Milantariki have emerged champions of the FCT Men’s FA Cup after defeating EFCC 4-2 on penalties.
The much anticipated game was played at the Area 3 sports center in FCT, Abuja.
It was Milantariki who kicked-off the game at the sound of the whistle and found their rhythm immediately as they mounted so much pressure on the defending champions.
Their efforts would have been rewarded early in the first half but was denied by a brilliant save from the EFCC goalkeeper, Utum Godswill.
Milantariki had a couple of good chances but failed to find the back of the net and they had to settle for a draw at the end of first half.
Meanwhile, The second half saw a more composed EFCC side who looked sharp but missed a couple of seaters.
Although, Milantariki seemed to have broke the deadlock through Adamu Victor but EFCC were saved by the flag of the linesman.
Recall that both teams played in the final last year with EFCC emerging victorious.
The tournament also saw four NNL teams playing in the Semi-finals with EFCC FC defeating HB Academy 1-0 and Family Worship FC losing to Milantariki 1-0.
Reacting after the game, Coach of EFCC FC, Kabiru Adeyemi, said the team had a good game but they were unlucky not to have defended their title.
“We won them last year, this year they refused to come out easily and it was difficult for us”
“They too wanted to win and we also wanted to defend the title but they were lucky on penalties”.
Also reacting to the game, Coach of Milantariki, Umar Zango believes the team has improved and are ready to take on the big boys in the league.
He further added that there are lots of positives to take from the game despite their win.
“Last year we had a younger team and not experienced like this season”
“Last season, we played in the NLO, this season we are playing in the NNL”
“We brought in some experience players and that is why we have become better”.
Both finalists will represent the FCT in the Federation Cup.
The 2023 edition of the Federation Cup will kick-off in May, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The winner of the competition, as well as the third-placed team in the NPFL will represent Nigeria in the 2024 edition of the CAF Confederation Cup.
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