Heartland FC, Bendel Insurance match play out 1-1 draw in Owerri
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Heartland FC of Owerri Sunday succumbed to the gimmickry of the Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City by conceding a last minute goal to end her last home match in the first quarter of the NPFL games for the year 2024.
From the onset, the Naze Millionaires displayed zeal to carry the day by attempting to score in the second minute of the game but actualized the dream by scoring their first goal in the 4th minute of the thrilling encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
However, the Matchday 17 game disappointingly ended in a 1-1 draw, for the Heartland side, at the last blast of refree’s whistle following a controversial endtime goal in the 82nd minute by the visiting Benin boys through Austin Ogunye.
The first goal of the Naze Millionaires came through Christian Nkwo’s heroic missile-like long throw-in into the visitor’s goal mouth, where Promise Anyanwu took advantage and delivered a ‘bullet header’ that took the Bendel Insurance goalkeeper unawares.
As the game progressed both teams intensified their offensive and defensive prowess to maintain a balance as the likes of Christian Molokwu defensive interceptions exhibited Heartland’s fighting spirit while the Benin Arsenals serially threatened with targeted crosses from the flanks.
In the 14th minute, Molokwu calculatedly towered above two rushing Insurance attackers to clear a dangerous cross with a perfectly timed header.
While the first half was tension-soaked and ended 1-0 in favour of Heartland FC, the second half witnessed a highly agitated opponent as the visitors’ pressure grew into the game just as the hosts’ defence remained unshaken.
In several attempts, Naze Millionaires came close to increasing their lead tally, but poor finishing, uncoordinated assault aa well as strong defence from Insurance players shattered Heartland ‘s efforts.
Following last Sunday’s draw game, Heartland has moved from 13th to 11th position on the NPFL table with 21 points while the team is expecting to climb further up the table as her attention now shifts to their next match with Akwa United in Uyo.
