Five-time Nigerian Premier league Champions Heartland FC of Owerri tasted victory for the first time this season at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Coach Hassan Abdallah reverted to a 4man backline, pairing Jimoh Gbadamosi and Ifeanyi David at the rear guard while the experienced Andrew A Balogu and Solomon Moses operated as full-backs.
The midfield quartet of Nwaodu Nwaiwu Ezeali and Alukwu struggled to stamp their authority on the game.
The visitors sent shock waves down the spine of Heartland in the 5th minute when they had the ball whistling in the net but the goal was disallowed by the officials.
The host labored to create chances in the first period which were far in between.
Contrastingly, Dakada were comfortable sitting back to nullify the aerial threats from Heartland and attacked occasionally.
The introduction of Chijioke Mbaoma for Chinedu Ohanachom changed the dynamics for the Owerri lads. Mbaoma became a pain in the skin of Dakada forcing them to retreat and commit fouls at the edge of the box. Heartland’s transition became better as Chukwudi Nwaodu started to dictate the pace of the game, probing for spaces. Jonathan Alukwu came alive on the left flank, twisting and turning, stinging the palms of Dakada Goalkeeper, Chukwudi Nwaodu also had a decent strike at goal but couldn’t convert the rebound.
The sustained wave of pressure from Nwaodu, Alukwu, and Mbaoma finally paid off in the 69th minute when Jonas Emmanuel broke the deadlock with a sublime strike.
Loveday Anugbo in goal for Dakada tried to change the narrative, by persuading the officials to cancel the goal. A hot argument ensued but in the end, the goal stood as video evidence proved the goal was legitimate.
In the end, Jonas Emmanuel’s goal made the difference as Heartland got her first win of the season.
Reacting Heartland’s Hassan Abdallah expressed relief at the result. He commended his team for keeping a clean sheet and believes the result will be a morale booster ahead of the Weekends game against Plateau United.
Dakada Manager Danladi Umar expressed dissatisfaction with the result.
“The game has been won and lost, somethings that are made in imaginations happened. The goal is not a goal as far as I am concerned. My players played very well and I am proud of them”
Heartland’s next date is against her former gaffer Fidelis Ilechukwu now with Plateau United of Jos.
