Heartland Queens laid down a statement of intent in the President Federation Cup as they ruthlessly dispatched Crystal Stars FC of Bayelsa 7-0 in a dominant Round of 32 tie at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Despite being handicapped by an incomplete squad—more than half of the team still denied licensing—Coach Obi Ogbala expertly marshalled his available troops into a cohesive, high-performing unit that delivered a scintillating attacking display in Asaba.
The Owerri Landladies wasted no time in asserting their authority. Just three minutes into the contest, Oluchi Okwara fired a thunderous volley from outside the box to open the floodgates. Her strike set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
Heartland Queens continued to pile on the pressure, creating a barrage of chances, including efforts that rattled the woodwork. Emmanuella James, however, made no mistake on the half-hour mark. Gliding past her marker down the flank, she coolly slotted home to double the lead.
Barely two minutes later, Onyeyechi Kalu rose highest to nod in a pinpoint cross, putting Heartland Queens 3-0 up at the break and leaving Crystal Stars reeling.
The second half resumed with the same intensity. Skipper Chimebere Opara got in on the act in the 56th minute, connecting with a delivery from Emmanuella James to make it four and extinguish any lingering hope of a Crystal Stars comeback.
Super-sub Umujiaku Oluebube announced her arrival in style, racing past a slow backline to score her debut goal in the 66th minute. The onslaught continued into the closing stages, with Chimebere Opara completing her brace in the 81st minute after yet another defensive lapse from the Bayelsa outfit.
Ezeani Eunice, another debutant off the bench, added the icing on the cake deep into stoppage time. Showing great composure, she buried her second opportunity of the day to seal a resounding 7-0 victory for the Owerri side.
It was a memorable outing for several new faces, with Praise Daniel Oluebube making her debut in goal, while Ekeke Faith earned her first start in Heartland Queens’ colours and delivered a solid defensive shift.
With Crystal Stars out of the tournament, Heartland Queens march into the Round of 16, where they will square off against Onimarge FC of Ondo State, who edged Fortress Ladies of Edo 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
As they aim to make amends for a challenging league campaign, Heartland Queens will be looking to maintain this blistering cup form and push deeper into the tournament in pursuit of silverware.
Heartland Queens Media