Promise Anyanwu emerged the hero of the day as Abuja Metro FC began the 2021 Unity Cup with a 1-0 victory over Sun FC. The goalie put a man of the match performance to ensure a clean sheet for the Metros.
Abuja Metro FC featured in the 2019 edition of the competition and recorded their first victory in the competition, thanks to a late winner from super-sub Sadiq Abubakar.
Coach Chinedu Modebe made just one change to the starting XI that defeated Wil-Wealth FC 5-2 away at Bwari Local Council: Temple Steven replaced Ayala Musa.
Starting XI: Promise Anyanwu, Miracle Tonack, Benard Bitrus (c), Dupsonie Ramson, Prince kennJones, Eze Vitus, Jonathan Habakkuk, Ikenna Ekedoro, Charles Uttah, Success Orji, Temple Steven
Subs: Saka Oniminisi, Frank Ahonye, Kehinde Badmus, Sadiq Abubakar, Nuhu Ismail, Bobby Abba, Naphtali Oboghare, Ndubisi Martins
Sun FC had the better chances in the first half. They huffed and puffed but were denied by the agile Promise Anyanwu in goal. Midway into the half, the woodwork denied Sun FC after beating the goalie. Sun FC were all over the Metros and Charles Uttah was cautioned in the 42nd minute.
6 minutes into the second half, Sadiq Abubakar came on for Temple Steven. Promise Anyanwu continued from where he stopped – making point blank saves to deny Sun FC a goal.
In the 71st minute, Coach Modebe made two subs. In came Frank Ahonye and Nuhu Ismaili for Miracle Tonack and Ikeanna Ekedoro respectively.
With three minutes of regulation time to play, two of the three substitutes combined to score the winner. Sadiq Abubakar converted Nuhu Ismaili’s pass to the delight of the coach.
After the game, Coach Modebe was impressed with Promise Anyanwu. “Promise Anyanwu was outstanding today. He made a lot of crucial saves. He kept us in the game until the winner”.
The win sends Abuja Metro FC to the top of the table pending the results from the other group matches. This win extends the unbeaten run to six matches in 2021.
Abuja Metro FC will face FC International in their second game of the tournament on Friday, May 21.