SFA And Tom Tom Draw 2-2 Before Tom Tom Win On Penalties

Soccer For All (SFA) faced Tom Tom at the University of Ibadan on 1 October 2025, kicking off at 3:00pm in a tense tournament neutral match. After 90 minutes of pulsating football, the sides were locked at 2-2, with Tom Tom eventually prevailing 4-3 in a nail-biting penalty shootout.

SFA lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back: Chukwuemeka Ekemezie as the right defender, Kester Tomiwa centrally, and Siyanbade Adedamola on the left. The midfield quartet featured Obaloluwa Opara on the right, Afeez Akeem and Ebuka Akandu centrally, and Peter Adeoti on the left. Ahead of them, Adewole Samad and Emmanuel Okedigba operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, supporting lone striker Akorede Obatuyi. Olamidipupo Taiwo guarded the goal. No substitutes were named for SFA in this fixture.

The match began with an early twist when, in the 18th minute, Siyanbade Adedamola’s attempted intervention at the back resulted in an unfortunate own goal, handing Tom Tom the lead. This early setback forced SFA to regroup and push forward with greater urgency.

Despite their efforts, the first half closed with Tom Tom holding a slender advantage. The interval arrived with the scoreline reading 1-0 in favour of the visitors.

The second half saw Tom Tom extend their lead through a penalty awarded and converted in the 56th minute, doubling their advantage and putting SFA under significant pressure. However, the home side showed resilience and began to claw their way back into the contest.

Adewole Samad sparked hope for SFA in the 70th minute, finding the net to halve the deficit and reignite the crowd’s belief. His influence was further underlined when he provided the crucial assist for Chukwuemeka Ekemezie’s equalising goal in the 84th minute, which brought the score to 2-2.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in the remaining minutes, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Tom Tom edged the shootout 4-3, sealing their progression in the tournament and leaving SFA to rue missed opportunities.

The encounter was a showcase of tactical discipline and determination from both teams, with SFA’s three-at-the-back system allowing for defensive solidity but also requiring midfielders and attacking midfielders to contribute dynamically in both defence and attack. Adewole Samad’s performance stood out as a key factor in SFA’s fightback, while the defensive trio had to contend with moments of misfortune and pressure.

Overall, the match was a thrilling contest that highlighted the fine margins in knockout football, with Tom Tom ultimately prevailing on penalties after a hard-fought 2-2 draw in normal time.