Micah Ojodomo’s lone strike lifts MFM, downs Heartland
It was a dream debut for Micah Ojodomo as his first half strike helped struggling Mountain of Fire and Miracle Football (MFM) Club of Lagos to a slim victory over visiting Heartland Football Club of Owerri in a MatchDay 20 clash at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
For the two sides, it was the start of their quest to climb up the table after an unimpressive first round.
A lot was at stake in the match. Both coaches knew that a victory would brighten their chances of retaining their premiership status. It was the visitors that dominated the early exchanges but Ojodomo made the all-important difference for the Church side when he scored just after the half hour mark.
Heartland had failed to clear a free kick into their box and the former Adamawa United player simply tapped in from the back post as Goalkeeper Femi Thomas was left exposed by his backline.
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The importance of that goal and the ability of his side to defend the lone goal was not lost on the Coach Christian Ishiekwene. The MFM Coach was full of praises for the effort of his latest acquisition.
“Micah Ojodomo brings something different to this team. I am happy he scored on his debut. The first time he trained with our team, he left a very good impression on me. He is such a fast and confident player and it showed today.
I believe this victory will signal the start of something new for our team. We are confident of beating the drop and the process has started now”
Heartland’s Coach Erasmus Onuh had started with a former MFM player, Adeniji Adewole to perhaps unlock the defense of his former team. The fluidity needed to create chances was lacking for the visitors and it was not a surprise that midway in the first half, the Olukoya Boys seized the initiative and never looked back.
The victory means MFM has overtaken Heartland on goal difference but Coach Onuh is not bothered by the immediate setback. “It is a very disappointing result for us but it is nothing to worry about. We have many matches to go this season and I am confident we have what it takes to avoid the drop. My players were just unlucky on the night and we hope to make amends beginning with our next match”
MFM next visits Remo Stars and Coach Ishiekwene is sure of leaving Ikenne with the desired result. “Remo beat us at home in the first stanza and we hope to pay them back in their own coins. We had close camping during the mid-season break and I believe this has given us the impetus to get results even on the road”