How Akwa Utd Humbled Visiting Algerian Champions In Uyo

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By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo


Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title holders, Akwa Utd of Uyo shocked its visiting Algeria champions, CR Belouizad with a lone goal in the CAF Champions League preliminary first leg encounter played at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday. 
The lone goal was netted in 87 minutes of play by Captain, Ubong Friday, to the amazement of the enthusiastic fans. 
Akwa Utd head coach, Kennedy Boboye during a post match interview attributed the win to commitment by players on the field, inspite of being new entrants in CAF league table.
Boboye however expressed optimism that the boys would fill in the cap noticeable gaps to ensure winning as they go for a returning leg in Algeria.
“We approach the match with the determination to win, and it pays off though it was not easy because the Algerians were more experience,” Boboye said.
Also speaking, CR Belouizad Coach, Bekhti Khoum described his team encounter with Akwa Utd as a tough match, saying that eventhough his players hold possession of ball but we could not get because Akwa Utd is also a good side being the best in Nigeria.
On the conceding lone goal, Khoum also described the Promise Keepers as a good team to meet said, “Anything can happen in football. We came expected to win but it turned out a different side.
“We did very well but what happen has happened, our players were getting tired in the second half we moved forward to ensure a good results back home,”
Recall that Boboye had during a pre-match interview on Saturday expressed confidence to win the Algerians side and record first point on first round leg.
“They’re a respectable side. They have been on the continent…we have respect for them but we are not scared of them.”
“It’s going to be a fight. We must win because this is our home and after the win, we take it up from there.”
The Promise Keepers are making their first appearance in the CAF Champions League after clinching their first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title for the first time last season.

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