Sunday 7 May 2017

FA Cup: Abia Warriors beat Enyimba in final

Abia Warriors emerged winners of the 2017 Abia State FA Cup, winning a tense penalty shootout against Enyimba in Umuahia. The four-time Federation Cup champions had by far the better chances in regulation time, but were made to pay for profligate finishing, a theme that carried through even to the tie-breaker after a 1-1 result.

Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote made three changes to the team that won the semi-final, with captain Mfon Udoh returning to the starting line-up. There was also a first competitive start for striker Ifegwu Ojukwu, who joined from Ikorodu United at the start of the season.

Abia Warriors started the brightest, reeling off a number of shots in the opening period. There was, however, nothing to bother Friday Achimugwu in the Enyimba goal. The first real chance of the game, in fact, fell to Udoh. 

A strong run to the byline by Ojukwu was followed by a cut-back, which was slightly behind the Enyimba skipper. He however adjusted impressively to turn the ball goalward, but Warriors goalkeeper Anozie was on hand to make a crucial save.

Udoh again spurned a glorious chance to put Enyimba ahead on the stroke of half time, after running in behind the opposing defence and onto a through ball from Solomon Okpako. His finish was repelled by Anozie again, and a second bite at the cherry trickled wide.

The seven-time league champions would eventually break the deadlock right after the break, and it had been coming. An error in the Warriors’ defence sent Chinonso Okonkwo through, and he slotted it coolly past the advancing ‘keeper for the lead.

A minute later, it could have been two. That man again Mfon Udoh with a great run to get clear of the defence, but his finish bounced agonizingly wide of the near post.

It would prove to be the game’s turning point. Abia Warriors came into the game, and were rewarded with a penalty in the 57th minute. A routine shot was spilled by Achimugwu, who then brought down an advancing attacker in an attempt to gather as the ball ran free. Ndifreke Effiong stepped up and fired into the top corner to restore parity.


There would be no more goals, as the tempo of the game petered out. Inevitably, penalties were required to separate both teams. Abia Warriors goalkeeper Anozie proved the hero, saving from both Chima Akas and Dare Ojo in the shootout to win the day for the home team.

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