GRA MORNING STARS 6 vs 3 TEAM RED

Team Black played Team Red in GRA Primary School on 26 April 2026 for a lively league encounter that kicked off at 6:30am. Team Black emerged victorious in a high-scoring contest, securing a 6-3 win after a pulsating 90 minutes of football under the watchful eye of referee Coach Ronaldo.

Deploying a 4-1-2-3 formation, Team Black set up with a solid defensive line comprising Awana at right back, Ali and Rabbit as central defenders, and Umar on the left. Pogba operated as the lone defensive midfielder, tasked with shielding the back four and recycling possession. Ahead of him, Alkali took up the right attacking midfield role while Pato occupied the left attacking midfield position, both expected to link midfield and attack creatively. The front three featured Bello on the right wing, Mallam Messi leading the line as striker, and Hambagda on the left forward slot, all charged with stretching the opposition defence and converting chances. The starting eleven was completed by goalkeeper Mamman, who stood between the sticks. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

From the outset, the match promised entertainment, and the first half did not disappoint. Both sides exchanged attacking moves, but it was Team Black who managed to assert their dominance. The defensive quartet worked cohesively, with Ali and Rabbit providing a commanding presence centrally, while Awana and Umar offered width and defensive solidity on the flanks. Pogba’s role as the defensive midfielder was pivotal, breaking up play and distributing the ball efficiently to the more advanced midfielders Alkali and Pato.

As the half progressed, the attacking trio began to make their mark. Bello’s pace and direct running on the right wing caused problems for Team Red’s defence, while Hambagda’s movement on the left created space and opportunities. Mallam Messi, the focal point of the attack, was a constant threat, holding up play and linking well with his teammates.

At the interval, the scoreline reflected a competitive first 45 minutes, with both teams still very much in the contest. The half-time whistle blew at the 45th minute mark, giving the teams a chance to regroup.

The second half saw Team Black continue to press forward with intent. Mallam Messi, who would later be named Player of the Match, was instrumental throughout, demonstrating clinical finishing and intelligent positioning. His efforts helped Team Black extend their lead, capitalising on chances created by the industrious midfield and wide forwards.

Team Red fought valiantly to claw back into the game, managing to find the net three times themselves through 2 Abba Tanganga goals and an Umar Gero penalty, but Team Black's attacking prowess proved too much to contain. Bello and Hambagda contributed significantly to the goal tally, combining speed and skill to dismantle the opposition’s defensive lines. Captain Bamallam, subbed in later during the game put the icing on the cake with a brilliant finish to end Team Red's dream of a comeback.

Defensively, the back four and Pogba maintained discipline despite the pressure, ensuring that Team Red’s opportunities were limited and well-contained. Goalkeeper Mamman was called into action on several occasions and responded with assured saves, helping to preserve the lead.

The match concluded with a thrilling 6-3 victory for Team Black, a result that will boost their confidence and league standing. The referee, Coach Ronaldo, managed the game effectively, maintaining control and allowing the flow of play to continue with minimal interruptions.

Mallam Messi’s standout performance, marked by his goal-scoring exploits and overall influence on the game, earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade. The home crowd of about 50 spectators were treated to an exhilarating display of attacking football and tactical discipline from their team on this memorable morning training at GRA Primary School.