By Daily Sports on June 25, 2016

Heartland moved out of relegation in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after defeating Akwa United 2-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Saturday.

Omo Johnson and captain Chinedu Efugh scored in the second half for Heartland, who have endured a difficult season which include a run of eight games on the bounce without a win.

Heartland head coach Alphonsus Dike listed new signings David Sunday, Hamzat Owolabi and Omo Johnson in the matchday squad.

Belgian trainer Maurice Cooreman returned as Akwa United's head coach for the first time after serving out a six-week suspension from his employers.

Former Heartland players Fortune Omoniwari and Hassan Babangida made the trip with Akwa United to Owerri.

Sunday, younger brother of Rivers United goalkeeper Rotimi Sunday, was handed the first chance of the game on nine minutes when he was slipped through on the right channel. His attempt into the bottom corner was smothered by Akwa United goalkeeper Victor Obiowo.

On 13 and 16 minutes, Benin Republic striker Anthony Oussou came close to opening score and on the second attempt Akwa United had Paterne Kounnou to thank for a timely block.

Ogbugh also had his opportunity, but failed to make it count.

Eight minutes before the break, Heartland goalkeeper Emmanuel Iwu had to backtrack to drag out Michael Ikpe's looping header to prevent his team from an embarrassing moment.

There was still time before the end of the first 45 minutes for Kounnou to make a goalline clearance for Akwa United and Iwu to make a scrambling save from a wickedly struck Omoniwari free kick as both teams went into the locker room level-pegging.

Heartland gaffer Dik, then went on a substitution spree, sending on Macmarcel Obioha, Johnson and Owolabi to replace Brownbraye Okpus, Oussou and Sunday.

It took Johnson just five minutes to score his debut goal for Heartland since joining from Kano Pillars. He turned on the edge of Akwa United box and fired in low to beat Obiowo, who had been impressive all afternoon until the 61st minute.

Ten minutes to time, Obioha made a goalline clearance from Harrison Ibukun's headed attempt.

However, Heartland secured the game when Efugh was at the right place at the right time to poke home the insurance goal on 84 minutes to kill off any hope of an Akwa United comeback.

Heartland, with 26 points, but with a better goal difference than 3SC on the same number points, will hope that the Oluyole Warriors stumble when they play hosts to FC Ifeanyiubah on Sunday.

•With reference to supersports.com.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 25, 2016

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