Rivers Angels kept their FA Cup semi-final spot dream alive with a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Remo Stars Ladies on Wednesday afternoon, intensifying their chase for the President Federation Cup title.
The hard-fought win at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium sends a powerful message to their rivals ahead of the Super Six playoffs, Footballrover reports.
Coach Tosan Blankson stuck with the same starting XI that demolished First Mahi Babes 5-0 in the previous round at the Enyimba Stadium—a move that proved wise once again.
Rivers Angels strike early, but Remo fights back
Just four minutes into the game, Mary Moses nearly put Rivers Angels ahead, but her shot ricocheted off the post.
The pressure soon paid off when Peace Effiong was brought down in the box by Immaculata Offiong, earning the defending champions a penalty.
Ifeoma Ikenokwalu stepped up with confidence and converted from the spot, handing Rivers Angels a 1-0 lead they carried into halftime.
It looked like the Garden City side was in full control. However, the second half took a turn.
Remo Stars Ladies, refusing to back down, found a late lifeline six minutes from regulation time as Bashiru Kafayat slotted in the equaliser.
Penalty drama as Rivers Angels clinch FA Cup semi-final spot
The match took another twist when Tejiri Edward received a second yellow card just four minutes after Remo’s goal, reducing the Jewels of Rivers to ten players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, they held their ground and dragged the contest into penalties.
Both teams scored their first kicks, but Remo missed their second and third, with Rivers also missing one. Bashiru Kafayat then missed a crucial fourth kick for Remo.
The PH Angels held their nerve. Ifeoma Ikenokwalu, Taiwo Afolabi, and Anderline Mgbechi all converted their spot kicks, sealing a place in the FA Cup semi-final and fuelling belief in another championship run.
Coach Blankson and his resilient squad now march into the semi-finals, proving once again why Rivers Angels remain one of the most feared sides in Nigerian women’s football.
The oil-rich ladies will now prepare for a derby clash with Ibom Angels in the President Federation Cup semi-finals (date to be announced), after their neighbours edged Heartland Queens 4-3 on penalties to book their place.
But before that, their focus shifts to Ikenne, where they’ll compete in the Super Six.
Meanwhile, Edo Queens also secured a semi-final spot with a narrow 1-0 victory over Unification FC.
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