4 December 2008
Kano — Edo State Police Command and their counterparts from Gombe State have made history by being the first finalists of the 1st Inspector General of Police Cup, after both teams, won their respective semifinal matches decided within the week.
To get to the final holding this weekend in Kano, the Force team from Edo State, had to dig deep into their arsenal to beat a determined Kano team 2-1 in the first semifinal match held at the Port Harcourt centre on Monday.
It was bound to be an explosive game given that both sides paraded some of the best players on offer at this tournament and how well it started when the Edo team took the game to their opponent's half, with clear intentions to score the opener.
They were repelled off by the Kano team, desirous of playing in the final set to hold in their State but against an Edo team, they met a team that was very much equal to the task at hand. The Edo side scored first but Kano rallied back to bag a deserved equaliser.
But persistent pressure from Edo eventually proved decisive as they scored the decisive winner, few minutes to the end of the tension-laden match, that attracted a horde of spectators.
With the final whistle blown by the centre referee, the winning team burst into celebrations as they now seek a crowning glory when the final holds in Kano on December 6.
In the other semifinal held in Abeokuta, Gombe, overcame the stiff opposition mounted by Enugu, albeit by penalties, which they won 6-5.
After a pulsating first and second half, that failed to produce any goal, players of Gombe Police Command, held their nerves, to win the ensuing penalty kicks and stomp into the grand finale, where they are poised to face very keen challenge from the Edo side.
All four finalists are already on their way to Kano, for the two remaining matches, holding on Saturday.
In the third-place match, Enugu confronts Kano in front of their home fans while the big tie sees Edo jostling for the ultimate prize against a desirous Gombe side.
And in a direct bid to draw fans to the stadium for both matches, organisers of the tournament plan to give out branded t-shirts to the first 500 fans to hit the stadium.
Spokesman of the organisers, Austin Mgbolu said the gesture would draw fans to the venue where exciting soccer action is expected from all four competing teams.
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