Doma United beat Gombe United on penalties to win FA Cup
Doma United has won the 2023 Gombe State FA Cup after defeating Gombe United 9-8 in the penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw after the normal regular 90minutes at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, on Wednesday to retain a trophy they won last year.
Doma United’s Ibrahim Mamman saved the last penalty kick after both keepers failed to make any save in the preceding spot kicks.
It’s almost a year after the Tigers edged past Aliyu Zubairu’s men to win the same title, and today, Pantami stadium witnessed another gripping clash between these sides that went down to the wire.
The game was more tense and cargy, just like it used to be between the two Gombe sides as fans of both clubs had a good time watching their respective teams, and they were tied on 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Doma United took the lead in the 31st minutes through Charles Chibuke’s smart finish but then fell victim of a blistering start to the second half by Gombe United as Samuel Mathias swept in an equalizer in the 70th minute.
However, Clement Junior was shown his second yellow card and sent off to reduce Doma United to 10 men and put Gombe United in an advantaged position.
A late flurry of Gombe United’s attempts could not prevent the game going into penalty shootout with Doma United almost taking the lead after Hillary’s throwing nearly beats the keeper and Barnabas couldn’t take the rebound as it goes closely wide for corner kick.
Ibrahim Mamman was called up to replace Oche Emmanuel in between the sticks for the Tigers ahead of a possible penalty shoot and it paid off.
In the shootout, Doma United scored all their nine spot kicks while Gombe United missed the decisive kick after Ibrahim Mamman dived the right way to make the save that ensured Doma wins the title for the second consecutive year.
In his post-match interview, Doma United’s TA Akinade Onigbinde couldn’t hide his excitement “I am so so happy to have won my first trophy with United. Though they might have won it severally but it feels good to have won it with them this year. We played well in the first half and we went to sleep a bit in the second half and that gave Gombe united the opportunity to equalize but I am glad that at that end, we were able to win it.”
On his part, the day’s hero, Mamman popularly called Babalo said he is excited to have contributed to winning the competition “I was sitting on the bench and praying that I get an opportunity to prove myself and then it came. I prayed to God to help me contribute in a positive way so that we can win this trophy and I am glad that I contributed to this. It always feels good to be on the pitch out there with the boys and I will continue working hard so that I can get my chance in the NPFL”.
Next up for Doma United is a home clash against Wikki Tourist is Match Day 14 of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday 16th April at the Pantami Stadium.
