The first quarterfinals clash of the 5th edition of one of the most prestigious soccer tournament in North central Nigeria between All Stars football Club of Anyigba and Ankpa United at the famous Qua-Iboe Primary School field Idah ended 5-4 on penalties after an entertaining and interesting 90 minutes in favour of Ankpa United.
Both team having overcame other teams in their various groups to qualify for the last 8 started the afternoon well with free flow of football and a highly technical game as they both launch all available arsenal to ensure they outwit and outdo each other.
Isah Abubakar of Ankpa United scored from the penalty spot in the 41st minute just minutes to the end of the first half to put Ankpa United ahead after an Ankpa United player was violently hacked down in the 18 yard box.
The second half of the encounter saw some quality changes effected by both teams to beef up and add more firepower.While Ankpa where more defensive because of their lone goal lead,All Stars were more persistent and ferocious in their opponent's half.
No positive result came the way of both teams until the 71st minute when Achimugu Favour of All Stars fc took advantage of a faulty clear our to score and bring his team on level terms.
Both teams increase their drive for more goals as the clock ticks away gradually.Hillary Kelechi another revelation of the 5th edition of the annual tournament got an opportunity from a pass and he wasted no time in sending the ball right into the net to the admiration of the Anyigba soccer fans who came in their numbers to cheer their team to victory.
Just when it seems the Anyigba boys were almost running away with the lead,Isah Abubakar returned them back into contention in the extra added minutes with a powerful shot to make it a brace for himself and to ensure Ankpa remain in the game.
The match went straight into penalty shootout to determine who will be the first team to comfortably go through to the semi-finals and at the end of the shootout,All Stars fc overcame a highly spirited Ankpa United fc 5-4.
Both coach after the clash said penalty is a game of luck and as such can swing to any side and that's what happened.It went the way of All Stars fc and we congratulate them on this feat achieved said Coach of Ankpa United fc.He however promised that his team will be back big,better and well equipped technically and tactically in the next edition.
Seyedi football Club of Anyigba will on 14th September 2021 battle Royal football Club of Ankpa for a spot in the last four of the competition at Qua- Iboe primary school field Isah in another mouth watering quarter-final encounter.
GODWIN WAMBEBE
DIRECTOR MEDIA
IGALA NATIONS CUP
13TH SEPTEMBER 2021
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