The Benin Unity Cup is getting more interesting with the standard of play also rising as the Day Two of the tournament produced contrasting scenes — one match tension soaked with a late dramatic equalizer as the other was decided without a ball being kicked.
In the first match on Friday at the Crescent Sports Club, Ikpoba-Okha LG were the toast of the spectators as they staged a dramatic comeback to escape defeat in the hands of high scoring Egor LG in a tense and entertaining encounter.
Both teams started cautiously, cancelling each other out throughout the first half, heading into the break on level terms.
Egor came out sharper after the interval and immediately made their dominance count. In the 48th minute, Towo Eventus pounced on a fine assist for a precise finish that put Egor ahead and gave them the confidence to dictate the pace.
Their lead looked secure as the game wound down, but Ikpoba-Okha refused to concede. With the referee checking his watch and the crowd already anticipating the final whistle, Emeka Nwaneda produced the magical touch of the match that made the difference—driving home a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute.
The late strike sent Ikpoba-Okha supporters into wild jubilation and left Egor stunned. Recall, Egor LG thrashed Uhunmwode LG 5-1 in the Match Day 1 of the tournament last week.
Ovia North-East on the other hand were highly favoured as their opponents in the second scheduled match of the day, Uhunmwonde Local Government team, failed to show up for the clash.
After the mandatory 30-minute waiting period had elapsed, tournament officials awarded Ovia North East a walkover victory, with 3 maximum points and 3 goals.
Saturday’s fixtures have Ovia South West paired against Orhiomwon LG and a highly anticipated showdown between Oredo I and Oredo II in what fans have tagged “Heartbeat Derby”.
Meanwhile, the tournament sponsor and vision bearer, Senator Neda Imasuen, who watched the two games has said that he feels already fulfilled with the quality of organization and competition.
He commended the Organizing Committee and the participating LG teams for their commitment to the realization of the objective of the tournament.
According to Senator Imasuen, the essence of the tournament is to create opportunities for Edo youth who are still within the age bracket for active football to take advantage of it.
”I am happy that the competition is taking better shape as it progresses. The boys have continued to showcase their local talents. Above all, the competition has demonstrated the power of football in bringing communities together,” he said.
