Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Friday advanced to the semi-final stage of the 2025 President Federation Cup competition in Oyo State.

The Oluyole Warriors progressed after defeating Oye-Olohun FC of Iseyin 1-0 in the quarter-final match played at Olubadan Stadium in Ibadan.

Joshua Akpan put the Nigeria Premier Football League side ahead in the 25th minute of the match by blasting past the goalkeeper with a rebounded shot.

Shooting Stars were reduced to 10 men during first half added time when Gbolagade Adelowo was sent off after a second yellow card.

He earned the second yellow card for kicking the ball after the referee’s whistle.

Oye-Olohun FC pushed out in the second half with brilliant touches, hoping to take advantage of playing against a 10-man team. But 3SC’s experience came to bear as they ward off the amateur side’s several incursions till the end of regulation time. The 3SC will face defending champions Ilaji Football Club on Saturday in the competition’s second semi-final game.

The winners of Saturday’s encounter will face Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso in the final scheduled for Sunday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Commenting on Friday’s game, 3SC’s Assistant Coach, Abimbola Lawal, pointed out that it was tough for the team to play the whole second half with one man down.

He said, “We just have to manage the situation of playing with one man down with some substitutions. We know that beating a team such as Oye-Olohun FC may not be big news, but losing the game will bring disrepute to 3SC’s big name.”

(NAN)