Village side, Awoba stars
topped Group A with 10 points to qualify for the quarter finals of the first edition of the Brown Ideye Challenge.
Already assured of qualification, following victories in its first 3 games, Awoba stars played out a goalless draw against Soccer Fire FC in its last group game to cement further their spot atop the Group A log.
Speaking to newsmen following its qualification, team manager Awoba Stars, Oseki Francis said his side which was underrated due to their village status were fully deserved of their qualification as they were a club with tradition.
“We deserve it because we are even playing upon sand (at home in Bille) you know what it means for one to play on top of sand, you’ll be more fit than every other person.
Two years ago we took the state Super League. Awoba stars is not a today’s club, it has been in existence for many years.
I also have played for Awoba stars, my seniors have also played and today I am the Team manager of Awoba stars.
So I am happy bringing them from the village to come and expose them to City life, Francis said.
Meanwhile, Gold Kings Soccer Academy played out a one all draw with Citadel FC meaning they finished with points thus earning second spot and a quarterfinal ticket.
Citadel’s Coach Henry Moses who watched from the crowd, following a touchline ban, said the competition afforded his club the opportunity to test run new players and promised his side would do better at the next edition of the Brown Ideye challenge.
“I am not too happy about it (failure to qualify) but like I earlier said, this is a young team. I am trying to grow a new crop of players and this competition was supposed to serve as a test run for some of them, but all the same we would go back and we would prepare and by the next year of this competition we are going to give a very good account of ourselves, we would do better than what we did this year”, Moses said.