The stage is now set for the semi-final matches of the NPFL/La Liga U-15 Youth League after four teams booked their spots at the end of the enthralling Second phase of the Group Stage played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu yesterday.
MFM and Akwa United emerged from Pool A while Warri Wolves and reigning champions, Katsina United qualified from Pool B.
MFM made mincemeat of the whipping boys of the group, Lobi Stars whom they trounced 6-1. Uthman Ajibona scored a hat-trick in the 2nd, 23rd and 39th minutes while Ebuka Madu added two goals of his in the 7th and 52nd minutes. Lucky Akinleminu who notched the crucial goal in their 1-0 victory over Heartland on Monday was on the scoresheet against for the Young Olukoya Boys in the 47th minute. Ihuee Bernard in the 38th minute canceled the Pride of Benue’s barren spell in the second phase with their solitary strike in the 38th minute.
Heartland U-15 cinderella run in the competition was punctured by Akwa United yesterday. The Junior Naze Millionaires needed an outright win against the Young Promise Keepers to pick a semi-final ticket but they were beaten 2-0 through two quick fire goals in the 36th and 39th minutes courtesy of John Idorenyen and James Ofofon.
MFM and Akwa United qualified in first and second spots respectively even though both ended the second phase on seven points. But Junior Olukoya Boys’ goals blitz against Lobi handed the top spot to them.
In the Pool B, Kwara United and Katsina United battled to a goalless draw. The Junior Changi Boys thus pipped the Harmony Boys’ U-15 to the semi-final ticket having finished the group with four points while Kwara United had two points. Warri Wolves topped the Group with seven points after a close 2-1 win over Kano Pillars.
Kano Pillars scored first from the spot throughgh Ishaq Muktar in the 35th minute but it took the Young Seasiders just four minutes to retaliate with the equaliser netted through Jeffery Angayana before Manah Stephen bagged the match-winner three minutes from time.
In the semi-final that comes up on Friday MFM will face the reigning champions, Katsina United in the first semi-final while Warri Wolves and Akwa United lock horns in the second semi-final in an all South-South derby in Enugu.
The competition comes to its end on Sunday with the final game while the third place match will precede the final on Saturday in Enugu.
