Lagos State University side LASU booked their place in the final of the UNITECOL Cup 2026 after defeating Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless draw in regulation time.
The semi-final clash delivered high drama, missed chances, and resilient defending as both teams battled fiercely for a spot in Monday’s final.
LASU started cautiously but had an anxious moment in the 23rd minute when Jeremiah attempted a shot that narrowly missed the target.
The game remained a “ding-dong affair” with both sides struggling to find the breakthrough.
Three minutes later, YABATECH threatened the LASU defence with a dangerous attacking move, but the defenders stayed alert to clear the danger and preserve the deadlock.
In the 30th minute, Emmanuel came close to opening the scoring with a direct free-kick that missed the target by whiskers as the first half ended 0-0.
After the restart, LASU thought they had finally broken the deadlock in the 49th minute, but celebrations were cut short after the referee ruled out the goal for a foul on the YABATECH goalkeeper.
YABATECH responded immediately with a swift counterattack in the 50th minute, but Isiaka produced a vital intervention to stop the move.
Three minutes later, YABATECH launched another dangerous attack from the left flank, finding Sherif inside the box, but goalkeeper Isiaka Senyon made an impressive save to keep the scores level.
Seeking a breakthrough, Coach Rahman introduced two quick substitutions in the 56th minute, hoping to inject fresh energy into the LASU attack.
The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Chukwuwendu Miracle received a straight red card after bringing down a LASU player.
The dismissal forced YABATECH to play the remainder of the encounter with 10 men.
LASU continued to push forward and made another tactical substitution in the 64th minute, but YABATECH’s defence held firm as regulation time ended goalless.
The game eventually went to penalties, where LASU held their nerve to secure a 4-2 shootout victory and advance to the UNITECOL Cup final.
LASU will now face the winner of the other semi-final between University of Lagos and Lagos State University of Education on Monday, May 25.