Waec 2025 English Question 78

In the following passage, the numbered gaps indicate missing words. Against each number in the list below the passage, four options are given in column lettered A to D. Choose the word that is the most suitable to fill the numbered gaps in the passage. The final match of the Principal's Cup Football Competition was to start at 10.00am and the --- 71 --- was filled to capacity by 8:30am. The --- 72 --- were excitedly singing and sparring over which side would win. A few minutes to kick off, the two --- 73 --- filled in amidst delighted cheering. They were led onto the field of play by the --- 74 --- and his assistant. Soon the ball was placed in the centre and all the twenty-two players began to run to cover their sides. Their --- 75 --- cheered them as the players continued to attack and counterattack. They knew they had to play fair because once they committed any --- 76 --- they would be penalized. In the event of a very bad --- 77 --- a player could be shown the red card, which means outright dismissal. To ensure that the match was played according to the rules, there was a match --- 78 --- whose report carried a lot of weight. At the end of the --- 79 --- time, the match remained goalless. After the extra time, neither team had --- 80 --- any goals. Thus, the winner of the game had to be decided on penalties.