Ozoro Polytechnic Stadium capacity was filled to capacity in the clash between St Paul College, Ozoro and Marvel International School, Ughelli on Friday in the Zenith Bank/Detla Principal Cup Finals. Although it was a grass root football match but over the years in spirit display by participate can only be compare with that experience in foreign leagues.
The clash between Marvel international school Ughelli and St Paul College, Ozoro, Delta State ended up 6-5 on penalty shoot-out with Marvel International School, Ughelli emerged as winner after a very tough challenge from both sides.
The match started on a very high pace with the first half dominated the host team St Paul College but with a low conversion rate as most chance created were not utilized. The second half was dramatic as the visitor came more aggressive and score the leading go just two minutes into the second half. As the visitor bask in the euphoria of the lead, Marvel continued to dominate the game as they created several opportunities to increase the lead with Ndinwa hitting the cross bar for the second time in the game.
The fans were already on their feet celebrating the second goal after Yeko Daniel dribbled two defenders and goalkeeper, but his shot miss the target to spectators behind the net. St Paul College Ozoro eventual had a late comeback making the score line 1-1, sending the game into a penalty shootout.
The event was grass by high and mighty in the society and the present of his Excellency, Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa. The Governor who has been a regular spectator each year could not but laud the praise of Zenith Bank for reviving and sponsoring the Delta Principals’ Cup football competition for secondary schools.
He announced the start of a new challenge Cup, Headmasters Cup, with the winners also getting a school bus. He added “I hope they will continue to help the state and I hope by next year, the schools that qualified for the final will be camped together for some days before the game, so that they will be able to display more football skills.