By Francis Achi

Football fans at the on-going Viareggio Cup in Italy were treated to a sublime football when Mavlon FC and Alex Transfiguration FC, two Nigerian teams met at the quarter -final clash.

Alex Transfiguration drew the first blood when Henry Madubuko converted from the spot in the 5th minute. The early goal deficit brought out the fighting spirit in search of an equaliser, which failed to come as both teams went into the break with Alex Transfiguration at an advantage.

However, it was a different ball game in the second half as the technical crew made some changes and the team more dominating against Alex Transfiguration, a team that comprised of players from some clubs that participated in the TCC league in Lagos, Nigeria.

In a nutshell, Mavlon indeed played against a team that can be likened to as consortion of players from about four teams in Lagos, but the strong winning mentality helped the team to claw back into the game through Inuwa in the 51st minute.

It became a balanced affair, but a winner must emerge within 90 minutes or straight to the penalties. It was a ding dong affair, an end to end attacking football from both sides.

But it was Mavlon that went into the lead 14 minutes later courtsey of Charles Agada, the captain of his side, who has now scored eight goals in the tournament.

Agada’s goal proved the decider and paved the way for the team to play at the semi – final of the 2024 Viareggio Cup in Italy.

It is all African affairs as four Africans teams are in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Mavlon FC will engage Centre Nationale Brazzaville, while Beyond Limits and Ojodu FC, two Nigerian teams will trade tackles in the other semi-final fixtures on Monday.