In a highly entertaining game at the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin, Rima Strikers of Sokoto yesterday edged Correction Boys in a close 25-24 scorelines.
The two teams were eventually matched with little to separate them as they both gave as much as they got. Correction Boys tried to seize the initiative in the first half but Rima Strikers stormed back as the first half ended 13-12 in favour of Corrections Boys.
At the resumption of the second half, the match continued with the same high intensity. Both teams tried to dominate with none able to do so. However, Rima Strikers seized the initiative late in the game to win 25-24 cancelling out the one point deficit at half time.
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Speaking after the game, Rima Strikers’ coach, Abdulhakim Yakubu, described the games as tough, adding victory only came in the final second of the game as both teams gave a good impression.
He also said the victory was a heart-warming considering that they came up against a team that had the full complement of all its players while his team could only recruit three new players after losing seven before the start of the tournament.
He said winning all their seven games so far have brought back belief into the team as they had to struggle to the venue of the championship hours before their opening game.
He said: “We are happy that we are doing well here. We faced a lot of obstacles to get here as some officials didn’t want us to come. It took the intervention of a close ally of the governor of the state to get us here. Hopefully, we can win the league at the end of the second phase in Lagos.”
In other games played in the male category, COAS Shooters defeated Benue Buffaloes 37-27, while Osun United lost to Lagos Seasiders 26-22 despite leading 11-9 at half time.
In the female category, Ekiti Queens lost to Defender Babes 43-21 and are yet to record a win, while home team, Omo Ogiefo pummelled Imo Grasshoppers 42-23.
