Dr Congo struck with just two minutes remaining to snatch victory over Cape Verde and move top of the table as the sixth Ijapo Ages Stars FC Intra-Club Competition got underway in Akure, Ondo State.
The decisive goal came after a tightly contested encounter at the Ijapo Housing Field, where both sides had struggled to find a way through for most of the match.
The opening half ended goalless, with neither team able to establish the upper hand despite their efforts to create openings.
The contest remained evenly poised after the restart as both teams produced moments of good football artistry and fashioned opportunities, but the much-needed breakthrough continued to elude them.
Dr Congo, however, finished the match strongly, applying sustained pressure through a high-pressing approach that eventually paid dividends with two minutes left on the clock.
The late goal secured the maximum three points for Dr Congo and sent them to the top of the competition log after the opening round of fixtures.
In the first match of the day, Algeria and Burkina Faso also played out a goalless draw, with neither side able to produce enough to claim victory.
The five-team competition is being contested by members of Ijapo Ages Stars FC, with the club describing the tournament as its Olympics.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Henry Olonimoyo, said the competition was designed to strengthen healthy rivalry while promoting unity among the club's players.
Olonimoyo said the tournament also provides an opportunity for the club to identify emerging talents for its active team and accommodate new members who meet the competition's eligibility criteria.
“It is another way to discover new talent for our active team.
We also give room to new members who meet the criteria for the competition.”
According to him, the competition will run for about six weeks, with each of the five seeded teams playing against the others before the top two sides qualify for the final.
He said the sixth edition was another indication of the value of the intra-club tournament to the development of the organisation.
“This is the sixth edition of the competition, and I can confirm to you that the Intra-Club Competition has helped us grow better in all ramifications.”
Olonimoyo urged the participating teams to approach their matches with determination and discipline while respecting the rules of the competition.
“I enjoin all the teams to compete with determination, passion and a winning mentality, in line with the rules guiding the competition,” he said.
He also called on players to uphold fair play and respect for match officials, teammates, opponents and spectators.
He added that healthy competition could help participants improve their individual and collective performances while building confidence, identifying talent and strengthening relationships among members.
With the opening day's two matches producing only one goal, attention now turns to the remaining fixtures as the five teams continue their six-week battle for a place in the final.
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