Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Alloy Agu expressed delight after his Alloy FC secured a dramatic Round of 16 ticket in the ongoing Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup, overcoming Ayila FC on penalties after a thrilling two-legged contest.
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Alloy FC entered the second leg trailing 3-1 on aggregate following their first-leg defeat.
However, Agu’s side produced a spirited comeback at Gospel Arena, Ipaja, defeating Ayila FC 2-0 in regulation time to level the aggregate score at 3-3 before prevailing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Taiye Amidu was the hero for Alloy FC, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute before calmly converting a late penalty in the 87th minute to force the tie into penalties.
Speaking with Sports247 after the victory, Agu admitted that defeating Ayila FC carried extra significance following last year’s disappointment against the same opponents, while directing the affairs from the toch line and relive the experience of managing a grassroots team, provided by the Ex Internationals platform.
“Coaching is part of my story,” Agu said.
“I’ve worked with the Flying Eagles, the Olympic team, the Super Eagles from the sidelines, Enyimba, Nasarawa United and several other teams.
Whenever you have a competition like this and a team with the quality that Ayila has, it is always tense.”
“We lost to them last year, so to come back this time, overturn the deficit and eventually win after the penalty shootout is something special. To God be the glory.”
The former international also revealed why he rewarded his players with a ₦50,000 bonus after the match.
“Football is played with the heart,” Agu explained.
“When the heart is motivated, players can give everything. I didn’t promise them anything before the game, but after seeing their commitment and what they put into the match, I felt inspired to reward them. I believe they appreciated it.”
The encounter lived up to expectations, with both teams creating chances throughout the game.
Ayila FC’s Ola Raji was a constant threat, while Alloy FC’s defence stood firm, led by several crucial interventions from Caleb Essien and goalkeeper Rasheed Okotore.
After Amidu’s second goal levelled the aggregate score, the tie proceeded to penalties.
Rasheed Okotore emerged as the shootout hero, producing two vital saves as Alloy FC converted all their four spot-kicks to seal a memorable victory.
Despite advancing to the Round of 16, Agu remains measured about his team’s title ambitions, he wants to win but wish the best team wins the competition.
“I wish everybody the best,” he said.
“The best team should win. That’s what I have always advocated for. Of course, I would love to win the competition because nobody enters a tournament without wanting to win.”
The victory keeps Alloy FC’s hopes alive as they continue their quest for glory in the prestigious Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup.
