On Tuesday, Nigeria National League (NNL) club Adoration FC of Enugu defeated amateur side Ingas FC 3-2 on penalty kicks in the ongoing FA Cup competition in Enugu.

In the match played at the Rangers International FC training pitch, David Ijeh gave Adoration FC the lead.

In the 68th minute, Ingas FC restored parity through Jerry Nebeuwa, thus taking the game into penalty shutout as the two teams could not score again.

In the other match of the day, Stars Plus FC of Ngwo defeated NNL club Giant Brillars FC 3-2 on penalty kicks after 90 minutes of a goalless draw.

Adoration FC and Stars Plus FC will face each other on a date yet determined by the state FA.

Meanwhile, the winners of the matches will contest the title with Rangers International FC, on standby to emerge the winners of the oldest competition in Nigeria.

After their match, Adoration FC’s technical adviser, Ency Enve, said his team found the game difficult as their opponents did not allow them to play their usual game style.

“We played against an underdog side. That was why we found it difficult. But we thank God we won at last, in a hard way. I told the players that the match would be difficult because Ingas FC wanted to make a statement as every club wanted to reach the final,” said Enve. “But, while our opponents dominated the game, we showed composure and maturity, and that made the difference.”

Enve added that his team was determined to go one more step by beating whichever team are their next opponents.

“This is the first match of the ongoing competition I watched, and it was a difficult game for us. Now, I know why the competition is called (the) ‘Challenge Cup’. It has no respect for any team, no matter the club’s status in Nigeria Football,” Enve explained.

(NAN)