2023 ICMC Matchday 3 Wrap: Seven teams seal quarter-final qualification

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Seven teams have booked their qualification for the quarter-final of 2023 Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup (ICMC) after the conclusion of some group games at St. Patrick School, Asaba, Delta state capital.

In Group 1, Fortress Ladies made it to the quarter-final as Faith Enodumwenben’s strike sealed a place in the last eight.

Papa Soccer Academy and Giant Empress also booked their spots in the next stage of the tournament from Group 1 after both sides settled for a 1-1 draw.

Olanrewaju Olamide’s 38th-minute goal for the Lagos-based side canceled out Emmanuel Rose’s opener for Giant Empress.

In Group 2, Delta Babes and Phoenix Queens confirmed their qualification for the quarter-final after Ogwezi Faith’s goal earned the Warri-based team a 1-0 win over the Lagos side, Phoenix Queens.

In Group 3, Imo Strikers made it three wins out of three games with a 1-0 victory against Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens as Oscar Precious scored the winner which ensured that last year’s beaten finalists have crashed out of the tournament.

Awka Angels made it to the last eight after a 0-0 draw with Greenfoot.

The winner of the last group game between Unification Ladies and Bravehearts will complete the quarter final pairings on Thursday morning.

Bravehearts need a win while Unification Ladies must avoid defeat to make it to the quarter-final.

Two quarter-final fixtures have been confirmed for Thursday.

Fortress Ladies will face Awka Angels by noon while Imo Strikers and Papa Soccer Academy will jostle for one semi-final slot from 1:20 pm.

The winner of Group 2 will meet Giant Empress as Group 2 runners up and the best third-placed team will settle scores in the last quarter-final match on Thursday.