Imo FA Cup: Ten-man Pakat hit six as Heartland Comets edge through on penalties
Pakat FC and Heartland Comets delivered contrasting but equally emphatic statements at the continuation of the first round action of the 2026 Imo FA President’s Federation Cup yesterday in Owerri.
- By Tunde Liadi
Pakat FC and Heartland Comets delivered contrasting but equally emphatic statements at the continuation of the first round action of the 2026 Imo FA President’s Federation Cup yesterday in Owerri.
Heartland Comets showed grit and composure to edge past Akudo Brighter Stars FC 5-3 on penalties after a tense goalless draw at full time at the Township Stadium, Tetlow Road. In a tightly contested encounter, chances were few and far between, but the Comets held their nerve in the shootout to secure passage into the next round.
In stark contrast, Pakat FC produced a ruthless attacking display to dismantle East Coast FC of Orlu 6-0 in a one-sided affair. Despite being reduced to 10 men for nearly the final 30 minutes, Pakat FC showed no signs of slowing down, underlining their dominance with an emphatic scoreline.
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They had already taken firm control in the first half, racing to a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Mbata Chimaobi Basil and Obinna Orji Ofoegbu, who opened his account before the break.
The second half saw Pakat FC turn on the style even with a numerical disadvantage. Oguledo Chikaodi, Chibuike Goodluck, Victory Chukwu, and a second goal from Ofoegbu completed the rout with strikes in the 67th , 71st , 83rd and 90th minutes respectively.
With both Pakat FC and Heartland Comets advancing, attention now shifts to today’s fixtures at the same venue. Akonye FC will take on Heartland B Team by 1pm, while Campos FC square off against AVE International FC at 3pm as the race for qualification intensifies.
Only the two finalists will earn the right to represent Imo State at the National President’s Federation Cup later in the year. A competition where Heartland FC currently hold the state crown.
