One Rocket bounce back to beat Vandrezzer to historic Akwa Ibom State FA Cup final 

By Wale Mustapha

A spirited second half rally from FC One Rocket earned them maiden appearance at the Akwa Ibom State FA Cup final following their 2-1 comeback win over Vandrezzer FC in the semifinal on Wednesday in Uyo.

The victory has also ensured One Rocket will be participating in their inaugural national FA finals as both teams, participating in the Nigeria National League, to produce an entertaining semifinal tie and it did lived up to billing.

It was Vandrezzer who took a deserved lead just a minute after the half hour mark when Lekan Abdulsalam pounced on a defensive lapses and fired in a left-footed shot.

FC One Rocket tried to muster a moment of comeback in the first half but Vandrezzer would protect their lead to the dugout.

The second half was more of an exchange in control which could have seen either side finding back of the net early one.

However, One Rocket returned a more purposeful which saw them leveled the score in the 56th minute when midfielder Clinton Jephta curled free kick rolled over the wall and beat the Vandrezzer goalkeeper.

It became more feisty encounter as both sides went in search of the winner goal which would secure their place in the final as One Rocket wanted it more and they deservedly got it in the 72nd minute via an own goal.

Harrison Ebah started the dazzling run from the flank before locating Efe Kegbe whose cross was turned in by Vandrezzer defender.

It would then result to the deciding moments as FC One Rocket held on to the lead to book a final place against the reigning champions, Akwa United who ha earlier defeated Dakkada FC in the other semi final.