Defending champions Heartlands of Nigeria staged a terrific comeback to edge out potential finalists CEPS of Ghana when they beat the latter 2-0 in the final round of matches in the women's competition at the Africa Clubs Competition.
CEPS only needed a point to play in the final but were a pale shadow of themselves on the day. CEPS failed to match the more determined defending champions who needed to win after 2 losses to guarantee them the opportunity to retain the trophy. Heartlands on their part put in place a strategy that worked for them clamping down on the CEPS attack and dominating the midfield. CEPS were left stunned and crest-fallen by the result and now have to battle their compatriots for the bronze medal.
Telkom Orange were sensational in their match against Sharkia coming back from 2 goals down to win 3-2 to set up a showdown with the defending champions on the final day of competition. Telkom needed a point to keep their dreams of playing in the finals alive and when by the end of the first half they were trailing 0-2, it dawned on many that they would not make it. Goals scored by Jackie Ogot 2 minutes after recess, Rose Mbulo in the 44th and Judy Apiyo 6 minutes from the end were enough to ensure the Orange ladies take the turf in search of the ultimate prize.
Reformers hit 5 past the Bayelsa Queens but that was not enough to guarantee them a place in the final. Instead, it booked them a ticket to the bronze medal match with compatriots CEPS who they lost 0-2 to in the round robin stage.
In the men's classification match for the 5th and 6th positions, Exchequers of Ghana needed an extra time golden goal to ensure that Delta Flickers of Nigeria picked the wooden spoon.
In the classification matches scheduled for Saturday, Sharkia square up with the Queens from Bayelsa State to determine who is ranked 5th and 6th while the two Ghanaians will attempt to deny each other the bronze medal in a match most teams hate to play.
In the men's encounter, Golden Sticks of Ghana will seek to roll-up the Desert Rollers from Yobe once more to annex the bronze medal. In the round robin stages, Golden Sticks were ruthless wining 5-0. The Desert Rollers have however vowed to take the shimmer off the gold with the desert heat and ensure a flattening with their heavy duty rollers. It promises to be an action packed day.
