FA Cup: Lobi Stars survive FC One Rocket scare
Nigeria Premier Football League side, Lobi Stars scaled through Nigeria National League side, FC One Rocket in their FA Cup round 64 clash on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The tie at Akwa City Stadium, Anambra ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw at regulation time before it went to penalties which ended 5-3 in favour of the Makurdi side.
As early as the 9th minute Bright Osah's attempted clearance ended up in his own net to give Lobi Stars the lead and the desired start.
Rocket's Clinton Jephta almost levelled score in the minute later, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper, Daniel Emmanuel.
Joseph Atule also came close to doubling the lead for Lobi in the 19th minute, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper, Lord Phillip.
Philip denied Atule once again with a beautiful save in the 37th minute to keep the score the same.
Jeptha attempted another strike at the dead of the half, but goalkeeper Emmanuel did the needful.
Coach Ndubuisi Ndah made three substitution as he brought in Paul Ogunkoya, William Julius and Efe Kegbe to replace Joshua Sunday, Bright Osah and Nasiru Jibril in the 48 minute.
And what an instant change it made as Paul Ogunkoya and Efe Kegbe combined to score for Rocket in the 51 minute, but it was ruled out for offside.
Wonderson Yakubu finally got the equalizer five minutes later to change yourthe score 1-1.
Lobi Stars tormentor all day, Jeptha finally put his name in his score sheet after putting the Akwa Ibom side in the lead in the 70th minute.
Atule would however spoil the party for Rockets as he restored parity in the 85th setting up an exhilarating end.
After four minutes of added time following the end of 90 minutes, the two sides could not score as the tie went into the penalties won by Lobi Stars 5-3.
Lobi Stars have now progressed to the round of 32.
Uche Dozie
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