Monsuru Bashiru scored a stunning goal as Mountain of Fires and Miracles Ministries Football club, MFM FC, defeated MC Algers 2-1 in their second preliminary round first leg tie at the Soccer Temple, Agege, Lagos.
Akuneto Chijiokenconverted a penalty in the first half to put MFM 1-0 ahead, but Algers equalised through Abdelaziz Ammachi in the second half.
With six minute left, midfielder, Bashiru scored an excellent long range effort to seal the win for the Olukoya Boys.
It was a game the home side dominated, coming close to opener in the first half through Bashiru, and Chijioke, who shot straight at Chaal Farid in goal for the visitors after a brilliant turn to evade his markers.
The home side continued to dictate the pace of the game, but despite their dominance, were unable to find a breakthrough.
Akinyemi Nojeem came close twice, including a brilliant effort from the left just before the half-hour mark, which produced the best out of Chaal, who parried his effort for a corner kick.
MFM had a penalty appeal waved aside by the referee, but not before they were forced to an early substitution as defender, Okorom Stanley was replaced by Ekeocha Chukwudi.
The hosts won’t be denied a second penalty appeal, however, as Chijioke was hacked down in the Algers box.
He stepped up to the plate to superbly convert from the spot and hand his side a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the break.
After the restart, the visitors came out rejuvenated, and whatever they were told by their coach seemed to be working as they quickly started the brightest.
Nevertheless, it was MFM who nearly doubled their advantage, but poor decision making from youngster, Lawal Abayomi, denied his side an excellent opportunity to score a second goal.
He took too much time before finding Chijioke with a pass, but the forward’s tame shot was easily cleared by Chaal.
Minutes later, MFM were made to regret that miss, as Ammachi’s outstretched shot sailed past MFM’s goalkeeper, Egbe Ospino, for the equaliser.
That goal seemed to revitalise the away side, who became more confident and adventurous.
Algers dominated proceedings after that goal, but just when they thought they had done enough for a valuable draw, Bashiru’s produced a remarks effort from 30yards out to seal the win for MFM, with six minutes left to play.
A deserved win, which means MFM head into the second leg in Algeria with a narrow lead.
