The 2023 Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 football tournament moves into the latter stage of the competition with some mouth-watering match ups in the second knockout stage games played out on Saturday, February 17,2024.
Obokwu Community (Ezinihitte) takes a perfect step into the quarter finals after they came from behind to defeat Ihiagwa Ward 6, 2-1 through second half goals by Damian Divine and Bobo Junior, in the 60 and 62th minute of the encounter, at the Ezeagbogu Central School Field, Ezinihitte, Mbaise.
Nwachukwu Michael put Ihiagwa Ward 6 ahead when he produced an impressive individual run from outside the box to make it 1-0, inside 21 minutes, as they went into the half time break with a goal lead.
In the second half, Obokwu Community came back stronger with two quickly goals in the 60,62nd minute of the game after Damian beat off the offside trap to levelled the scoreline 1-1. Before Junior slotted home the match winner goal with a powerful strike from outside the box to make it 2-1 as they move into the last eight of the tournament.
Aguneze Ahiazu 1 (2)-1 (4) Nnaramba Ahiazu
Nnaramba Ahiazu also advances to the quarter finals after defeating Aguneze Ahiazu, 4-2 on penalties with the duration of the game ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Obinna Ojiako gave Nnaramba Ahiazu the lead in the 56th minute with a close volley to make it 1-0 . Before Dozie Victor levelled it 1-1 for Aguneze Ahiazu, in the 69th minute as the game was decided on penalties as Nnaramba Ahiazu came top to win it 4-2.
Nnaramba Ahiazu will now face a tough task when they face up against Obokwu Community (Ezinihitte) in the quarter finals of the 2023 Ikukuoma Mbaise U-20 football tournament.
Today’s Knockout stage Fixtures
Obizi Community (Ezinihitte) Vs
Ihitte Ward (Ezinihitte)
Emil (Owerri North) Vs Umuoree Eziudo (Ezinihitte)
With the tournament moving into the latter stage, fans and football lovers in Owerri and around Imo State, have seen some brilliant individual performances from all the teams in the tournament, but are eager to witness more beautiful football actions with some Knockout stage fixtures expected to bring more fire works Today and also on Monday.
