The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 13th edition of the Gold Cup pre-season tournament, as the semi-finals kick off on Thursday at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.
After an intense group stage that featured 49 goals, four teams have emerged to battle for a place in the final: Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, and hosts FC Ebedei.
The day’s action begins with a heavyweight clash at 8 a.m. as Lobi Stars take on Sporting Lagos. The match reignites a rivalry from the last Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Lobi Stars won the first encounter in November 2023, while the return fixture in April 2024 ended in a draw, giving Lobi’s coach Bala Abubakar a slight historical edge over Jeffrey Buter’s Sporting Lagos side. Lobi will also look to leverage their status as the tournament’s most potent attack, having scored nine goals in the group stage.
In the second semi-final at 3 p.m., the host team, FC Ebedei, will face a formidable challenge from Crown FC. FC Ebedei will rely on their “giant-killer” reputation and the tournament’s leading scorer, Kennedy John, to secure a spot in the final. Their hopes will also rest on the strike partnership of Olanshile Lawal and Miracle Osakeni rediscovering their scoring touch.
Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the Gold Cup, expressed his excitement for the knockout rounds.
“Congratulations to the last teams standing… The 13th edition has lived up to its hype,” Shamsudeen stated. “With no room for excuses, a top level of football is expected from the four teams… Anxious fans should expect the best.”
The winners of Thursday’s semi-finals will advance to the tournament final this Saturday, wrapping up what has been a highly competitive pre-season football fiesta.
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