Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
It was a goal harvest for Rivers United on Wednesday at Adokiye Amiesamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt as they thrashed their opponent, Police Crime Bursters FC 3-1 to lift the 2022 Aiteo FA cup.
The first goal came in the 38 minutes of the first half through number 31 jersey for Rivers United, Chijioke Akuneto who broke through the defence of Police Crime Bursters to slot in the opener.
The dust of the first goal was yet to clear,when jersey number 29, Sikiru Olatunbosun struck again in the 40 minute to give the continental bound Pride of Rivers the second deserving goal of the encounter.
The two teams continued occasional runs into their opponent’s vital area till the end of first half.
On resumption from break, Rivers United boys stepped up their onslaught against the Police Team, which paid off in the 85 minutes, via jersey number 25, Malachi Ohawume’s goal to triple the punishment of their opponent.
Not giving up, the Police Crime Bursters intensified efforts to redeem their image as finalists of this year’s FA cup,which paid off with a consolation goal in the 92 minute added time, through Emmanuel Tsegha to bring the scoreline to 3-1 but not before frittering away three clear chances that would have spurred them up.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the game, Technical Director of Rivers United, Nduka Ndubuisi said it was a good match and an annual ritual for Rivers United.
He disagreed that the standard of the game was low, describing FA cup as a leveler, which must be taken seriously.
“It was an annual ritual for us, you know we will win and we won. FA cup is a leveler, you saw how the Police chaps played with all their hearts, contesting every ball. So we won,you don’t talk about the standard of the game, what you talk about is victory,” Ndubuisi said.
On his part,coach of the Police Crime Bursters, Douye Gbomorai attributed their loss to bad pitch and poor officiating.
He accused the Referee of disallowing one of their clear goals that would have boosted the moral of his boys.
The coach said he rated his team high despite the loss.
The game ended 3-1 in favour of Rivers United.