HOS Cup: Mighty Sparrows Qualify For ¼ Finals

The Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communication’s football team, Mighty Sparrows on Wednesday secured one of the quarter final tickets of the on-going Second Civil Service Football Competition in the state, tagged Head of Service, HOS Cup.

The team overcame the resistance of their ministry of Environment counterparts in one of the second round matches decided at the Sharks Stadium, via penalty shootout.

Information and Communication carried the day courtesy of a 3-1 score-line in the shootout after a goalless result within regulation time.

Indeed, it was a match the Mighty Sparrows would have wrapped up within regulation time with a handsome goal margin if their strikers had taken most of the opportunities they created.

Thus, the match was taken to the lottery of penalty shootout.

The Mighty Sparrows missed their first and third kick while their keepers, Gabriel Nwanetanya was able to save three of the opponent’s kicks to ensure victory and passage to the quarter final stage.

However, their happiness and celebrations were dampened by a serious ankle injury capped by their right wing-back, Osiga Saturday in the game.

Earlier in the day, Ministry of Health also defeated Office of the Head of Service 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw.

Also yesterday, the Ministry of Justice upset Government House team 4-3 on penalties after each side failed to score within regulation time.

Other qualifiers for the quarter final matches scheduled to commence on Monday include; ministries of Education, Culture and Tourism, Water Resources and Special Duties.

The last qualifier, which will be the best loser in the second round, was yet to be decided as at press time.