Nigeria Professional Football League club Dakkada FC came from a goal down to defeat a dogged Vandrezzer Academy 2-1 in the opening game of the 2023 Akwa Ibom State FA cup.
The match was played at the Practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Akwa Ibom State .
THE GAME
Many would have expected Dakkada FC to run over the U-18 aged Vandrezzer Academy FC lads but that wasn’t the reality when action got underway.
In the opening half-hour, Dakkada FC tried in vain to stamp their authority on the game but met stiff resistance from the Vandrezzer Academy lads who put up a brave performance to keep possession at 60-40.
With a minute to end the first half, Vandrezzer Academy struck the opener, Francis John found a way past goalkepeer Loveday Anungbo to gift his side a 0-1 lead at halftime.
Dakkada FC returned for the second half better than the first and piled pressure on the young Lions and got due reward in the 50th minute.
Adewale Lasisi was left unmarked inside the Vandrezzer Academy penalty area. He controlled a cross with his chest before shooting past the opposition goalie for 1-1.
Dakkada FC then piled pressure on the Vandrezzer Academy backline In search of a winner, the NPFL side did have a goal chalked off for offside mid-way through the half.
With the game tied at 1-1 and the lottery of penalty shootout beckoning with 2-minutes of additional time added on, Vandrezzer Academy conceded a penalty following a handball in their penalty area.
Referee Zachariah Nde duly pointed to the spot after the Vandrezzer Academy defender stretched his hand to block a Godswill Nicholas cross from the right.
Veteran Dakkada FC skipper Aniekan Ekpe stepped up to score and send his team into the Semi-final as it finished Dakkada FC 2-1 Vandrezzer Academy.
NEXT GAME
Nigeria National League club FC ONE Rockets will face Regeant FC in the other first-round clash on Monday March 13, 2023 at the Practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium by 4pm.
SEMI-FINAL
Akwa United FC and Vandrezzer FC were drawn bye to begin their campaign from the semi-final round.
Akwa United FC will now face fellow NPFL side Dakkada FC in the Semi-final while Vandrezzer FC awaits the winner of the FC ONE Rockets Vs Regeant FC clash.
The Semi-final and Final games will take place at the 18,000 capacity Eket Stadium.
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