NPFL: FC Ifeanyi Ubah Force Heartland To Draw, Yet To Lose on The Road

NPFL: FC Ifeanyi Ubah Force Heartland To Draw, Yet To Lose on The Road

FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Sunday came back from 1-0 down to get a draw against Heartland FC at the Okigwe Township Stadium, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Chijioke Alaekwe rose highest to head home a trademark cross from overlapping Chinonso Udeh in the 54th minute to cancel out Joshua Akhabue's finish in the 17th minute.

The stage was set for what would be a pulsating Oriental derby clash never lacking in zest and poise as both sides from the same geopolitical zone jostled for the top positions in Group B of the abridged league. The technical crew kept faith with the side that defeated the desert scorpions on Wednesday for this hyped encounter.

The Naze Millionaires showed early signs of attacking flare and forced two saves from FCIU shotstopper Anozie in a frenetic contest in the early exchanges. Their effort paid off as Joshua Akhabue met Egbujuo Nnamdi's cross to finish off for the opener. Ugwuka Emmanuel came close to restoring parity from a Samson Junior's pass into his path but Heartland Goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu responded well to save his team's blushes. Oguchi Uche had his effort from a freekick just over the upright after Jimoh Gbadamosi fouled Ajoku Chidiebere close to the box for the last act of the half.

The Warriors kickstarted the second period as the first and their doggedness and hardwork paid off as Samson Junior combined with Ikenna Cooper with the former exchanging passes with overlapping Udeh Chinonso whose cross was finished off by skipper Alaekwe Chijioke in the 54th minute. The Anambra Warriors held on soaking up the pressure in the late stages of the game to grab a well deserved point.

Next up for FC Ifeanyi Ubah is a home game against El Kanemi Warriors this Wednesday for match day nine.

IYKE NWOKEDI
MEDIA/COMMUNICATION OFFICER
FC IFEANYI UBAH