Dino Sporting Club survived a late surge from Beyond Limits to lay their hands on first major trophy as they emerged champions of 2022 Creative Championship Cup on Monday.
The match played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne had all the flash and talking points one would expect in a cup final but it was Dino who triumph with a 2-1 win.
After an opening exchange of control from both sides, Dino took the lead in the 25th minutes when Okiemute Adagharagba latched onto a pass from Fabian Sylvanus.
Beyond Limits pressurized Dino well in the closing stages of the first half and could had an equalizer but Musa Abdullahi’s shot at the edge of the 18-yard went wide, that was after Onyebuchi Obasi pulled his free-kick wide.
The second half was more fierce and explosive but Dino wouldn’t want a repeat of last season when they lost in the final and they took the initiative to get the second goal in earnest.
Just under three minutes into restart, the boys of Samuel Columbus got their second goal when Adekunle Elijah placed his curling effort beyond limits of the opposing goalkeeper from close range.
Coach Gibson of Dino effect three changes to put his boys in control of the game and protect their lead but Beyond Limits boys, playing in front of heir fans won’t give up easily. They staged a late rally and deservedly got what would then be a consolation on the stroke of time when Onyebuchi Obasi scored.
Moments after the goal, Dino were reduced to 10 men when Blessing Essien was given a marching order following a melee between players of both sides, but Dino held on to secure the victory which earned them their maiden trophy.