Heartland Queens’ goalkeeper, Amarachi Atulayo is in cloud nine over her side dramatic penalty shootouts victory against debutants and non-leaguers, First Mahi Babes in Tuesday’s Imo State FA Cup Women’s final at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
The crunch closed down goalless and the Cup holders needed the lotteries to shoot themselves passed the challengers, First Mahi Babes 5-4 as competitive debutant goalie, Atulayo became the heroine of the day with a masterly save of the opposite first kick.
Overwhelmed with her princely debut podium dance, Atulayo assured that the last eight performers in the oldest Cup competition in the land will contest the top prize of the showpiece this time around.
“I feel truly overjoyed and overwhelmed being my competitive debut and it ended at the podium.
“I had these mixed feelings whether I could shoulder the responsibility of manning the post but something in me charged me to brace up and give the task my very best more so when I have performed creditably in past assignments.
“And that was the confidence I took into the game and when few scary times came up I reminded myself that I’m not going to let down the Imolites, the sports loving governor, workaholic sports commissioner, teammates, management and myself.
“I still told myself now that the game has gone to the lotteries after a scoreless time I have to acquit myself pretty well once again at shootouts.
“And this victory is a sure sign of more goodies and glories coming to the team at the national finals.
“We ended our campaign in the quarters the last time but this time around we will make to the final and contest for the top prize.
“This victory will still spur us on in the remainder of our league matches and I’m confident the team will end on high at the end of the season,” enthused the amiable petite shot stopper.
Heartland Queens will head to the national finals as the state’s champions together with first timers and non-league side, First Mahi Babes.
