Jewels Football Academy had a relatively close journey to Osisioma earlier today to keep a date with City rivals Abia Greater Tomorrow Academy in a friendly fixture, as a hattrick of brace from Okoro Aaron, Junior Okechukwu and Daniel condemned the hosts to an embarrassing 6-1 defeat with Munachi’s spotkick opener in the first half turning out to be a mere consolation.
It was the hosts who drew the first blood early on in the 12th minute when goalkeeper Mendy came off his line to hurl down an opposition, the resultant spot kick was converted brilliantly by a surging Munachi Azuoma to put the hosts ahead.
Their lead was shortlived in the 20th minute as the visitors were awarded a penalty to draw level, no thanks to Chigozie’s woeful spotkick that had the goalkeeper parry to safety, a great opportunity went begging for the visitors.
The visitors pressed on and had the tone set for an unforseen goal-fest to come in the 29th minute when Blessing Harrison expertly released Okoro Aaron with a defence splitting through ball, the latter finishing with great aplomb to restore parity for Jewels FA.
Okoro got his second and the third goal for visiting Jewels FA was brilliantly scored by the impressive Junior Okechukwu shortly before the halftime break with a beautiful volley.
The second half resumed with immense tempo as the wounded hosts surged forward for restoration of bragging rights knowing fully what’s at stake, but Junior Okechukwu’s ferocious shot upon resumption ceased the game from being a contest for the hosts as they inevitably surrendered their gauntlet to visiting Jewels who eventually ran out 6-1 Victorious, thanks to another set of brace from second half entrant Daniel as the elusive pendulum of victory swung to the visitors’ side.
The blast of the final whistle by the centre referee leaves a whole lot to play for in the coming days for the return leg as Jewels anticipate a battle of blood and sand in ohanze in a case of “once beaten twice shy” for a shattered Abia Greater Tomorrow outfit.
Ilekam ikechukwu (Mr Flakes)
Media servant,
Jewels Football Academy