By Ikenna Nwokedi
Ozalla FA of Obosi are through to the semi-final of the ongoing 2025 Neros Pharmaceuticals Anambra FA Cup after seeing off their opponents, Blacksmithers FC of Awka 4-3 on penalty shootout in the match played at the Awka City Stadium on Friday, 14th February, 2025.
The match which ended in a six-goal thriller at the end of regulation time with spotkicks deciding the winner saw the 2023 champions of the competition scoring through Okwuchukwu Ezeaka, Ifeanyi Nwune and Michael Chidera in the 23rd, 46th and 90th minutes respectively while Blacksmithers FC got their goals through the boots of Chibuzor Udeora, Emmanuel Obidiegwu and Christantus Muat in the 39th, 63rd and 78th minutes respectively.
Reacting after the match, Proprietor of the NLO side, Ikenna Osueke commended his lads for their composure in the game despite the difficult moments having to come back twice in the contest. Osueke assured that Ozalla FA will continue to showcase good football artistry on the pitch in all their games and would prepare well for their semi-final match to have a fighting chance of winning the trophy this year.
Osueke said: “Kudos to my boys today for their composure despite the difficult task of coming back twice into the game which was not easy as our opponents were a tough and good side. I assure the fans that we will continue to work on the team to make it better. This win is refreshing and will act as a catalyst as we go back home to prepare well for the semi finals so that we can have a fighting chance for the trophy this year,” Ozalla FC President said.
On his part, Ozalla FA Coach, Uche Onuorah informed that the boys did not play to his instructions which made the game difficult for them but however they are delighted to book their place in the semi finals and will prepare adequately for the upcoming match.
Also speaking, the Team Manager of Blacksmithers FC, Chukwuebuka Nwokolo praised his boys for the display against a tough side who won the competition in 2023. Nwokolo stated that the defeat via penalties showed that they were equal to the task and gave a very good account of themselves. He said they will reassess their performance, work on grey areas in the team and will no doubt register for the competition in next year’s edition.
Ozalla FA will next face last year’s runners-up, Edel FC, in one of the semi-final matches scheduled to be played on Wednesday, 19th February, 2025 at the Neros Stadium Nanka while defending Champions, Solution FC will square up against Peace FC in the other semi-final match.
