By OJEIKERE AIKHOJE
After
Saturday’s World Cup Qualifier in Uyo, attention will turn to Sunday’s AITEO
Cup decisive Semi-Final Second Leg clash between Akwa United and Sunshine Stars,
as both sides seek to reach the final of the competition.
Sunshine
Stars claimed a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg and have 90 minutes to
reach their first ever final.
Ajibola
Otegbeye’s goal ensured the Akure side won in Ijebu-Ode.
However, the
Akure side will face a determined Akwa United.
Interestingly,
Akwa United won the defunct Federation Cup, in 2015 and are fired up for
another final.
Henry
Ayodele in goal for Sunshine prevented Akwa United from scoring on match day as
he emerged Man-Of-The-Match.
Sunshine
gaffer, Duke Udi, expressed determination to finish the job, on Sunday.
“We don’t
have a homeground, so playing in Uyo will be a great experience. We want to
play in the final,” Udi said to naijaleaguez.com.ng
On the other
hand, Akwa United gaffer, Abdul Maikaba, promised to change the situation.
“Ayodele was
superb during the first leg, but we will devise strategies to score on match
day,” he told naijaleaguez.com.ng.
The winner
of Sunday’s tie will face Niger Tornadoes, in the finals scheduled for Sunday,
October 15, at the compact Agege Stadium.
Cup Record:
Akwa United: Champions, Federation Cup 2015
Sunshine Stars: Semi-Finals, Coca-Cola FA Cup, 2002, 2003
Key Players:
Akwa United: Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Olorunleke Ojo,
Musa Newman, Christian Pyagbara
Sunshine Stars: Henry Ayodele, Ajibola Otegbeye,
Sikiru Alimi, Dayo Ojo
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