By Saheed Afolabi
The journey that started with 13 teams on December 11, is now down to two teams at the 2023 Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup (ICMC).
The semi-final games were concluded at the St Patrick School, Asaba, Delta State on Saturday.
Last year’s beaten finalist and second-tier Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, Imo Strikers made it five wins out of five games with a 3-1 victory over newly promoted NWFL Championship side, Fortress Ladies.
Chidi Harmony broke the deadlock for the in-form side in the 38th minute and doubled the lead in the 46th minute after a resilience display by the Benin City-based side.
The two goals increased Harmony’s tally to ten in five games as she sits top of the goal scorers chart in the tournament.
Favour Enodumwenben reduced the deficit for Fortress Ladies in the 49th minute but that was mere consolation as Oscar Precious scored her sixth goal of the competition to end the contest.
The second semi-final match between Giant Empress and Delta Babes ended in a goalless draw.
Giant Empress won the battle of wills 5-3 on penalties to seal a place in the final.
The third-place match will take place on Sunday morning between Fortress Ladies and Delta Babes at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
This will be followed by the final match between Imo Strikers and Giant Empress at the same venue.
