Five time Champions Heartland FC of Owerri returned to winning ways with a five star performance in a five goal thriller at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
The Visitors silenced the Dan Anyiam Stadium early on in the 8th Minute through Somtochukwu Abraham who beat Chisom Chiagha in goal for Heartland at his near post.
Heartland’s defense seemed speculative , waiting for an offside call that never came. Rattled and ruffled Heartland went in search of an equalizer which came six minutes later .
Arum Chukwuebuka who was making his home debut was upended close to the vital area and club’s top scorer, Onyekachi Okafor stepped up to even scores.
Okafor with a military precision whipped the ball behind the keeper to restore parity and set the Dan Anyiam Stadium into a frenzy .
Inspired by the goal Heartland went in search of a second which arrived 16 minutes later
Ndukwe Jeremiah with Jersey number 35 unleashed a screamer from 25 yards in the 35th minute for Heartland’s Second goal.
The celebration had hardly died down when the visitors Struck again.
Divine Ukadike’s rocket of a free kick beat Chisom Chiagha again to restore parity at 2-2 in the 37th minute
The scoreline remained all square as both teams went to the locker room.
While Heartland resumed for the second period with some sense of urgency, the visitors were busy winding down the clock with some time wasting antics , but all that changed in the 67 minute when Arum Chukwuebuka reacted quickest to a rebound. Giant Brillars keeper spilled Okafor’s free kick in the path of Arum who pounced on the opportunity spontaneously to restore Heartland’s lead
The host held on to grab maximum points.
Reacting Coach Christian Obi appreciated God and his players for putting up spirited fight.
“I thank God for the victory, my players fought hard and gave everything. I would like to dedicate today’s victory to our Loving Governor Sen Hope Uzodimma who have supported us immensely and the good people of Imo .
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Emeka Okoronkwo has been a Father and a friend to the team. The victory is our own way of saying Thank you.
Goal scorer Arum Chukwuebuka appreciated his teammates and the Technical Crew.
“It was a tough game but we stuck together. I want to thank my teammates and the Technical Crew for a job well done and most especially the Commissioner for Sports, who made many sacrifices to ensure I play for this team”
Today’s victory means Heartland is unbeaten in the first Stanza with three victories and two draws, scoring six and conceding three. The team also has three clean sheets in her first three games.
Heartland will engage Giant Brillars in a fortnight in Enugu as the NNL goes on a one week break.