The Island All Stars Sports Club (IASC) Above-45 Football Tournament has entered its decisive stage, with Network Times and Dinice Royal Investment booking their places in the final after two dramatic semi-final encounters played on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the LBS Sports Arena, Lekki.
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The two teams will now face each other in the championship final on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in what promises to be a fitting climax to a tournament that has delivered exciting football, remarkable individual performances and plenty of drama.
Network Times secured their place in the final after edging Sure B Homes 1-0 in a tightly contested first semi-final.
Both teams created opportunities during a goalless first half, with the two goalkeepers producing important saves to keep the contest evenly poised. However, Network Times eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half with a close-range tap-in that proved to be the decisive moment of the encounter.
Sure B Homes responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but Network Times remained composed defensively and held on to secure a narrow victory and a place in next Saturdayβs final.
The second semi-final between Cartel Beach House and Dinice Royal Investment provided even greater drama, with Dinice eventually prevailing 3-1 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1.
Cartel Beach House took the lead when Alaigbo delivered a dangerous cross from the byline, allowing Jokesman to emphatically fire the ball into the bottom-right corner.
Dinice Royal Investment were subsequently reduced to 10 men after Dik Xon was sent off following a retaliation incident involving Oscar. Despite the setback, Dinice continued to fight, with goalkeeper Derik producing a series of crucial saves, including an impressive one-on-one stop against Patrick Lugo.
Derik would later become the unlikely hero at the other end of the pitch. After making an adventurous run from his own goal, the goalkeeper was fouled inside the opposition penalty area. He dusted himself off and confidently converted the resulting penalty to bring Dinice level at 1-1.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Derik once again stood tall, saving two penalties as Dinice Royal Investment won 3-1 to complete a remarkable comeback and earn their place in the final.
The result sets up an exciting championship battle between Network Times and Dinice Royal Investment on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the LBS Sports Arena, while Sure B Homes and Cartel Beach House will meet in the third-place encounter.
After an opening Saturday filled with determination, experience and unforgettable moments, the stage is now set for the grand finale.
Next Saturday, the trophy awaitsβand only one of these two outstanding sides will emerge as the IASC Above-45 champions of 2026.
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