Enyimba International piled on the agony for Sharks’ season with a 2-0 victory in the Fed Cup quarter-final at the FIFA Goal Project Centre in Abuja yesterday.
Kingsley Sokari and Rafael Boumsong struck to take the People’s Elephants past the Blue Angels.
Sharks followed the predictable pattern of many recent meetings with Enyimba by controlling possession for long periods but failing to take advantage.
Their Fed Cup exit follows their slump in form in the Premier League.
When they did pierce Enyimba’s rear-guard, the Blue Angels found the defending champions’ rearguard in outstanding form.
Kadiri Ikhana will be satisfied that Enyimba’s season has moved closer to being back on course with a vital triumph and the boost of a possible final appearance, but counterpart Gbenga Ogunbote cut a dejected and despairing figure at the final whistle.
Ikhana’s starting line-up carried a familiar look – but his side performed in highly effective fashion, despite Sharks enjoying a large share of possession in the first 15 minutes.
Sokari did not make mistake when presented with the chance to give Enyimba a crucial advantage after 23 minutes.
With Sharks desperate to score, they were punished as Boumsong punished them nine minutes before recess.
But nothing could take the gloss off Enyimba’s win as they sealed their place in the last four of the Fed Cup.
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