Madufuro’s late goal for Heartland undo Dakkada in Owerri
Heartland ended up with all three points on wednesday against Dakkada in a midweek fixture that was bereft of early sparks for either side.
It was a MatchDay 12 fixture played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri which saw the hosts run away with a late Maduforo strike in a 2-1 win.
There was a glimpse of life in the 7th minute of the game from a great build-up from the middle by Heartland. Benjamin Francis had swung in an inviting ball inside the box, only to be thwarted by a well timed punch by Dakkad Goalkeeper Olawale Oremade.
The hosts went on to dominate proceedings with a couple of close range efforts by striker Seka Pascal. What was a real first chance on goal fell to Adachi Emmmanuel from a well placed ball by Pascal only for the towering Adachi to shoot wide.
While Heartland continued probing for goal, it was the visitors that took the lead against the run of play in the 40th minute. Left back, Unwana Asuquo had sent in a cross from the right, locating striker Kokoete Udo who chested down before hitting a shot to the top left corner for the game’s opening goal.
Heartland almost had a quick response, but Adachi headed wide from a Chidera Eze cross. The visitors held on for a first half lead amid pressures from Heartland.
The visitors unexpectedly came into the second half stronger and almost doubled their lead a minute after restart when Christian Ekong narrowly missed a header from Kokoete Udo’s swung-in ball.
The desperation for an equalizer almost gifted the visitors another goal as Heartland defensive pair of Paschal Eze and Orji Kalu lost communication, failing to clear a long ball, but a timely intervention from Goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu saved them blushes in the 50th minute.
Heartland got thier breakthrough in the 53rd minute after Adachi capitalized from a scrambled ball inside the box to send a shot for a deserved equalizer.
Dakkada were reduced to 10 men when captain Aniekan Ekpe got his matching orders after his reaction towards the center referee was deemed rude followingin an earlier caution for foul.
Heartland pressed on seeking to take advantage of their numerical strength with couple of efforts. Second half substitute, Maduforo Kingsley led the charge in tormenting the Dakkada defense.
The impressive Maduforo would finally make hay with a late gasp winner in added time (95th minute), calmly turning away from a marker inside the Dakkada box before poking home the winning goal.
Heartland will be guests to Enugu Rangers on Maychday 13 in the Oriental Derby on Sunday, while Dakkada will host former champioms, Kano Pillars in Uyo.
