Akwa hands Ifeanyi Ubah second defeat, Rangers get back to winning ways as Enyimba, Kano Pillars game continues tomorrow due to rain
At the Agege Township stadium it was a delightful matchday as Akwa United came from a goal down to beat Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1, Rangers got their first win beating Lobi while Enyimba and Kano Pillars at the last game of the match day.
Akwa United pull out a great win against Ifeanyi Ubah to go top for the meantime after they defeated Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1 at the Agege Stadium.
It was still an even contest between these two sides that emerged from Group B of the regular season at the beginning of the match until the 33rd minutes when Emmanuel Ugwuka’s effort from just inside the box goes past the despairing hands of Olorunleke Ojo to give Ifeanyi Ubah a one goal lead.
In the 42 minute, Akwa United made a substitution just like their first game, Mfon Udoh is replaced by Cyril Olisema. Paul Obata also comes in the 43rd minute for Brazilian import Alberico da Silva.
It was 1-0 in favour of Ifeanyi Ubah but that was short lived as Akwa reequalised at the beginning of the second half in the 48 minutes as substitute Cyril Olisema roofs a rebound after Ifeanyi Ubah’s goal keeper, Anozie saved Godspower Aniefiok’s left footed shot.
Akwa made it two after they got the first of this playoff tournament after defender Charles Okafor handles Ndifreke Effiong’s cross. Cyril Olisemah scored his second from the spot.
The game ended 2-1.
In the game between Rangers and Lobi Stars, it was the Enugu boys who needed to win after their loss against Enyimba that started strongly. A strike from Godwin Aguda in the 13th minute gave Rangers the lead.
Chiamaka Madu in the 28 minutes rounded up Lobi keeper Ospino and passes the ball calmly into the net to double Rangers’ lead.
Rangers maintained the lead till the end of first half but Alimi Skiru reduced the deficit in the 59th minute of second half to make it 2-1.
Rangers held their nerve till the end to get their first win against Lobi. It ended 2-1.
Meanwhile, the Kano Pillars 0-0 Enyimba match to resume 9am tomorrow after it was rained out.
Match Day 1 results
Ifeanyi Ubah 1- 2 Akwa United
Rangers 2-1 Lobi Stars
Enyimba 0-0 Kano Pillars
Match 3 fixtures Saturday 8, June
Awka United vs Rangers
Enyimba vs Lobi Stars
Ifeanyi Ubah vs Kano Pillars
By Uche Dozie
Twitter: uchedozie3
