A 66th-minute strike by midfield sensation, Abideen Suliat was all hard fighting Edo Queens needed to overcome their stubborn hosts, Pelican Stars at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, on Wednesday evening.
Edo Queens went into the game with confidence and came out victorious despite the reluctance of their hosts who pushed them to the limit with their physical and untactical style of play.
The home team started on a bright note as they pushed back the away team and restricted them from playing to their strength.
Pelican Stars started wearing out after thirty minutes as Edo Queens took over the pace and space of the field. Okah found a lonely Fajobi Yetunde on the edge of the opponents after breezing through the right flank, Fajobi hit her shot, but her shot went off wide.
Pelican Stars had their chance on the 45th minute, but Nkiruka Obidinma put up a good save to deny the team and keep her side in the game as the centre referee blew for halftime.
Edo Queens ignited their fire in the second half charging at their opponents with attacks that fetched them several corner kicks in quick succession. Edo Queens made their first substitution as Emem Essien went in for injured Rebecca Ajimuda who was intentionally hacked down by a Pelican Star defender because Rebecca Ajimuda was seen as a big threat playing from the left flank.
Essien’s inclusion breathed into the team some energy as she orchestrated the team’s goal in the 66th minute. A rebounded ball fell the way of Abideen Suliat and she wasted no time in slotting home a long-range effort to throw the away team’s bench and their scanty supporters into roaring jubilation.
Edo Queens were presented with a couple of more chances with Yemisi Samuel, Abideen and Chioma Oliseh’s efforts all went begging.
Pelican Stars threw in all they had in the last three minutes added by the referee, but Edo Queens held their ground and claimed maximum points; their second victory on the road this season to keep their unbeaten record after five games.
With this victory, Edo Queens remain top of Group A with 11 points.
Post-match reaction
Coach John Niyi:”It’s a good one that we could come here and pick the maximum points, I’m happy about that. The players showed class, and they showed standard; they took time to study the opponents and they came back in the second half to deliver.”
Coach Samuel Asuquo: “I only came in for a rescue mission and I have to use what I met, with time, they will get better; Rome is not built in a day, if I have enough time, I believe a lot of changes would come to the tea. We would bounce back very soon I promise.”
“We are also making plans to bring in quality players by mid- Season. I have discussed that with the honourable commissioner for sports we are seriously working towards it.”
