BABANAWA FC 1 vs 2 GOLDEN FRIENDS FA

Golden Friends FA travelled to Army Barrack on 28 February 2026 for an 11-a-side friendly against Babanawa FC, kicking off at 11:00am. The match lasted 80 minutes plus added time, with Golden Friends FA securing a narrow 2-1 victory in a contest that showcased tactical discipline and attacking intent.

Golden Friends FA lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, deploying Daniel Kennedy in goal. The defensive line consisted of Delight Mudashiru at right back, Kosin Miracle and Divine Idukere as central defenders, and Gilbert Cousin on the left. In midfield, Mone Great operated on the right, Favour Iluke held the central midfield role, and Olamide Atanda took up the left midfield position. The front three featured Divine Divine on the right wing, Osarenren Yobo as the central striker, and Felix Prince on the left wing. The substitutes named were Okwonko Emmanuel and Riches Kessetin.

The 4-3-3 formation suggested a balanced approach, with full-backs expected to support both defence and attack, midfielders tasked with controlling the centre and linking play, and the front three aiming to stretch the opposition defence and create scoring opportunities.

The match began with early promise for Golden Friends FA as Divine Divine opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Osarenren Yobo delivered a precise cross from the centre forward position, which Divine Divine expertly converted at close range with his right foot, giving the visitors an early lead.

Favour Iluke was involved in a minor controversy seven minutes later when he was penalised for a handball, though no penalty was awarded to Babanawa FC. The game remained competitive with both sides probing for openings.

At the 28th minute mark, Osarenren Yobo tested the Babanawa goalkeeper with a well-taken attempt, but the shot was comfortably saved, denying Golden Friends FA an early chance to double their advantage.

The first half concluded at 40 minutes, with Golden Friends FA leading 1-0. Both teams had shown glimpses of attacking intent, but the visitors held the upper hand thanks to their early goal.

After the interval, Golden Friends FA continued to press forward. Mone Great had a shooting opportunity in the 59th minute, but his effort went wide, missing a chance to extend the lead.

A minute later, Divine Idukere was penalised for a handball, disrupting Golden Friends FA’s rhythm momentarily. Tactical changes followed swiftly as Okwonko Emmanuel replaced Osarenren Yobo in the 61st minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into the attack.

Shortly after, at 64 minutes, Riches Kessetin came on for Divine Divine, signalling a tactical shift and fresh legs on the right flank.

The substitution paid dividends when Okwonko Emmanuel struck the crossbar in the 67th minute, coming agonisingly close to scoring and further unsettling the Babanawa defence.

However, the game took a dramatic turn moments later. Favour Iluke committed a late tackle in the 67th minute, conceding a penalty to Babanawa FC. The visitors’ defensive lapse allowed the home side a golden opportunity to level the score.

Golden Friends FA responded immediately with a swift attacking move. Delight Mudashiru delivered a pinpoint cross to Mone Great, who calmly finished at close range with his left foot in the 69th minute, restoring the lead for the visitors.

Babanawa FC converted the penalty in the 70th minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 with a composed right-footed finish from close range.

Despite the late pressure from Babanawa FC, Golden Friends FA held firm to secure a hard-fought victory on enemy territory. The tactical substitutions and disciplined defensive work proved decisive in maintaining their advantage until the final whistle.

Golden Friends FA’s 4-3-3 system allowed them to control the midfield and create key chances through wide play and incisive crosses, ultimately earning them a deserved win in this friendly encounter.