Monday Mathias Second-half strike was all IKA South Team needed to earn all 3 points in the opening match of the inaugural edition of the IKA village Square Football Tourney at the Agbor Township Stadium against the Igbaken team.
The Tournament which is sponsored by the IKA Village Square as part of the end-of-year Carnival is involving three Local Government areas of Delta and Edo state with IKA Language.
Igbaken has Veteran Goalkeeper Bunmi to thank for the low scorelines as Coach Ken Gadaffi led IKA South side to take the game to their visitors from the blast of the whistle.
Bunmi rose to parry Emmanuel Emefiele’s Curling shot off the Cross Bar in the 13th minute and the KG Sports Academy Midfilders drew another save from Bunmi in the 17th minute.
Igbaken Soaked the pressure from the IKA South boys as Utomi Godstime continue to mesmerize from the wing with Jude Obi and Michael Bissong anchoring from the. Midfield.
The Nearly 400 Fans at the venue were surprised how the first half ended Goalless as Igbaken Coach was happy to go into the break level.
IKA South made two changes immediately after the interval as Victor Thompson came on for Emmanuel Emefiele and Monday Mathias for Sunday Bissong.
The Duo instantly made their impact felt as Monday Mathias Weak shot from a Godstime Utomi cut back was cleared off by Igbaken Defender.
IKA South continued to mount pressure as the Igbaken Players were content with holding back as their players started developing cramps under intense pressure.
Coach Ken Gadaffi made another double change bringing on Christian Igweche for Destiny Uwezukwe and Skipper Joseph Ukah made way for Tony Eseka to add more attacking bite.
The Substitution paid off as Lucky Charles from Abavo Corner was cleared off by Igbaken Defender but the ball fell to Substitute Christian Igweche who laid it back to Lucky for a scintillating cross that was met by high flying Monday Mathias, the Ihuyase FC Striker’s Header into the bottom corner was too much for Goalkeeper Bunmi to give IKA South the Deserved goal.
IKA South bouyed by the goal continued to mount more pressure on the defense of Igbaken but they held on solidly until the final Whistle.
IKA South Will now face IKA North on Saturday 12th December to confirm their place on the finals due to be played on 23rd December.
