Palm Syrup FC became the first team to qualify for the NLO Cup semi-finals sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, after recording a second win following a 2-0 bashing of Jaguar FC in a second Group 2 fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium.
It was an explosive game between both teams on Sunday with two penalty saves at both ends, having recorded wins on Matchday 1 of the championship.
Palm Syrup took the game to Jaguar FC scoring first after Solomon Akpan made the most of an exciting pass from Abraham David for 1-0 in the 25th minute.
Abraham David who assisted the first goal then got his goal for a job well done in the 37th minute, after twisting and turning away from his marker at the edge of the box before curling in a superb strike for 2-0.
It was an interesting second half that saw two penalty saves from both goalkeepers.
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Palm Syrup won a spot kick in the 72nd minute after a foul on Solomon Akpan. Ukoette Anaibong then took the spot kick but was denied by Jaguar FC shot-stopper Uko Essen, to keep the scoreline at 2-0.
With 10 minutes to end the game, Jaguar FC could have started a comeback when they were awarded a penalty, but a magnificent sharp reflex reaction from Palm Syrup goalkeeper Nsisiong Ekpo, saw him deny Anyaegbunam Pacian from the spot kick.
Meanwhile, FC Chimoski have been eliminated from the competition after suffering a second defeat, losing by a lone goal to Olegacy FC.
Recall they fell 4-1 to Kun Khalifa FC on Matchday One.
In the other results from Uyo, it was spoils sharing as the game between Krane FC versus RORO FC and Vandrezzer JNR versus Kun Khalifa FC ended respectively at one all-draw.
However, matches continue at the Uyo Township Stadium today with Matchday 3 fixtures, while the Kano Centre resumes with Matchday 2 existing fixtures at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata Kano.
UYO CENTRE MATCHDAY 3 FIXTURES
FC Chimoski vs Vandrezzer JNR – 10am
Jaguar FC vs Krane FC – 12pm
Palm Syrup FC vs RORO FC – 2pm
Kun Khalifa FC vs Olegacy – 4pm
KANO CENTRE MATCHDAY 2 FIXTURES
Tudun Wada FC vs Like Minds – 10am
Kwankwasiyya FC vs Green Lock FC – 12pm
Zeal Minds FC vs Barau/Murtala FC – 2pm
NA Royals vs FC Sheika – 4pm