Two-time FA Cup champions Akwa United came from a goal down to record a resounding 4-1 victory over Zamfara United Feeders’ team and advanced to the round of 16 of the 2024 President Federation Cup competition.
The match which was played at the Bwari mini stadium complex in Abuja saw the team from Zamfara took the lead eight minutes into the game and after going in front, they deployed a defensive tactic to frustrate their opponents but their resistance was finally broken when they fell behind in the 35th minute.
Striker Edidiong Ezekiel raced into the box before directing Sani Suleiman’s low cross into the net. Four minutes later, Edidiong returned the favour for Sani Suleiman to give the Promise Keepers a 2-1 lead at the half-time.
On resumption of the second half, Akwa United created many chances early on but their efforts were either missed or saved by the goalkeeper. Their persistent pressure paid off in the 52nd minute when Sani Suleiman flicked Seyi Oguntayo’s delivery from a corner kick into the top corner of the net before Edidiong Ezekiel followed up Suleiman’s through pass to score his second of the match and his team’s fourth goal to put the game beyond the lower league side.
Despite late attempts by substitutes Salomon Chigoziem, Mubarak Said and Damilare Johnson to increase their team’s advantage, their efforts were unsuccessful, however, their superb dominant performance was good enough to secure them a comeback victory and a slot in the last 16 of the competition they previously won in 2015 and 2017.
Akwa United will take on Kebbi United who defeated ABS 2-1 their round of 32 in the next round of the competition for a chance to secure one of the eight quarter finals tickets.
Meanwhile, coach Muhammed Baba Ganaru’s team will return to action in the Nigeria Premier Football League this weekend when they engage Lobi Stars at the Lafia City stadium in Nasarawa on Sunday.
