Haris Harish Haruna was the hero as Balanga LGA Team romped to the semi-final of the 6th Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup at the expense of Kalkulum United in a barnstorming quarter-final clash played on Wednesday at the Billiri Township Stadium, Billiri LGA, Gombe.
The forward turned in the opening goal from close range after Kalkulum defender cleared the ball into his path and in the early minute of the game.
Tilos Amos soon doubled their lead in the 15th minute before Haris Harish Haruna completed his brace in the 18th minute with another sublime finish.
Scoring three goals in the opening 18 minutes seemed to have put the Balanga LGA side in total control of the game but Kalkulum United had other ideas. Ndsly Sunday connected well with a cross to head in and pulled one back for his team.
Christopher made it two when he cleverly headed in a low cross in the 52nd minute to try and engineer Kalkulum’s comeback as they poured forward in search of an equalizer.
Kalkulum United got their cherished equaliser in the 57th minute when Osama Yunusa bundled home the ball after a goalkeeper error.
Sensing the possibility of getting at least a goal more to send the last year’s semi-finalists out of the competition, Kalkulum United went desperately in search of the winner but Balanga LGA were disciplined at the back they kept them from scoring more until the duration of the game.
In the ensuing penalty kicks, Balanga United converted all their opening five kicks but Kalkulum United’s striker Hamisu Umar missed one for his side to ensure Balanga LGA pick a last four ticket for the second straight year.
But it was a disappointing elimination for Kalkulum United.
Balanga LGA will now square up against Oska FC who beat Kulishin United 2-0 in the other quarter-final game played also yesterday.
The quarter-final matches will be concluded today, Thursday, December 23rd with Samba Boys trading tackles with Sembe United in the early kickoff while Pokwangli United take on Gwandum Academy later on.
The competition is powered by Adamu Yola Ture Foundation for the development of football talent and fostering of peace and unity among the youths in the Gombe South zone.
