
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment