AKFA Cup: Gallant FC ONE Rockets shoot down Vandrezzer FC to reach final

FC ONE Rockets gallantly came from behind to defeat fellow NNL side Vandrezzer FC 2-1 in the second semi-final of the 2023 Akwa Ibom State FA Cup on wednesday evening in Uyo.

Lekan Abdulsalami fired Vandrezzer FC ahead at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International staduim  in the 31st minute. The prolific forward pounced on a loose ball following a defensive error to fire The Lions of Naija to a 1-0 lead, one they maintained until the half-time break.

The Rockets emerged for the second half with a different approach. Unlike the first half, FC ONE Rockets were direct in pressure on the Vandrezzer FC backline and got due reward from a well taken set piece. Clinton Jeptha curled home a delightful free kick to level scores in the 51st minute.

Both teams launched attacks at each others post in search of the winner until one arrived in the 77th minute. Vandrezzer FC defender Awolabi diverted a fierce shot across goal into his own net to put FC ONE Rockets 2-1 up and heading to the final.

Vandrezzer FC did toil in vain for the rest of the game but the Rockets held on to seal a 2-1 semi final win to reach their first Akwa Ibom State FA cup final and book a ticket to the National Federation Cup which gets underway later this year.

FC ONE Rockets will face 13-time Akwa Ibom State FA Cup final game on Monday March 20 at the Godswill Akpabio International Staduim, Uyo.