Edidiong Ezekiel’s second-half bullet shot earned Akwa United a hard fought 1-0 win over Heartland FC in a pre-season friendly game played at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Nest of Champions on Tuesday.
After a goalless first-half in a keenly contested encounter, both teams made wholesale changes in their playing personnel and it paid off for the Promise Keepers almost immediately as they broke the deadlock two minutes into the second-half through striker Edidiong Ezekiel.
The striker received a great pass in the left side and cut inside the box before unleashing a left footed thunderbolt past Heartland goalkeeper to give the 2021 champions a deserved lead.
Coach Fatai Osho’s team made several efforts to increase their advantage but their attempts were either missed, blocked or saved by the goalkeeper. Akwa United backline marshaled by Wisdom Ndon, Anioke Anthony, David Philip and Ganda Samuel were on their element to repelled the visitors attacks as they held on for a narrow victory over fellow NPFL side.
The 1-0 win over Heartland FC was Akwa United’s second pre-season victory in the space of four days following a 5-0 thrashing of Miracle FC on Saturday at the Uyo township stadium.
Coach Fatai Osho’s team will continue their preparations ahead of the new football season.
