Dinice Royal win Island All Stars Over-45 title after 1-1 final

Dinice Royal Investment won the Island All Stars Sports Club International Above-45 Football Tournament after recovering from a 1-0 deficit to draw 1-1 with Network Times in the final at the Lagos Business School Playing Ground.

Network Times moved ahead two minutes into the second half when Chyko ran from near halfway, met a pass and finished to put his side in front. The goal left Network Times in control of the final as the closing stages approached.

Dinice Royal’s goalkeeper then became central to the comeback. He moved out of his penalty area and advanced towards halfway, a decision that resulted in a free-kick from about 35 metres. Rather than leave the set piece to a teammate, he took it himself.

His strike hit the woodwork before crossing the line in the 78th minute, bringing Dinice Royal level with two minutes remaining. The late goal kept the team in the championship contest, and Dinice Royal went on to secure the title after the 1-1 final.

The goalkeeper had already made an attacking contribution in the semi-final against Cartel Beach House. After moving forward, he was fouled inside the area and converted the penalty that helped Dinice Royal reach the decider. His equaliser in the final extended that knockout-stage influence.

Sure B Homes finished third after a 3-1 victory over Cartel Beach in the playoff. Dennis scored from the penalty spot in the 16th minute, and Tommy Nwanpa headed in from Nasa’s delivery 11 minutes later. Arthur added a third after the interval before Jokesman reduced the deficit with a long-range effort. Jokesman later left the match after suffering an injury, but the main prize went to Dinice Royal.