Akwa Utd overcome Halfa FC in AITEO Cup

Akwa United Football Club advanced to the round of 32 of the AITEO Cup (Federation Cup) with a 1-3 victory over Halfa FC of Hadeija at the Hadeija Township Stadium in Jigawa on Thursday.

Cyril Olisema opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Paterne Counou and Hassan Babangida scored in the second half to ensure a smooth passage to the round of 32.

The match which was originally scheduled for Wednesday was shifted to Thursday following Akwa United's minor road accident on Monday on their way to the match venue.

Coach Abdu Maikaba made four changes to the team that beat Niger Tornadoes in the league on Sunday. Cameronian defender Meuteing Tchakounte made his debut for the club, with Emmanuel Iwu, Michael Ibeh and Amaechi Orji all starting the game against the Nationwide League club.

The 2015 Federation Cup champions stamped their authority from the blast of the whistle, and pushed their hosts back into their own half with a dominant attacking display.

Michael Ibeh, Amaechi Orji and Cyril Olisema made series of attempts at goal in the opening quarter hour, only for their efforts to repeatedly miss the target.

In the 17th minute, Chigozie Chilekwu robbed a Halfa FC midfielder of possession at the centre and located Kodjovi Dadzie, the defender's shot rattled the crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten.

It was the sign of things to come as Coach Maikaba's men showed great determination and controlled the game, much to the admiration of the fans.

The breakthrough however came in the 19th minute after Malam Garba handled Michael Ibeh's header in the box from Amaechi's corner kick and the referee pointed to the spot.

Cyril Olisema stepped up and scored his third goal of the season and handed his team the lead.

Akwa United could have doubled their lead few minutes after the curtain raiser but Gabriel Okechukwu failed to make the best use of his chances.

The Hadeija based team had their first chance at goal in the 36th minute when Zakarariya Aminu fired a rebound inches over the bar after Akwa United failed to clear their lines following a devilish delivery from a corner kick.

Akwa United continued their dominance in the second half and got the reward in the 57th minute when Benin Republic International Paterne Counou rose highest to nod home Amaechi's corner to give his team a 2-0 lead.

The Promise Keepers then pushed for the kill moments after extending their lead but were caught on the counter attack. Musa Salisu intercepted a pass and threaded a through ball to Usman Abubakar. The diminutive striker beat the off side trap and blast the ball past Emmanuel Iwu in goal to send the Hadeija fans into raptures.

Motivated by their fans support, the Nationwide side went all out for the equaliser and nearly got it but Paterne Counou timed his run to perfection and cleared from the goal line to deny the home team.

Coach Maikaba then introduced Edem Akakatang and Hassan Babangida into the game. The two front men combined neatly and set up Okechukwu only for the striker's left footed effort to go wide.

The home fans were silenced in the 89th minutes when Captain Otobong Effiong and Christopher Lolo picked out Gabriel on the left wing. The  striker comfortably beat his maker and crossed a sumptuous ball to Babangida who tapped in from inside the six yards to put the score beyond their hosts as the NPFL side strolled to the round of 32 of the competition they won in 2015 .

Akwa United will know their next opponent when the draws are conducted on Friday in Lagos.