No winner in Oriental Derby
by Ibitoye Shittu 10 January 2013, 19:19
A controversial penalty scored in the 85th minute by Uche Oguchi denied Federation Cup holders, Heartland from winning their second game at the ongoing Super Four as they were forced to a 2-2 draw by Enugu Rangers.
The duel was the Matchday 2 fixture of the Super Four tournament decided at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata, Kano on Thursday.
Heartland forward, Happy Okuoka opened scoring for the Naze Millionaires in the 20th minute which was his second goal of the competition.
Rangers' Alhaji Gero started lively after his side were a goal down drifting out to the left flank where he delivered a clever cross to the front post, but his teammate, Cyril Oriaku headed over the bar.
The Flying Antelopes then dominated the remaining part of the first half, but lacked the finish in the final third and they would have themselves to blame not to have levelled up before the break.
Parity was restored in the 55th minute as a superb counter-attack from Rangers' Odah Onoriode found Rasaq Adegbite at the tight left corner and he wasted no time scoring the equaliser.
Heartland netted their second goal in the 65th minute through David Tyavkase who was set up by Kingsley Udoh.
The Naze Millionaires thought they had won, but Rangers were given a penalty at the death as Heartland's Emmanuel Olowo was adjudged to have handled the ball by the centre referee.
Rangers' Oguchi then stepped forward after Heartland had protested for ten minute and scored the spot kick as he sent Heartland's goalkeeper, Chinedu Udeh the wrong direction.
In the second encounter on Thursday, champions, Kano Pillars seeking redemption after losing their first game 0-1 to Heartland, were victorious after beating Lobi Stars 3-1.
Lobi Stars' Atule Benedict broke the deadlock in the seventh minute via a penalty, but a brace from Pillars' Rabiu Ali in the 17th and 20th minute respectively cancelled Atule's effort.
Kano Pillars' midfielder, Mustapha Musa scored the third goal for the Sai Masugida in the 26th minute.
Heartland top the Super Four on four points while Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers are tied on three points apiece in that order and Rangers stay bottom on a point.
