Ibrahim Sunusi hat trick leads Montreal past Forge FC in Canadian Championship

Nigerian sensational striker, Sanusi Ibrahim dazzled the teeming fans by scoring a hat-trick to help his club CF Montreal beat Forge FC 3-0 in the quarter-final of the ongoing Canadian Championship game on Wednesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Forge had no answer on the night for the play of 19-year-old striker Sunusi Ibrahim, as the Nigerian international scored a hattrick, and could have easily had more in a dominant performance.

Ibrahim almost opened his account just a few minutes into the match as he broke through on the Forge goal. Triston Henry, however, was equal to his effort, coming off his line to make an excellent save.

The visitors continued to look jittery early, as the normally cool in possession Forge backline struggled to keep a hold on the ball faced with an aggressive Montréal press.

History repeated itself in the 14th minute when Ibrahim once again got behind the Forge backline and latched onto a ball played by Matko Miljevic. This time, the Montréal striker made no mistake, beating Henry and giving the hosts an early 1-0 lead.

Things went from bad to worse shortly thereafter. With Garven Metusala off the pitch with an injury, CF Montréal took the man advantage and increased their goal advantage in the match. Again it was Ibrahim, who benefitted from some unselfish play from Kei Kamara to double his goal tally and double the Montreal lead.

Forge was finally able to get some time in the final third late in the half, as they won a pair of corners and were able to build that into a solid spell of possession. None of that possession, however, really caused James Pantemis any concern in the Montréal net.

Ibrahim nearly completed his hat-trick just before half-time, as Zorhan Bassong cut down the left wing and played a dangerous ball across the face of goal. This time, however, Ibrahim was unable to get his boot in the right spot.

Forge came out aggressive to start the second half, but there was no denying Ibrahim on the night. Off of a brilliant set-piece delivery from Miljevic, the Nigerian striker completed his hattrick and gave the hosts a 3-0 lead.

Former Cavalry FC defender Joel Waterman nearly added his own effort for Montréal in the 66th minute with a well-taken volley off of a corner kick. His attempt, however, bounced off the turf and over the net.

Despite some other promising spells, Forge was unable to further trouble Pantemis again before the final whistle.

The 19-year-old striker joined CF Montreal in the summer of 2021 on a three-year contract, with an option year for 2024, from Nigeria National League (NNL) side 36 Lion FC of Lagos.

With the 3-0 win, CF Montreal will now face another MLS side Toronto FC in the semi-final of the championship.