Heartland, Pillars out of Cup

Source: Supersport.com

Heartland and Kano Pillars have been eliminated from this year's Federation Cup by Akwa United and Warri Wolves respectively in quarterfinal matches on Wednesday.

Cup holders, Heartland, got off to a fine start when David Tyavkase scored just seven minutes before the break.

The defending champions deservedly took a one-goal lead into the break.

However, the cookie started to crumble for the Owerri club 19 minutes into the restart when Ini Akpan put Akwa United on level terms.

Both teams played the last 26 minutes without any effect on the outcome of the match.

After playing out a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, Heartland were bundled out of the Cup competition on 4-5 penalties.

The loss brings to an end Heartland's two-year reign as Federation Cup champions.

Warri Wolves secured the biggest win of the quarterfinals when they ran over Glo Premier League champions, Kano Pillars in Ilorin.

The contest looked all but over inside the first half hour as Musa Najare struck twice inside 20 minutes before Super Eagles forward, Oghenekaro Etebo scored the third after capitalising on a defensive error by Kano Pillars.

In Enugu, Akwa Starlets pushed last season's runners-up, Lobi Stars, deep into the last 10 minutes before Victor Obinna scored the winner via Ezekiel Bassey's cross to ensure a 2-1 win.

In the opening half, Lobi had taken the lead inside 10 minutes through Chimaobi Nwaogu before the impressive Utibe Archibong equalised for Starlets on 31 minutes.

Two-time Caf Champions League winners, Enyimba also progressed into the last four following their 1-0 win over Nasarawa United in the day's early kick-off at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

Once again, youngster Bobby Sokari scored for Enyimba and his 55th minute goal turned out to be the winner though Nasarawa United should have conceded more as Sibi Gwar and Andrew Abalogu could not convert when in good scoring positions.

For the semifinals, two former winners, Enyimba and Lobi Stars will go head-to-head while Akwa United and Wolves battle each other for a first-ever Cup final appearance.

FEDERATION CUP RESULTS

Heartland 1 – 1 Akwa United

(Akwa United progress 5-4 on penalties)

Warri Wolves 3 – 0 Kano Pillars

Nasarawa United 0 – 1 Enyimba

Akwa Starlets 1 – 2 Lobi Stars