Ardova HPL: COAS Shooters shock defending champions, Tojemarine HBC
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Chief of Army Staff Shooters on Wednesday night defeated reigning champions, Tojemarine HBC 23-21 in phase one of the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin, Edo State.
The Army boys, who were newly promoted to the elite division after suffering relegation last season, came out with strong intent in the first half, going into an early and never relinquishing it as they won the half 17-8.
Tojemarine and the spectators were left stunned with the first half display of COAS Shooters, but it was all down to the flawless defensive display of the Army boys who also made better use of the scoring chance that came their way.
Sensing defeat, Tojemarine coach, Shittu Adewunmi pepped his boys who came out with a better strategy in the second half as against the one-on-one attacking style which didn’t pay off the first half.
Despite Tojemarine’s best efforts, the Army boys, coached by Emeka Nnamani held on to record a famous victory and avoid a repeat of the break down against Sokoto Rima, in a game they lost 26-25 despite leading by three goals with two minutes to the end of the game.
Nnamani stated that the strategy of his young team is to stay fit, focused and take each game as it comes. He noted that the victory against the defending champions would propel his team to more wins.
He said, “I have a young side but the idea is to make them fit so that they can perform well in every game. It is a league and we will surely pick up vital wins along the way.”
The national under 18 coach also noted that the standard of the league has continued to grow as the emergence of young players would be a blessing to the country.
