By Paul Akhagbemhe
Kano fans couldn’t believe their eyes on Wednesday when their darling team the all-conquering Kano academicals crashed out of the 38th edition of the Ramat Cup competition losing 2-3 to Defending Champions Kwara U-16 team at the quarter-finals stage.
Tempers were high, tension everywhere, and pundits divided over the real cause of the host state’s poor performance
Kano fans couldn’t bear the situation but after the reality dawn on them, they had to accept their fate
In the second match of the day Gombe U-16 team had themselves to blame for throwing away a goal advantage against Ogun state, the Egba boys fought hard to score a well-deserved equaliser, thereafter went ahead to win the game 3-2 via penalties
The third game of the day was a Northern encounter between Bauchi and Kebbi, although kebbi had a beautiful run in the Preliminary rounds, their display in the quarter-finals stage was a far cry from what fans expected. During the encounter, Kebbi lost 2-0 to Bauchi and their supporters were in tears
The Oyo U-16 team were a beauty to watch, although they were also one goal down in the first half against Sokoto they really fought back and eventually overpowered them 2-1 to make it to the semi-finals
In all, the coast is getting clearer as the boys have been separated from the men
The semi-final stage is set and the pairings fixed for Thursday at the Kano Pillars Stadium. Kwara will lock horns with Bauchi while Oyo Square up against their Ogun state counterparts
Despite the scintillating displays and a handful of disappointments, Nigerian Youths are better off and highly favored. They certainly have pleasant stories to tell as the much orchestrated Ramat Cup Football Tournament is gradually winding down to the glory of God.
