Dolphins Football Academy came from a goal down to defeat D/Line United by 2-1 in the season opener at the Port Harcourt City League.
The last meeting between both sides ended in a 3-1 win for Dolphins FA. Dolphins effected changes in their coaching crew as coach Mobility Obi led the young lads that were promoted from the U-17 team.
D/Line on their part had the inclusion of Mpaka Mpaka to assist Iniobong Thompson.
Iniobong Thompson tutored D/Line side started on a good footing when Eze Tochi roamed forward and sent a cross that was handled by Paul Rowland to pave way for a penalty. Goodness Daniels made no mistake to slot home from the spot in the 13th minute.
Moments later Dolphins made a swift counter-attack to get the equalizer but were denied at that moment. Chika Eguma saw his long-range effort being blocked out of the danger zone.
Dolphins upped their game towards the half-hour having a large part of the ball possession. Aniebet Sunday restored parity from a spectacular free kick in the 24th minute. Four minutes later, Chika Eguma registered his name on the scorer’s sheet when he headed home from his rebound.
Dolphins continued from where they left off after the break, dictating play with ease. The woes for the D/Line side worsened when David Ekpobari was given a marching order for a second bookable offense in the 52nd minute.
Undeterred by this, D/Line United introduced fresh legs to pull out the equalizer. Dolphins held on and defended doggedly to coast home victorious in a lively season opener.
Iniobong Thompson of D/Line United wasn’t satisfied with the performance of his lads in his post-match interview.
“The loss is as a result of disunity in the team. I’m not satisfied with the performance. We will put things in order in our subsequent games.”
Obi Mobility of Dolphins FA was impressed with his team’s performance.
“I was highly impressed with the performance of the team. Most people wrote us off but we came out victorious. They played a collective football and I’m impressed with it.”
Port Harcourt City FC will take on Fidwax United in the second game on Tuesday, 11th May 2021 at 3 pm at Joseph Yobo Mini Stadium, S/Line Port Harcourt.
TEAM LIST:
D/LINE UNITED
David Peter 1, Chibuzor Chimezie 15, Chima Akwudike 6, Onwuka Ifeanyi 3, Lucky Nuka 16, Kadri Saka (Gibson Harrison 83′), Okechukwu Nnanna (Lucky Monday 38′),
Eze Tochi 13 (Prince Amadi 67′), David Ekpobari, GoodnewsDanile 11, Destiny Anyanwu 12
Unused Substitute:
Honest Amakiri 2
Dolphins FOOTBALL ACADEMY:
Obeke Christian 40, Clever Orlu 5, Paul Rowland 30, Isaiah Lucky 28 (Gentle Oriji 64′), Louis Umoh 3, Aniebiet Sunday 10, Chigbo Chigozie 20 (Femi Kolawole 67′), Ajoku Chile 4 (Precious Chidi 83′), Ike Chukwu 19
Destiny Ochiagha 15 (Destiny Nwisha 50′), Chika Eguma 9 ( Kolapo Ismailia 64′)
Unused Substitutes:
ThankGod Ben 33, Noble Nkwocha 18, UdealorEkene 6, Emmanuel Emechebe 7
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