Charles Utah returned to scoring ways and scored a brace as Abuja Metro FC lost to Samba Football Academy on Wednesday.
Prior to the encounter, Samba FA were bottom of the table – albeit with just one match played. Both teams needed a win the surge upward on the Group C table, but it was Samba FA that triumphed in the seven-goal thriller.
Coach Modebe made five changes to the team that lost 2-0 to table toppers FC International. Saka Ominisi made his first start in goal in the competition.
Starting XI: Saka Ominisi, Miracle Tonack, Benard Bitrus (c), Yohannes Oboghare, Prince KennJones, Kehinde Badmus, Jonathan Habakkuk, Ikenna Ekedoro, Charles Utah, Success Orji, Eze Vitus
Subs: Promise Anyanwu, Naphtali Oboghare, Nuhu Ismaili, Dupsonie Ramson, Bobby Abba, Henry Jones
Samba FA quickly took the lead in the 21st minute against the run of play. They doubled the lead in the 38th minute. The coach was forced to make a substitution after the goal. On came Naphtali Oboghare for Miracle Tonack who picked up an injury.
With the Oboghare brothers on the pitch, Abuja Metro FC began the comeback. Prince Kennjones found Charles Utah in the 41st minute to make it 2-1 before the break. After the break, Charles Utah got his brace in the 62nd minute. It was his 10th goal of the year.
Coach Modebe added more fire power in the 65th minute. Henry Jones came on for Ikenna Ekedoro but Samba FA took the lead with a well taken goal in the 68th minute.
7 minutes later Samba FA extended the lead to 4-2. Attempts to remedy the game with the introduction of Dupsonie Ramsey and Bobby Abba for Success Orji and Yohannes Oboghare couldn’t turn the game around.
With 9 minutes of regulation time left to play, Samba FA made it 5-2. Late attempts by Charles Utah, Prince Kennjones and other players couldn’t beat the Samba FA goalkeeper.
With the defeat, Abuja Metro FC have slipped down to 4th on the table and will face Rhapsody FC in the final group game.