Heartland dismantle Lions
by Humphrey Njoku 27 May 2012, 20:58
Title holders, Heartland came from behind to defeat hard-fighting Mbaise Lions 3-1 in the state FA Cup final at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.
Uche Agino put his side forward in the 21st minute while Kabiru Umar brought score level after he converted a penalty in the 42nd minute to end first term one goal apiece.
Umar grabbed the second goal in the 78th minute after his shot was headed into his own net by Boniface Junior and substitute, Abdul Haruna scored the winner in the 80th minute.
Heartland coach, Nduka Ndubuise told SuperSport.com that the victory is significant both to him and his wards.
"I am happy leading Heartland to win their first trophy of the season as well as retain the trophy they won last year.
"I'm proud to win my first trophy at the saddle and I'm confident Heartland will defend the title at the national level.
"Lions are good side but experience won the trophy for us," said Ndubuise who left Mbaise Lions to take charge of Heartland.
An elated Haruna said he looked forward to winning the national finals with Heartland.
"I wasn't with them when they won the title last year, so I'm happy and believe we'll defend the title successful," he said.
While Umar is upbeat there are two more trophies underway for his side this season.
"I feel great, this is our first trophy, two more are coming, the league and Federation Cup titles," he said.
Captain of the Lions, Franklin Nwokocha while admitting that their victors are more experienced he said they are happy qualifying for the national finals.
"Heartland are big team and more experienced but the most important thing at this stage is qualification and I know we'll excel at the national finals at our first outing," he said.
Both teams will represent the state at the national finals.
