19th May, 2011
Handsworth Football Club of Sango Ota, Ogun State, are set to confront Police Machine of Markurdi on Monday in the opening match of the National Challenge Cup.
The crucial encounter is expected to hold at the Samuel Ogbemudiah Stadium, Benin, Edo State. Handsworth FC, who defeated Indomine Football Club in the final of Ogun FA Cup recently, will travel on Sunday by road to Benin to keep a date with their opponents.
As part of preparations to enable them go far in the National Challenge Cup, Handsworth FC played a friendly match with COD United and drew 2-2 yesterday at the University of Lagos Sports Complex.
One of the players, Olasunkanmi, rated the friendly match a good one for his team as it brought the best out of the players. He told GSG on phone that COD United are a good side and deserve to represent Lagos in the National Challenge Cup.
“We almost lost the match but I am happy that the match ended in a draw. It was a match fans really enjoyed throughout the regulation time. Both teams gave a good account of themselves so I can say that my team will come out victorious on Monday,†he said.
Handsworth had started preparing since they won the Ogun FA Cup. The team had played series of friendly matches to keep the players fit ahead of their opening match against Police Machine of Markurdi on Monday.
“We are going to Benin in high spirits. My players are fit for the match. I thank God that none of them has an injury, so I am expecting good result against our opponents,†he said.
Chief Coach of the team, Godwin Enakhire expressed confidence that his team will not only win their opening match but go far in the tournament. He boasted that his team are capable of shocking the big clubs in the National FA Cup.
He said they will play Junior Strikers tomorrow at Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja in a friendly match as part of the build up ahead of Monday’s clash.