2025 Viareggio Youth Tourney: Magic Stars Edge Past Casarano 2-1

2025 Viareggio Youth Tourney: Magic Stars Edge Past Casarano 2-1 

Ibrahim Lateef

On a sunny and warm afternoon, Nationwide League One (NLO) team Magic Stars showcased their talent by defeating Casarano U19 2-1 in their debut match at the 2025 Viareggio Youth Tournament in Italy, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Magic Stars earned a prestigious victory at the Marco Polo Sports Centre—one of their best performances in the tournament's 75th edition—thanks to goals from Kalu Chisom and Isreal.

The entire team deserved the win, delivering a great performance. After a quiet start in the opening half, Magic Stars grew into the game and found the net for the first goal in the 23rd minute, with Chisom scoring.

They went into the break with a comfortable 1-0 lead. The second half saw improved play from both teams, although Magic Stars should have won by a larger margin.

Susan Emmanuel doubled the lead in the 85th minute to make it 2-0. However, Casarano U19 was awarded a penalty in the 94th minute, which they converted to make the final score 2-1.

Magic Stars will next face APIA Leichhardt FC (of Sydney, Australia) on Wednesday.

Director of Sports Issac Iseoluwa Oluwatobi said after the game, "The players delivered a strong performance in the opening 45 minutes and could have been ahead by three goals. They scored the first goal through impressive teamwork before heading into the break.

"The second half presented a different challenge. Our players, eager to secure the win, managed to score a second goal but then conceded a late penalty.

"I expect the team to perform better in the upcoming match against APIA Leichhardt FC, who lost to Sassuolo."