Coming off a resounding 5-1 victory in the first leg at their home ground, Avu Primary School field, Giant Brillars FC knew they would face a more determined opposition this time around. The Coach John Kingsley Echendu led squad, however stamped their authority early in the game, dictating the tempo and carving out seven clear-cut chances in the first half, including a disallowed goal that was ruled out by the referee. Despite their attacking intent, both teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when the rave of the moment and in-form attacker George Okechukwu, who had also netted the curtain raiser in the first leg, dazzled his way past two defenders before rounding the goalkeeper to slot home the opener again for Giant Brillars.
The visitors doubled their lead through the ever-alert Amadi Wisdom, who capitalized on a moment of defensive disarray to bury the ball into the net, sending the traveling supporters into jubilation.
However, Global Stars found a lifeline five minutes later when unmarked Abel Ezechukwu pounced on a loose ball spilled by the Giant Brillars shot-stopper, calmly slotting home to make it 2-1 and ignite hopes of a comeback.
With the hosts pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Giant Brillars struck a decisive blow in the 87th minute. Super-sub Miracle Akuta rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross, guiding his header into the net to restore his team’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.
Global Stars refused to go down without a fight and grabbed a late consolation goal deep into stoppage time, as Benjamin Ekwueme expertly nodded home from a well-delivered set piece to make it 3-2.
Despite the late scare, Giant Brillars held on to secure back-to-back wins over Global Stars, sealing the bragging rights in the friendly fixture.
