Mateco FA Edged Out By Tubaba FA U15’s Freekick At Akure

Mateco FA hosted Tubaba FA U15 at Akure on 21 September 2025, with kick-off at 4:00pm in a keenly contested league fixture. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Tubaba FA U15, courtesy of a decisive direct freekick midway through the second half. The 90 minutes plus added time saw both sides battle hard, but it was the visitors who claimed all three points.

Mateco FA lined up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent. Suberu Abdulbasit took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four comprising Mohammed Ayuba at right back, Aliu Basit and Mubarak Muhammed as central defenders, and Ofeh Joshua on the left flank. The midfield trio featured A. Samuel on the right, Joseph Daniel centrally, and Momoh Abass on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting forward play. Ali Abdulrouf operated just behind the two strikers, A Olumide on the right and Akanni Tobi on the left, expected to link midfield and attack and create goal-scoring opportunities. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The first half unfolded with Mateco FA striving to impose their rhythm, utilising their midfield three to control possession and feed the attacking midfielder Ali Abdulrouf. The full-backs, Ayuba and Joshua, were encouraged to push forward to provide width, while the central defenders Basit and Muhammed focused on maintaining a tight defensive line. Despite their efforts, neither side managed to break the deadlock by the interval, with the half-time whistle blowing at 45 minutes.

The second half saw Tubaba FA U15 raise their game, and the crucial moment arrived in the 65th minute when the visitors were awarded a direct freekick. The set-piece was expertly executed, beating Abdulbasit in goal and giving Tubaba FA U15 the lead. Mateco FA responded by increasing their attacking urgency, with Olumide and Tobi looking to exploit any gaps in the opposition defence. However, the visitors’ defensive organisation held firm, denying Mateco any clear chances to equalise.

Throughout the remainder of the match, Mateco FA pressed forward but were unable to find a breakthrough. Tubaba FA U15’s disciplined approach and the quality of their freekick proved decisive in securing the narrow victory. The home side will rue missed opportunities but can take heart from their overall performance and the tactical shape they maintained throughout the game.