By George Aluo
Pawas Academy of Jos put up a five star performance Tuesday night in the on going Africa Youth Cup tournament in Cape Verde, beating Benfica of Portugal to romp into the semi final.
Just like Pawas Academy, Bayelsa’s Restoration Starlets also picked up one of the group B semi final tickets despite losing 1-2 to Daraja Academy of Côte d’Ivoire in a keenly contested encounter.
Pawas who started the tournament on a poor note losing 1-3 to Volcan Junior of Cote d’Ivoire were simply on fire in the game against Benfica. The boys from Jos scored the only goal of the match in the fifth minute and held on to it to secure the semi final ticket.
Pawas leader of delegation, Achike Ofodile while basking in the euphoria of their victory said it took a lot of pep talk to bring the best out of his boys.
“The coaches charged them to prove that they have the God given talent against Benfica. They were also told not to play with any form of complex since they have what it takes to win. I am happy they reacted positively and played their best game of the tournament,” Ofodile said.
The encounter was one in which the Cape Verdean fans cheered Benfica all the way instead of their West African brothers. Benfica enjoyed total support right from day one, thanks to the relationship between Cape Verde and Portugal.
In the Restoration Starlets, Daraja tie, Starlets took the lead only to surrender it in the second half. Despite the setback, Restoration Starlets still secured a semi final ticket having garnered four points.
The outcome of Wednesday’s tie between Daraja and Deportivo would determine who tops the group.
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