BY SAB OSUJI

Ugochukwu Erelendo's exquisite strike of extraordinary quality set title holders, Ozalla FA on the path to a pyrrhic win against BONFA in quarter final match of the 2024 Neros Pharmaceuticals Ltd/Anambra FA Cup, setting up a semi final confrontation with Solutiin FC, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Erelendo was just few yards away from the center, and on the far right, saw BONFA goalkeeper off his line and let go an unexpected looping ball that leisurely found its way into the bottom corner with the goalkeeper vainly back-stepping to keep out the ball.

It was the high point of the first period in which BONFA hardly made any serious inroad into Ozalla territory as they were undone time and again by their 4-4-2 formation as against Ozalla's 4-3-2-1.

The defending champions returned in the second period and doubled their advantage through Uchenna Ezeh whose cool finish off a thrilling build-up from the middle of the pack piled more pressure on the 'Church Team'.

Apparently seeing the game slipping off his fingers, BONFA Head Coach, Dubem, altered his formation, throwing every dice into the game in a bid to come back into the game.

Their efforts paid off when an Ozalla FA defender was upended a BONFA attacker inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Uche stepped forward and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, halfing the scoreline to 2-1.

Thus, BONFA's swift debut run in the FA Cup came to a crushing end and Ikenna Osueke, sole financier of Ozalla, was pleased with his team's win but quickly paid tribute to BONFA, saying they gave his side a good run for their win.

"It feels good to win. Victory brings joy though we missed several scoring chances  that could have made the final scoreline more healthier and respectable.

"We're the defending champions and all eyes are on us. I'm happy the players didn't disappoint", Osueke, who's called 'Coach' said.

Osueke went on to praise BONFA for their delightful performance.

"They are a good side. They gave us a good fight, and, certainly, they have a very bright prospect".

Osueke would look forward to their semi final fixture against Anambra State Government team, Solution FC.

"We take it one game at a time. When we get to the bridge, we think of how to cross it. For now, we'll go back to the drawing board, evaluate our game today, see the areas we didn't get quite right and see how we can correct them with a view to doing better in the semi final match, which is of course, against Solution FC".