Pelican Stars made it three of three at the ongoing 2024/25 NWFL Championship in Calabar after completing a dramatic comeback against First Mahi Babes albeit not without it’s controversial moments.
First Mahi Babes broke the goal barrenness when they combined beautifully, capitulating on a mix up in the Pelican Stars defense, a sumptuous pass was then worked on to the path of Iorliam Wilfred who hit it home with a wonderful strike to the uproar of the bench.
Taking the lead into half time, First Mahi Babes upon resumption pushed for a second but they were caught at the backline when a controversial penalty was given after some mix up in the penalty box.
The penalty caused an uproar after the coach of Mahi Babes pulled his team out of the pitch, walking out of the game and sitting on the sideline in protest of the supposedly unjust penalty call.
Officials then gathered around as they look to deliberate on the next line of action after play was halted.
Play then resumed in the 61st minute when Mahi decided to return to the pitch, Okiemute Rita Obeni up against Njimogu Nancy of Pelican Stars. Nancy decided to go for a low shot at the left hand side of the post and right into the net.
But it wouldn’t stand after the goalkeeper raised her hands before the kick. The replay saw Nancy aim for the same exact position but this time directed just outside of the goalpost much to the excitement of Mahi Babes supporter.
Play resumed and less than ten minutes on from when the first penalty was missed, Mahi Babes then conceded another penalty after the defender hacked down her man in the box.
Captain Perpetual then stepped up and and off to the right hand side of the goalkeeper to the applause of the roaring home crowd to level score 1-1.
Pelicans then added a second from the corner kick through substitute Faith Okon who powered a strong header at the top roof of the net to give her side the a 1-2 lead.
Unfortunately for Benjamin Nwoke’s side who are making their debut in the Championship, the score line remained the same with the host team running out eventual winners.
Elsewhere at the St. Patrick field, Unification FC bounced back from their last defeat, playing a 1-1 draw with Chosen Generation.
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