The defending champions, Balanga United have been bundled out of the 6th edition of the Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup after they lost 4-3 on penalties to Shembe United in a second round tie played on Sunday.
Balanga United took the lead after just six minutes into the game with the last Year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) scoring the opening goal. The defending champions continued to mount pressure on Shembe United with a view to build up their lead but they failed to convert the chances that came their way as the first half ended 1-0.
In what was to be Shembe United’s lucky day, they pushed forward and Balanga United defender got on his wrong foot and fouled their opponent’s attacker in the vital area.
Richard Yusuf stepped up and sent the Balanga United goalkeeper the wrong way to level the scores for his team.
At the end of the regulation time, the game went into penalties and Shembe United created a massive upset to send packing the defending champions 4-3 on penalties.
In an interview with the Adamu Yola Cup media department after the game, the Coach of Shembe United, Israel Malum expressed happiness with his team qualification to the next round.
“We are happy to have qualified to the next round because that is something we have been dreaming of, hopefully, we can bring the trophy home,” Malum said.
