…Mustapha Rahman ‘brace’ orange lads to victory over 10-man City
Abdul Mustapha Rahman struck twice for Hilla Limann hall football team as they conjured a spirited second half display to tame an aggressive City campus side.
The game was marred by a controversial Red card which remained the big talking point in a game that turned on its head.
City campus were very much in charge in of the cagey affair that rolled out a record number of physical duels, but it was Hilla Limann that should have drawn first blood. Rahman whipped in a well-tailored cross with Kusi Williams sneaking in with a wonder flick that would have been a goal of the tournament contender, but for the side net.
City responded on the counter and almost caught the orange lads unawares with a gorgeous ball from Salam, but Toufic Sule shot straight at goalkeeper Awere. The end-to-end action continued with Ekuban miscuing a shot after a brilliant cut-in from left wing.
The second half marked a brief moment of madness. A nasty tackle from Boampong Lawrence (14) saw him pick up a caution, moments before the City midfielder resumed play on his own accord despite the refree’s signal to hold on to play. The incident triggered exchanges between the two, before Referee Sowah gave Boampong his marching orders. There was a little roar from the City campus dug out and a mild protest by Coach Jamal Tetteh Theophilus but the decision was not overturned.
Limann heaped coals of pressure on the rattled and demoralized City sidewidth a loss seemingly imminent. Edmund Nartey was unlucky to see his sweet dink come off the wood work, moments after Nuhu had his shot ricocheted off Adjei’s shin. From thence, City were forced to play in their half with the trio Ekuban, Bright and Hamdan taking turns to tease the defense. Kingsley Annan saw his header glean pass the goal line, but was appeased when Ekuban was brought down in the 18-yard box.
Orange captain Hamdan Mustapha stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and give Hilla Limann hall the lead.
Limann were far from finished, finding another opening from a well orchestrated build-up that saw Hamdan tee-up well with Bright Dela who set him up to grab a brace, with a 19-yard thunderbolt.
Hilla Limann will take on last year’s runners up, Jubliee and Ish hall (JISH) with the hope of securing early qualification.
Story by: Godfred Dampte-Larbi | univers.ug.edu.gh
