Heartland FC continued their revival in the NPFL this season securing a 2-1 victory over Dakkada FC at the Dan Anyiam township stadium, Owerri on Thursday.
The hosts dominated proceedings and their first chance fell to Adachi Emmanuel from a well placed ball by Seeka Pascal, but the former fired wide.
Heartland’s quest for an early opener left them open at the back and the visitors took the advantage by grabbing the first goal.
Unwana Asuquo sent a perfect cross from the right to Kokoete Udo unleashed a shot into the back of the net.
Heartland almost equalised immediately, again Emmanuel headed wide from a Chidera Eze cross.
The visitors held on for a first half lead amid pressure from Heartland as the Referee ended the half.
The visitors started the second half on the front foot and should have doubled their lead in the 46th minute, but Christian Ekong narrowly missed a header from Udo’s in swinger.
The breakthrough for Heartland FC finally came in the 53rd minute as Adachi Emmanuel capitalized on a scrambled ball inside the box to let rip a thunderous shot for a deserved equalizer.
It went from bad to worse for Dakkada FC few minutes later as they were reduced to 10 men after captain, Aniekan Ekpe received his marching orders.
Heartland continued to search for the winner while the visitors defended for their lives haven gone a man down.
Dakkada ‘s resistance was finally broken in the 94th minute after Maduforo Kingsley netted a last gasp winner from close range for the Naze Millionaires.
Heartland will now travel to Enugu to face regional rivals Rangers FC, while Dakkada will welcome Kano Pillars in a matchday 13 fixture in Uyo.
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