Remo Stars have booked their place in the Valuejet Cup Final after beating their counterpart from Sudan Al-Merrikh 3-2 on penalties to seal their place and set up a South-West Derby Final.
The game initially ended 1-1 at the Remo Stars Stadiums in Ikenne on Tuesday afternoon after the Sky Blue Stars came from behind to hold their fellow CAF Champions League contender to a draw, Footballrover reports.
The Ikenne boys pulled off a dramatic penalty shootout victory over their CAF Champions League foes, Al-Merrikh, to book their spot in the Valuejet Cup final.
The Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh came into the game on the back of two victories and a narrow defeat in their group game.
While Remo Stars secured two draws and a win to seal the semi-final clash with the Sudanese side.
The Sky Blue Stars, buoyed by their home support, were on the back foot early as the Sudanese visitors seize the initiative.
A penalty awarded to Al-Merrikh in the 7th minute after Peter Onuoha handled the ball with his hand.
Santiago stepped up to coolly convert, giving the visitors a dream start.
Remo Stars, undeterred, fought back with relentless determination. A goal-line clearance from Ahmed Akinyele denied Santiago a second goal, keeping the score at 1-0.
The first half ended with Al-Merrikh clinging to their slender lead.
The second half was a different story as Remo Stars emerged from the tunnel with renewed hope, throwing everything at the Sudanese defence.
Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when a howler from the Al-Merrikh keeper gifted Isaac James an equaliser as the home side breathed new life into the contest.
With neither side unable to find a winner in normal time, the match was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Remo Stars held their nerve to emerge victorious, setting up a mouthwatering South West derby in the final against Ikorodu City FC.
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Remo Stars set up a final with Ikorodu City.
Al Merrikh 1-1 Remo Stars (2-3 on shootout). #ValueJetCup24 pic.twitter.com/DzIMFx0JtT
— ValueJet Cup (@ValueJetCup) July 30, 2024
The win against the experienced Al-Merrikh side is a significant boost for Remo Stars, proving they’re fully ready for continental games.
Who will lift the Valuejet Cup as the final is billed for Wednesday?
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