The Rivers-based Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) Minders have crashed out of the Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) following a 4-2 shoot-out loss to DELSU Titans.
Both teams were levelled on 5-5 aggregate scoreline over the two legs.
The IAUE Minders were gearing up for a victory before the Titans Okwuchi Emerald scored in the 89th minute to bring his team level on aggregate and drag the game to penalty shootout.
The Titans’ substitute goalkeeper Fabian Ugboko saved two shots from the spot to hand his side victory in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Coach David Egbiri of IAUE Minders expressed his displeasure with the outcome of the game considering the preparedness of his side ahead of the match.
“My boys had their chances; they also played well and were meant to proceed to the next round if they listened and played to instruction, ” Egbiri lamented.
Samuel Ekebor, Delsu Titans’ Head coach applauded his team : “We played like a winning team, and I am very impressed with the confidence and mental ability of my side. We prayed and played hard to get a quarter-final spot and now.”
In other games, former Champions, UAM Tillers were also ousted from the 2022 HiFL after losing out on a 2-3 aggregate in the second leg match of the round of 16 played in Ilorin.
ATBU Bravehearts of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University also lost at home to KASU Crocs from Kaduna State University by 2-3 leaving the Bravehearts to qualify with 4-3 on aggregate, having won the first leg by 2-0 in Kaduna.
The HiFL, in its fourth active season, is organized by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing is supported by StanbicIBTC, Bold, LIRS and Indomie.