Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike edged out Imo State University (IMSU) in an 8-goal thriller to advance to the final of the inaugural Kanu Super Six 6-A-side football competition in Owerri, Imo State.
Onyebuchi Kenneth scored twice for the Abia State based team as they fought from a 2-0 deficit to win 5-3 against the pre-game favourites on Thursday.
Imo State University had scored nine goals in their opening two games while conceding just one as they installed themselves as the runaway favourites to clinch the Super Six title.
They also had a dream start on Thursday, racing to a 2-goal lead but somehow managed to bungle it in the second half.
It was Kenneth that scored the game’s opening goal but at the wrong end as he scored past his own goalkeeper in the 5th minute but he also reduced the deficit to 2-1.
Ezugoribe Chimdia restored IMSU’s 2-goal cushion just before the break but it was Kenneth who sparked a remarkable turnaround for his side with the first of their four goals in the second half.
MOUA thus book their place in Sunday’s final of the Kanu Super Six tournament where they will come up against Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
FUTO had in the day’s first semifinal game pipped Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri courtesy of a goal in first half stoppage time. The Federal government owned institution, it must be noted lost their first game of the competition scandalously 7-1 to IMSU but have successfully bounced back to play in the championship match.
Sunday’s final will take place at the usual venue, the Kanu Sports Center in Owerri, the Imo State capital, hometown of African football legend Nwankwo Kanu.
Kanu Super Six, a 6-A-side football tournament being contested by tertiary institutions around South-east Nigeria is an initiative of former Super Eagles and Arsenal star Kanu which he says is his own way of giving back to the community.