GODWIN 1-2 HENRY GREEN
A BRACE FROM Ibunkun Aliyu, either side of Diana Ngobo Azeez’s second half strike, helped Henry Green retain their Monteagle Shield title – although they were pushed every inch of the way by rivals Godwin in the closest borough 5-a-side final in years.
A tense start saw both sides probe into the opposition half, only for the respective defences to remain on top.
Godwin’s main attacking threat came from the pace of Ngobo Azeez down the left-flank as the winger twice forced Zara Alhussain Duarte into comfortable stops at the near post.
And it was from Alhussain Duarte’s kicking that Henry Green threatened the most, her high-balls causing chaos in the challengers’ penalty area and forcing her opposite number – Zohar Okoruwe – into several last-gasp saves.
Opportunity
Eventually though, it was the waspish play of Miquellah Meade down the left-hand side that created a crossing opportunity shortly before half-time. The district winger picked out the unmarked Aliyu to side-foot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Godwin started the second half brightly and were soon back in the tie. A mistake at the back lead to Ngobo Azeez bursting through with just the keeper to beat. Alhussain Duarte saved bravely at the first attempt but Ngobo Azeez’s improvised finish left her helpless as the ball span back into the goal.
Although a draw would result in a share of the title, both teams pushed for the winner as the intensity of the game picked up considerably from the first half.
On the Spot
Neither team yielded an inch until one of Alhussain-Duarte’s trademark deliveries caused another goalmouth scramble. Henry Green skipper Abigail Asare’s effort was saved well by Okoruwe at the closest of ranges. Emily Brown was then on hand to desperately hack the loose ball off the line: however, the loose ball fell at the feet of Aliyu who was on the spot once again to bundle the ball home with a minute remaining of normal time.
There was elation at the final whistle for Henry Green, but heart-break for a resolute Godwin team who were left to rue their luck after a hard-fought defeat.
Henry Green: Zara Alhussain Duarte; Gloria Mario; Gentjana Beqa; Miquellah Meade; Abigail Asare; Ellie-Mai Morgan; Evelyne Ouattara; Ibunkun Aliyu
Godwin: Zohar Okoruwe, Abigal Uche-Kalunta, Ogechi Ogbonna, Emily Brown, Victoria Kanyemesha, Diana Ngobo Azeez, Charlie Bailey, Alexia Ivey