An inspired performance by Akwa United was capped by Ubong Friday directly involved in all of his team’s two goals in their win over Heartland FC of Owerri on Matchday 34 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Monday.
The speedy winger scored in the second half and also saw his low cross turned into the net by Heartland defender Chinedu Ozor as the Promise Keepers moved up to 14th position on the league table with four matches before the end of the season.
Akwa United began the match in the drop zone and needed a win to boost their chances of getting out of the relegation zone. After a goalless first half, the Promise Keepers continued their attacking threat and got their reward when Ubong Friday turned smartly inside the box before hitting a superb shot beyond the goalkeeper into the net to give his team a deserved lead.
Moments later, the Promise Keepers doubled their lead when Heartland defender Chinedu Ozor in an attempt to clear Ubong Friday’s low cross inside the six-yard box accidentally tucked the ball into his own net.
Coach Muhammed Baba Ganaru’s team dominated their visitors and could have scored more goals but efforts by Sani Suleiman, Osoba Kabir and Seyi Oguntayo were unsuccessful but they were able to see off the game and secure their 12th victory of the season.
With the win, Akwa United who won their last away match in Lafia over Lobi Stars improved their standing on the log to 14th position with 43 points and will be aiming to continue their upward movement in the table when they travel to Akure to engage Sunshine Stars on Matchday 35 this weekend.