Nigeria National League (NNL) club, Adoration FC of Enugu yesterday defeated amateur side Ingas FC 3-2 on penalty kicks in the ongoing FA Cup competition in Enugu.
In the match played at the Rangers International FC training pitch, David Ijeh gave Adoration FC the lead.
in the 68th minute Ingas FC restored parity through Jerry Nebeuwa, thus taking the game into penalty shutout as the two teams could not score again.
In the other match of the day, Stars Plus FC of Ngwo defeated NNL clubside Giant Brillars FC 3-2 on penalty kicks after 90 minutes of goalless draw.
Adoration FC and Stars Plus FC will face themselves on a date yet to be determined by the state FA.
Meanwhile, winners of the matches will contend for the title with Rangers International FC who had been on standby to emerge the winners of the oldest competition in the country.
Speaking after their match, Adoration FC’s Technical Adviser, Ency Enve said his team found the game difficult as their opponents did not allow them to play their usual game style.
“We played against an underdog side. That was why we found it difficult. But we thank God we won at last, in a hard way.
“I told the players that the match would be difficult, because Ingas FC want to make a statement as every club want to reach the final.
“But, while our opponents dominated the game, we showed composure and maturity and that made the difference,” he said.
Enve said his team was determined to go one more step by beating whichever team are their next opponents.
“This is the first match of the ongoing competition I watched, and it was a difficult game for us.
“Now, I know why the competition is called “Challenge Cup”. It has no respect for any team, no matter the club’s status in Nigeria Football,” Enve said.
The female competition will commence Today, Wednesday with the first match between Immaculates Queens FC and Green Foots Queen.
The fixtures showed that only three female teams registered for the competition and they are: Yoy T Queens, Immaculates and Green Foots.
