Heartland, Mbaise for Cup final
by Humphrey Njoku 26 May 2012, 13:03
Heartland on Friday defeated Patros FC 4-0 in the semifinals of the Imo State FA Cup at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
The victors will face Mbaise United in Sunday's final at same venue.
The route to victory for the Owerri landlords started in the 20th minute through Abdul Haruna's perfect header which beat Patros' goalkeeper, Israel Emmanuel.
Petite forward, Jolly Osas achieved a hat-trick scoring in the 55th, 84th and 89th minutes respectively.
The Federation Cup title holders and Mbaise United will represent Imo State at the national finals.
An elated hat-trick hero, Osas told SuperSport.com that he will strive to repeat the feat in the Sunday's final.
"I feel great scoring a hat-trick, I'll practise harder for the final and hope to achieve the same feat if not more.
"We've qualified for the national finals but we'll still go all out to retain the state cup," he said.
Patros' coach, Kayode Albert admitted that his wards lost to the best team.
"Precisely, the best team won, Heartland are the best side and brought to the fore the difference between an amateur and professional side.
"We've actually gained experience on how to play a continental team.
"We lost to inexperience. I am satisfied with the performance of my players," he said.
Albert has kind words for midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and hat-trick hero, Jolly Osas.
"Ibenegbu is fantastic in the midfield and confirmed his rating as national team player. Osas killed us with his wing runs," he said.
