In a gripping league neutral match held at the Ilorin venue on 23 April 2025, KASAM FA faced off against Araba FC, with both teams ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw after an intense 90 minutes of football. The match kicked off at 10:00 am, showcasing the competitive spirit of both sides as they battled for crucial points in the league standings.
KASAM FA adopted a 3-5-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing width and creativity in midfield. Mubarak Samanja took his place in goal, shielded by a back three comprising Shittu Wahab on the right, Akande Seyi in the centre, and Makinde Segun on the left. The midfield was packed with talent, featuring Abilawon Roqeeb on the right, Eni Boluwatife and Oladejo Fathiu centrally, and Iorshase Solomon on the left. Up front, Kolawole Opeyemi and Ekot McDonald formed a dynamic partnership, tasked with converting chances into goals. The substitutes for KASAM FA included Alloh Jubril, Olufemi Faith, and Ogundiya Christopher.
The match began with KASAM FA looking to assert their dominance early on, and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 16th minute. Ameh Praise opened the scoring with a well-executed goal, finishing from close range after a precise short pass from Kolawole Opeyemi. This early lead set the tone for an engaging first half, as KASAM FA continued to press for a second goal.
As the first half progressed, both teams exchanged chances, but KASAM FA maintained their slender advantage going into the break, leading 1-0 at half-time. The tactical adjustments made by both managers during the interval would prove crucial in the second half.
The second half commenced with KASAM FA making two tactical substitutions, bringing on Alloh Jubril and Oladejo Fathiu for Ekot McDonald and Eni Boluwatife respectively. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the midfield and attack. However, just before the hour mark, Araba FC struck back, equalising in the 58th minute and shifting the momentum of the match.
KASAM FA responded positively to the setback, and in the 70th minute, they regained the lead through Alloh Jubril, who scored with a right-footed finish after another assist from Kolawole Opeyemi. This goal reignited KASAM FA's hopes of securing all three points, but the drama was far from over.
As the match approached its final moments, Araba FC found an equaliser in the 86th minute, once again levelling the score at 2-2. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both teams pushed for a late winner, but neither could find the decisive goal.
In the closing stages, KASAM FA made their final substitution, introducing Ogundiya Christopher for Ameh Praise in the 87th minute, as they sought to shore up their defence. Despite the late flurry of activity, the match ended in a stalemate, with both teams sharing the spoils.
This thrilling encounter showcased the resilience and determination of both KASAM FA and Araba FC, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next fixtures.
