Academy FC 1 vs 0 Mateco Football Academy

Mateco Football Academy travelled to St. Frances Academy, Akure, on 7 March 2026 for a friendly away fixture against Academy FC, kicking off at 5:00pm. The match ended in a 1-0 defeat for Mateco Football Academy after conceding a penalty in the first half.

Mateco Football Academy lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, deploying a balanced setup designed to control midfield and utilise width in attack. Joseph Halleluyah took his place in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Agbaje Olamide at right back, central defenders Abdulrahman Nazir and Joseph Emmanuel, and Ifeoluwa Adepitan on the left flank. The midfield trio featured Ozil M. on the right, Joseph Love centrally, and Ajewole Oluwaseun on the left, tasked with linking defence and attack. Up front, the forward line was spearheaded by Yusuf Maleek as the central striker, flanked by Ayodele Victor on the right wing and Eniolurunda Olumide on the left forward position. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

From the outset, Mateco Football Academy sought to impose their rhythm, with the midfield three expected to dictate play and supply the front three. However, it was Academy FC who drew first blood in the 33rd minute when they were awarded a penalty. The spot-kick was successfully converted, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. Despite this setback, Mateco Football Academy continued to press for an equaliser but were unable to break down a resolute Academy FC defence before the interval.

The first half closed with Mateco Football Academy trailing by a single goal, the penalty proving decisive in the opening 45 minutes. The second half saw Mateco Football Academy attempt to find a way back into the game, but Academy FC maintained their defensive discipline and managed to keep the visitors at bay. Mateco’s wide players, Ayodele Victor and Eniolurunda Olumide, looked to stretch the play, while Joseph Love tried to orchestrate chances from midfield, but clear-cut opportunities were limited.

Despite their efforts, Mateco Football Academy could not find the breakthrough, and the match concluded 1-0 in favour of Academy FC. The narrow defeat highlighted the fine margins in friendly fixtures, with the penalty incident proving pivotal. Mateco Football Academy will look to build on this experience as they continue their development.