Anambra state AITEO Cup Champions, Aspire FC went down fighting 3-1 to Yobe Desert Stars in round 64 game of 2021 AITEO Cup played at the FIFA goal project field, MKO Abiola stadium, Abuja on Sunday evening.
It was a very thrilling game that witnessed two goals within the 20 minutes into the game. Yobe Stars had the game under control and their dominance was rewarded with a goal in the 16th minute by Obinna Ukwu.
The goal conceded by Aspire did not deter the team as they bombarded the defence of Yobe Stars for an equaliser, which came in a stunning fashion from the thunderous strike of Okezie Umenwa four minutes later.
It was an explosive atmosphere as both teams went into the break all square.
Aspire Fc began the second half more purposeful as they intensified their attacks on their more illustrious opponents but Emeke Onyia, the goalkeeper of Yobe Stars proved very difficult to beat the second time.
Yobe Stars then went ahead again in the tie courtesy of a cool finish inside the box by Jonathan Jacob in the 53rd min.
Efforts by the attacking duo of John Bassey and Umenwa to claw their way back into the game did not materialise as the more experienced Yobe Stars thwarted all their attacking forays.
Bassey was particularly very troublesome for the defence of Yobe Stars. Unfortunately, the closest the striker got was his shot narrowly missing the target.
Despite the pressure mounted by Aspire to restore parity, it was Yobe Stars that scored the third goal after a faulty defensive clearance gifted Dauda Martins his goal in the 71st minute.
It was obvious that the fighting spirit of Aspire Fc was not enough to stop Yobe Stars from progressing to the round 32 of AITEO Cup where the team will play Lobi Stars of Makurdi.
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