker up front. Ayotunde had a chance to bring Insignis closer, but his free kick couldn’t beat the wall.
As time wore on and Insignis failed to close the gap, frustration crept in. Karbon received a yellow card for dissent. Invictus made a late substitution, bringing on Tunde for Dami, and soon after, the referee signaled full time.
Final Score: Insignis 1 – 3 Invictus
Impeccabilem (2k24) and Invictus (2k23) advance to the 2025 Ulympics Final, which has been tentatively fixed for Thursday, June 12th, 2025.
The female category of the semifinals did not hold because weather conditions made Zik’s Maracana unplayable. The new date has not been released to the public yet.
Mohammad Oluwatimilehin