MTN African Patrons up 2016: Manarat, Almat in blistering opener
//Polo Sport: Ben Easy, Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria//
(Almat and Trademark in General Hassan Cup Action Manarat and Liberty Players Line up for the balling in Gen Hassan Cup)
2016 MTN African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament 2016 galloped off Monday, October 17, with emphatic display by two Abuja based teams who eased through their opening games in the General Hassan Cup.
Manarat, featuring Jamilu Umar, Glory Ebano, Tata Ali and Najib Galadanchi hit the ground running by with a 10-4 thumping defeat of the Liberty, parading Hassan Ramalan, Madi Buhari, Mukhtr Adahama and Tijani Aliyu.
The second match of the day very much followed the pattern of the opening game, as Almat, boasting team patron, Maurice Ekpenyong, Ibarhim Musa, Abdulmalik Badamasi and their talisman, Idris Badamasi made good their pre-tournament rating in edging local rivals Abuja Trade Mark 6-21/2 to finish joint leaders with Manarat and set stage for a close combat in the race for the General Hassan Cup.
Despite a late rally by the Trademark quartet of Nasir Lucat, Aliyu Umar, Abu Ibrahim and Lado Aliyu’s to retrieve their faded prospect in the crowded general Hassan Cup, Idris Badamsi dispatched them with two quick goals to ensure victory to Almat.
For his pivotal role in Almat victory, Idris who accounted for most of their goals, was voted the MVP, and got a handsome cash reward from Katsina United Football club Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Kurfi.