Okocha Emmanuel was the penalty hero as Administration/Management knocked out Physiotherapy in the semi-final of the ongoing University of Benin Teaching Hospital Inter-departmental competition on Thursdy evening under the cool rain.
After a tightly contested regulation time that saw both sides miss key chances to settle the tie, it was the dreaded penalty shootout that would decide who advanced to the semi-finals. And in moments like these, Okocha Emmanuel who had made multiple saves in the 90 stood up.
The Administration/Management goalkeeper delivered a world-class performance under pressure, diving to save Physiotherapy’s first two penalties taken by Eghosa Samuel and Obuche emmanuel, destabilizing the morale of their opponents and tilting the balance heavily in favour of his team.
With nerves of steel, all of Administration/Management’s penalty takers converted their spot-kicks with clinical precision, Alohan Osapkamwan, Ajasa Owonaru and Joshua Ifejesu ensured the first three was a flawless shootout display. By the time the fourth kick was tucked away by Daniel Joseph, it was all over Administration/Management were through to the next round, and Okocha Emmanuel was the undisputed man of the moment.
The game had been billed as one of the tightest matchups in the quarterfinal, and it lived up to expectations. Both teams showed grit and tactical discipline throughout the match. Physiotherapy’s midfield looked composed, while their defence largely kept the dynamic Administration forwards at bay. But when it came down to the shootout, it was the team with the sharper nerve and the safer gloves, that prevailed.
Okocha Emmanuel was voted the Man of the Match for his penalty heroics.