HOS Cup: Mighty Sparrows Zoom Into Final

The football team of Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, yesterday, qualified for the final of the second edition of the states inter ministerial football competition, christened, Head of Service (HOS) Cup.

The team, fondly called Mighty Sparrows defeated their Government House counterpart, 1-0 to end the dream of the Governor Amaechi’s boys making the final of the competition for the first time.

It is the second time   the Mighty Sparrows would be qualifying for the ultimate match of the competition.

In the second semi final match decided at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, the Government House players known for their resilient defence and flamboyant attacking moves, were put on the backfoot early in the game through a sustained pressure by the midfield and attack of the Mighty Sparrows.

Consistent heat from the attacking trio of Skipper Honour Sirawoo, hitman Francis Edookor and winger Isaac Isuku, ably oiled by Emughedi Samuel and Fengecy Onisoya ensured that Government House team was sufficiently contained.

Despite creating several chances, Mighty Sparrows lone goal was scored by Edookor, the team’s leading scorer, midway in the first half when he stole behind defenders to connect Osiga Saturday’s  cross.

Efforts by the Government House team to draw level were effectively neutralised by Iminabo Michael, Emeka Olisa, Emmanuel Akpelu and Saturday in defence.

With the victory, Mighty Sparrow will now confront the Ministry of Special Duties, which edged out their Education counterpart 1-0 in the first semi final, in the final scheduled for the 24th of the month.

Meanwhile, the third place match between the losing semi finalists will hold next Tuesday, June 8 at the Sharks Stadium.