Heartland FC of Owerri and her Youth side Heartland Comets have qualified for the semi finals of the IMO FA Cup.
Heartland Comets set the stage for victory as they walloped Cenn FC with 4 emphatic goals. Ironically a game of two halves for Heartland Comets . The Comets created loads of Chances in the first half but failed to muster a single shot on target in 45 minutes after missing scores of opportunities. All that changed in the second period when Coach Nicholas Ukadike rang changes , introducing the petite Striker from Ikeduru.
Ekene Onu quickly changed the narrative grabbing the first goal in the 59 th minute sneaking in behind defenders before unleashing a powerful low drive.
The second was comical and dramatic.
The keeper shrugged him off to catch a cross but unfortunately misjudged the flight of the ball , Ekene simply collected the ball under his nose and tapped in from close range in the 72nd minute. The icing on the cake came in the 85 th minute when the vertically challenged striker finished off a sweeping team move to grab a Hat trick.
Onyiruka captain for the side went on to grab a Fourth in the 92 nd minute to mark a total decimation of CENN FC.
In a related development, Heartland FC squared up against Imo FA Champions Amanda FC in a very kinetic contest. Chances were far in between with tackles flying around. Emeka Okoro for Heartland broke the deadlock in the 28 th with a beautiful volley .
Heartland created a couple of chances but Chidiebere Ajoku, Victor Wohuruche Henry Ogbonna failed to increase the tally.
Amanda FC were a huge torn in the flesh of Heartland FC. Kingsley Chukwuebuka was the tormentor in chief terrorising the Heartland rear guard for 90 minutes.
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The victory for both Heartland FC and Heartland Comets have set up a pulsating “Heartland Derby”.
It means that for a place in the finals Heartland FC will take on her Youth team to navigate her way to the finals
Reacting Coach Nicholas Ukadike (Heartland Comets) thanked his team for rising to the occasion. He also appreciated the Governor for the Choice of Hon Emeka Okoronkwo as Commissioner.
“We thank the Governor for appointing God sent to us. Yes Hon Emeka Okoronkwo is Sent to help us and turn things around. We are happy and will do more to repay him”
Hat trick hero Ekene Onu thanked God for an opportunity to showcase his talent.
‘ I thank God ,its not my own making, i was on the bench and when they brought me in i scored 3 goals what can i say its GOD’
He expressed delight that he will be playing against the Heartland senior team in the Semis because it has been his dream to play alongside the first team.
Technical Adviser Coach Christian Obi admitted the game was physical and difficult.
“It was difficult but my boys proved they were the better side. We are grateful to the fans, management and the Government for thier support. We promise not to rest until the goal is achieved ”
Heartland FC will tackle Her Youth team on Saturday 11th March by 4pm.
