The quest for the Aiteo Cup ( The Nigeria FA Cup) representative is ongoing and yesterday was the first semi-final between the Lafia families Aklosendi International FC and Aklosendi Feeders ( junior team)
The first semi-final of the Nasarawa State FA Federation Cup 2019 was all about the Aklosendi teams. This was actually the first time in history of the club that both teams have to face each other in a competitive fixture. That is to show that the Feeders are coming-of-age and are ready to face the "Big Boys" but based on their previous meetings which was only friendly encounter Aklosendi International has always gotten the better of the Feeders.
The Match kicked off at 16:00 GMT. If I must say it was a game between two known sides as both team kick started on a slow pace as they both know their strengths and weaknesses. The first five minutes didn't bring forth any exciting moment but on the 6th minutes the feeder pull the first shot on target which was beyond the Keepers' reach but was being denied by the woodwork.
On the 11th minute the feeders was at it again as Hillary beat their senior team defence but lose a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but had a poor finish. The first 25 minutes of the game was all about the Feeders as they try exhibiting some energy.
The senior side make a nice attacking move on the 26' but a foul was being committed at the edge of the feeders box as John Noah stepped up to take the free-kick but he send it straight to the wall.
The Aklosendi Feeders drew the first blood as Joseph broke the deadlock at the 32nd minute, but it took only four minutes for the senior team to draw level through Aguda Chicky header on the 36'.
The first half ended in a stalemate as both teams went into the dugout for the halftime break.
The second half gave both teams another opportunity to battle for bragging right and also qualify to represent Nasarawa State in this year's Aiteo Cup.
First substitution came at the 57th minute by the Feeders as Fidelis came on for captain Sidibe.
Godfree and Joseph ( goal scorer) make way for Bitrus and Akoza respectively at the 62' as the coach try injecting more energy to the team but the Senior side were too tough for their trick.
Aklosendi International first and only sub. Mitchell who came on for Yakubu at the 68' became the star boy of the day as his 87th minute goal send the Aklosendi International straight to the final as they also qualify for this year's Aiteo Cup.
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Below are some of the pictures I snapped from a 13MP lens.
The Goal
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In the second semi-final NPFL side Nasarawa United defeated Greater Tomorrow FC another Lafia based club 3-0 to advance to the final. Goals by Dauda Maigishiri, Charles Osemeka and Abubakar Abdullahi gave Nasarawa United a comprehensive win which will see them face NNL side Aklosendi FC on Sunday’s final.
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@akudozen
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