Record thirteen time AkwaIbom FA Cup champions Akwa United took on local rivals Dakkada FC in the first semi final of the 2023 edition of the tournament at the training pitch of the God'swill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The last time the two sides met in the tournament it was in 2022 with the 2021 NPFL champions emerging victorious by 2-1 with first half goals from David Onovo and Franklin Matib before a consolation from Dakkada striker Edidiong Ezekiel, all forward players who are no longer at the respective clubs.
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Akwa United however were the seeded team heading into the future and therefore had not played a single game before unlike Dakkada who had to overcome a stubborn Vandrezzer FC academy in the opening game at the Nest Of Champions training pitch.
The match ended goaless in the first half and as well as the second as both sides fell short of breaking the deadlock despite several changes made to accommodate the occasion of the cup tie and present a playing opportunity for players who had yet to make an appearance for either side so far this season.
AKWA UNITED STARTING XI
Jean Efala
Taiye Muritala
James Ajako
Ubong Essien
Boluwaji Sholumade
Abbey Benson
Liman Ahmadu
Cyril Olisema
Uche Collins
Azeez Olamilekan
Yusuf Sadeeq
SUBSTITUTES
Godgift Elkanah
Etim Mathew
Paschal Onunze
Osimaga Duke
Abdulsalam Sheed
Effiong Moses
Wisdom Fernando
Kehinde Olajuyin
Ikechukwu Nwani
But as often said the game of penalties is no man's specialty. The two sides would eventually head straight into penalty shootouts under the watchful eyes of Referee Victor Nyah but it was fan favorite and Dakkada forward Adewale Lasisi who would unfortunately miss the first spot kick up against Cameroonian international Jean Effala.
Quite professionally all other players would eventually convert their other penalties including Akwa United who had every single spot kick sent into the back of the net to the dismay of Dakkada goalkeeper Loveday Anugbo.
Moses Effiong, a former Dakkada player himself was tasked with the job of sending the Akwa United through at the expense of his former club which he calmly did, for a player yet to score in his eight appearances so far in the NPFL, Moses sent the Promise keepers into the Promise land.
WATCH THE FINAL PENALTY KICK FROM MOSES EFFIONG BELOW:
A record extending fifteen consecutive appearances in the fa cup final for Akwa United all thanks to the likes of James Ajako, Etim Matthew Cyril Olisema, Taiye Muritala and summer acquisition Moses Effiong.
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