Enyimba produced a masterclass second half to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Apex Krane to 2-2 and dragged the game to penalties which they won 3-2 in the final of the Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Preseason Tournament that ended in Aba yesterday.
The People’s Elephant were the defending champions of the annual competition and many tipped them to retain it without any sweat with the elimination of last year’s finalists, Abia Warriors, and prominent teams like Sunshine Stars and City FC at the quarter final stage.
Enyimba came into the final game without conceding a goal after five games with 17 goals scored and none against ahead of the tie with Apex Krane.
Apex Krane who eliminated Sunshine Stars had other ideas and were in comfortable 2-0 lead at the end of the first half to the surprise of fans who thronged the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba expecting a routine win.
Sensing an embarrassing home loss, Enyimba technical crew made some changes to the playing squad that started the game and it paid after they scored the two goals needed to level up the scores.
Apex Krane stood their ground and held on to drag the game to penalties before they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat.
It was a good eye opener for Enyimba who will now proceed to Lagos for the Super Four invitational tournament where they will face 3SC, Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers.
