Super substitute, Okpala Henry’s hat trick was all Basic Maracana needed to thrash Will-Wealth Sports 4-1 in the second group D match decided at Area 3 Sports Complex.
Basic Maracana who lost their first match 0-1 to Catholic Cadet knew that only a win in today’s tie could raise their hope of progressing to the next round.
Maracana central defender, Afam Okafor’s 33 minutes superb free kick broke the deadlock as his low shot beats the 5-man wall and left opposing keeper with no option than to look the ball into net.
Though, the game was full of action but the solitary goal was the major highlight of the first half as it ended 1-0.
However, Henry Okpala doubled the advantage just 55 seconds into the second half. Okpala added two consecutive goals in the 80th and 82nd minutes to bag hat trick in the tension soaked game.
Meanwhile, Moses Dauda in the 58th minute scored a consolation goal for Will-Wealth Sports from the spot.
In Wednesday’s first group D game, Scorpion FC edged Catholic Cadet 2-1. Scorpion FC were reduced to 10 men when Kanput Sunday received the marching order before Umar Aminu 12 minutes opener. 14 minutes later, Tsafa Barnabas scored the second goal to secure his team three points.
Catholic Cadet player, David Ezekiel was shown red by the center referee after his rash tackle on the opponent. Friday Daniel, however, in the 52nd minute raised the hope of his team mates and supporters when his goal which was termed as a come-back but the solitary goal appeared to be the last in the must-win encounter.
