HND DEFEATS ND 4-3 ON PENALTIES

By Olaleye  Boluwatife

Durojaiye Ayorinde also known as Damwiz netted the winning goal as The Higher National Diploma narrowly defeated the National Diploma football team by four goals to three in a tense penalty shootout on Wednesday.

The game happened to be the second leg fixture between both classes since their first leg encounter ended in a 4-all draw.

The ND were pretty much quiet for much of the first half and it was The HND that pressed very hard to find a goal as they created chances upon chances and continued to storm the ND goal.

However, Emmanuel Omotayo’s introduction in the second half livened up the ND team as they took charge especially with Emmanuel constantly making some dangerous runs into the HND box.

The ND’s sudden surge intensified when Martins and Emmanuel both struck the post at separate intervals though HND’S defender, Omolola Shina forced a top class save from ND’s  goalie, Oladeji Ayomide through a free kick from the midfield.

The second half was more exciting but there was still nothing to separate both classes after regular time and a penalty shootout would be needed to decide the winner.

Ironically, Martins and Emmanuel who had inspired ND’s fight back in the second half both missed crucial penalties for their class while on the other hand, Shina and three others all slotted in their penalties to see HND clinch an all-important and motivating 4-3 win ahead of the upcoming Cup Championships which will take place during 2017 NIJ students’ week.