FC IFEANYI UBAH 2 (SAMUEL KALU – 2; UCHE ONUOHA – 22′)
DAKKADA FC 1. (ESO ARCHIBONG – 71)
Two first half goals from Samuel Kalu and Uche Onuoha gave the Anambra Warriors the needed three points in one of the match day 24 programme of the NPFL played in Nnewi on Sunday.
Coach Uche Okagbue led technical crew retained the same team that lost to Rivers United last Sunday save for Paul Shalom who was dropped for Uche Onuoha making his second start of the season for FC Ifeanyi Ubah. From the blast of the Referee’s whistle, the Anambra Warriors kick started proceedings with hunger and tenacity on display which paid off immediately with Samuel Kalu finishing off a good move from a well assisted effort from his partner in attack Uche Onuoha.
Eighteen minutes later the Warriors came close to doubling their lead but for a decent save by Dakkada goalkeeper Vincent Edafe who denied Uche Onuoha from a headed effort off a set play by Chigozie Chilekwu. Onuoha five minutes after poked home to double the Warriors lead from a rebound after Goalkeeper Edafe parried Ekene Awazie’s belter into the path of the former. Femi Ajayi in the 37th minute for the visitors came close to pulling one back as he befuddled Jimoh Gbadamosi but his well struck shot sailed just wide to sum up the half.
In the second period, the visitors would up the ante with a resolve to come back into the game, Femi Ajayi was in the thick of action as he nutmegged two FCIU defenders before hitting the target but for Goalkeeper Uzoigwe who kept his cool to make a comfortable save. A minute after Harrison Ibukun was served his matching orders for a stamp on Abdullahi Aliyu’s wrist. The game took a twist in the 70th minute as Skipper Charles Okafor harked down Eso Archibong inside the box with the Centre Referee pointing to the spot. The striker stepped up sending Goalkeeper Uzoigwe the wrong way to give his team a lifeline. Both sides made couple of changes which almost paid off for FC Ifeanyi Ubah as Philip Archibong almost made it three save for his effort which came off the woodwork in the 89th minute with the Warriors holding on to see off the contest.
Next up for the Anambra Warriors is a trip to Makurdi on Wednesday for a face off with one of the table toppers Lobi Stars for match day 25.
