Group stage matches for Africa Cup for Club Champions ended with Niger Flickers facing Police Machine in the 5th and 6th position match, GRA going head to head with Trustees in the Bronze Medal Match with El Sharkia and Eastern Company playing their second debut in the finals.
Niger Flickers after losing 2-1 Police Machine in their group stage debut, reversed the score to a 4-3 advantage. Danladi Umar was the man for Niger Flickers scoring a brace in the 4th and 33rd minute. His appearance in this match proved vital as he created numerous chances for the Flickers. Kelvin Linus added his 39th minute goal to keep Niger Flickers in the game.
Michael Agbaegbu’s brace and Muiz bello goal in the 42nd minute wasn’t enough for Police Machine to secure them the 5th position as Danladi Umar’s goal in the 58th minute cemented The Flickers win for the first time in 4 years.
Trustees Bronze medal was shutterd as GRA Men kept their composure to steal it easily from them. The 8 seconds penalty shoot out was left to decide the fate of the two teams as Trustees Johnny Botsio 34′ and GRA Luke Damalie’s 38 goal wasn’t enough to pick the Bronze Medal.
GRA’s keeper, Eugene Acheampong saved 4 out of 5 whilst Trustees Karikari saved 2 out 5. This granted GRA momentum to become bronze medalist after 24 years of drought.
The biggest ACCC continental rivalry saw defending champions face all time record holders in the finals. It was an Egyptian debut as El Sharkia faced Eastern Company. Their last encounter saw El Sharkia beat Eastern Company by 4 goals to 2.
Match started with much expectation from El Sharkia but it was their opponents who showcased great defending and attacking techniques. Eastern Company tightened their defence to stop Ahmed Aly and Gobran attack. The first 30 minutes was intense for both team as penetration into opponents shooting circle proved futile.
Edres Al Sayed’s only goal of the game came in the 42nd from s penalty corner. This goal stepped up the game for El Sharkia. Eastern Company tried but the final whistle caught them with no hope of retaining the title.
El Sharkia with this counts their 23rd gold medal for this tournament.
Source: isports360.com
