How Lobi Stars Lost Federation Cup Final Ticket To Enyimba
Despite creating the many scoring chances against Enyimba International Football Club of Aba in Wednesday’s Federation Cup semi final game in Benin City, Edo State, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi failed to reach this grand finale of this year’s edition of the tournament.
Enyimba defeated Lobi by a lone goal scored by Ifeanyi Ede in the second half of the tension soaked encounter played at the Ogbemudia Stadium.
Lobi played like real champions in the match, but missed several scoring opportunities, including their best chance which came via Chimaobi Nwaogu’s header, but the effort landed on the woodwork.
Oh! The fans roared from the stands, as goalkeeper Femi Thomas, who was in between the posts for the People’s Elephant was beaten by Nwaogu, only for the ball to miss target.
Enyimba, who were inspired by top stars such as Emeka Nwanna and Victor Ezeji ensured that Lobi did not get a goal in the first half, which the Aba side dominated. Enyimba did not score in the stanza, which ended goalless.
The second half was more physical as players of both clubs pushed for more ball possession. However, Chimezie Amanfor, a second half substitute made some dangerous incursions into the vital area of Lobi.
His dribble opened way for Ede who perfectly netted the lone goal through a pass from Bright Esieme barely 9 minutes into the second half.
Lobi triend to equalize the goal, but the People’s Elephant stood tall and defended their only goal till end of the match in Benin. Thus the Dominic Iorfa’s boys from Benue State failed to reach another Federation Cup final this year.
Despite creating the many scoring chances against Enyimba International Football Club of Aba in Wednesday’s Federation Cup semi final game in Benin City, Edo State, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi failed to reach this grand finale of this year’s edition of the tournament.
Enyimba defeated Lobi by a lone goal scored by Ifeanyi Ede in the second half of the tension soaked encounter played at the Ogbemudia Stadium.
Lobi played like real champions in the match, but missed several scoring opportunities, including their best chance which came via Chimaobi Nwaogu’s header, but the effort landed on the woodwork.
Oh! The fans roared from the stands, as goalkeeper Femi Thomas, who was in between the posts for the People’s Elephant was beaten by Nwaogu, only for the ball to miss target.
Enyimba, who were inspired by top stars such as Emeka Nwanna and Victor Ezeji ensured that Lobi did not get a goal in the first half, which the Aba side dominated. Enyimba did not score in the stanza, which ended goalless.
The second half was more physical as players of both clubs pushed for more ball possession. However, Chimezie Amanfor, a second half substitute made some dangerous incursions into the vital area of Lobi.
His dribble opened way for Ede who perfectly netted the lone goal through a pass from Bright Esieme barely 9 minutes into the second half.
Lobi triend to equalize the goal, but the People’s Elephant stood tall and defended their only goal till end of the match in Benin. Thus the Dominic Iorfa’s boys from Benue State failed to reach another Federation Cup final this year.
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| *Lobi Stars player (left) engages an opponent during a match |
Meanwhile, the second semi final match between Akwa United and Warri Wolves, which was abandoned due to heavy downpour in Bauchi yesterday would be concluded today; Thursday, 22 August.
The encounter was 1-1 between Akwa and Wolves when the wet pitch at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium forced the teams to stop the interesting match.
The winner of the tie will face Enyimba International in the final scheduled for 15 September at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.
