.. Faces Amanda FC in Quarter Finals Thursday
Heartland FC on Tuesday began their Aiteo Cup Football Competition journey when they eliminated Malick FC from the Imo State FA cup courtesy of goals from Abdulahi Shuaibu and old war horse Chidiebere Ajoku “Iwuanyanw”.
In the 2023 FA Cup first game, the Naze Millionaires were thirsty for blood from the blast of the whistle as Ajoku Chidiebere missed a sitter, in front of a gaping goal.
Eight minutes later, the lads got thier nose Infront through a beautiful team goal.
Wohuruche Victor ‘s sublime pass picked out Opara Chijioke who delivered a fabulous pin point cross for Abdulahi Taiwo to finish with aplomb.
The goal increased the adrenaline of the boys who went in search of a second and were duly rewarded by the bravery and tenacity of Chidiebere Ajoku who got a whack on the stomach to ensure Heartland got an insurance goal .
Malick FC changed gears in the second period and threatened Heartland early on but Chisom Chiagha in goal was very alert to his responsibility.
Coach Christian Obi rang some Changes, introducing Chukwuma Nwankwo, Ogbonna Henry
Egbujor Nnamdi Chibuzor Ekeocha and Quadri Olasokunmi.
Chukwuma Nwankwo gave the team another dimension with his range of passing,break up play and intensity. He came close thrice and had an effort ruled out for an offside.
In all it ended in a 2 nil victory for Heartland FC.
Reacting
Coach Willy Udube on behalf of the Head Coach commended the boys for the victory but insisted that the team needs to do more in the final third.
“We created loads of Chances but couldn’t put them away, we will be working hard on that ahead of our game against Abia Comets .
Malick FC Coach blamed the defeat on poor preparations.
“We didn’t prepare well for the Aiteo Cup. We had few days to train and you could see that some of my players were falling on the pitch”
Heartland General Manager Mr Promise Nwachukwu appreciated the players and the technical Crew for a brilliant display while assuring the fans that the team is prepared to return to the top flight. He enjoined the fans and Imolites to support the team in her quest to bounce back to the elite division
Heartland has qualified for the Quarter finals of the Imo FA Cup and will square up against Amanda FC on Tursday.
The Naze Millionaires will commence her quest to return to the NPFL on the 18th of March when they visit Abia Comets of Umuahia.
