The ongoing preseason tournament tagged “042 Coal City International Cup” witnessed some exciting and amazing football artistry in Match day three actions, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium yesterday, as the teams displayed a lot of intensity, desire and attacking potency.
Remo Stars Football Club (Ikenne) secured back-to-back victories courtesy of an early own goal by Benjamin Eze, against current Enugu State FA champions and Nigeria National League side, Coal City FC.
Speaking in his post analysis, Assistant Coach Remo Stars FC, Olayinka Adeyinka, hinted that he is impressed with his side’s improvement and adaptability especially with the new players, while expressing gratitude to the management of the club for believing in his ability.
The second fixture of the day saw two powerhouses of domestic football in the country, as two-time CAF champions league winner, Enyimba International FC (Aba) trade tackles with traditional foe, Shootings Stars Sports Club (Ibadan).
Despite both sides playing out a1-1 at regulation time, newly appointed Technical Adviser of the Aba club, Yemi Olarewaju, who was full of praise for the organisers of the tournament, noted that the competition afforded the coaching crew to opportunity to access the mental alertness and readiness of his team.
Also Speaking, 3SC Skipper and Man of the Match, Gani Fadi, was indeed satisfied with their reactions and overall performance in the game, promising that they will continue to improve.
Lots of fans and football enthusiasts who troupe out in their number to give support to their darling team, the current NPFL champions, Enugu Rangers, were left disappointed as the home side were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Kallon (Sierra Leone).
The game which was played under the flood light saw Former Bayelsa United midfielder, Terkano Gerango put the Rangers in ascendency from a 20 yard power diver that glided through the crowded defence into the net after 10 minutes of play, but the Sierra Leones restored parity through Momoh Dumbuya early in second 45 minutes as he beats the offside trap to slot in the ball in between the legs of Rangers goalkeeper.
On his part, Former International and Coach of FC Kallon, Mohammed Kallon, stated that they had to adopt a different strategy so as to absorb and counter their opponent on transition, while also noting that the competition was good for his team’s development.
In his words, Man of the Match, Midfielder Terkano Gerango who quite impressive with his passes, touches and movement of the ball, was disappointed with the outcome of game, reaffirming that their target was the win the game.
Meanwhile, the two semifinal games would take place today from 2pm and 5pm, and the final comes up tomorrow.
