Mourinho refuses to go down without fighting
Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City top hierarchy might have bought wines to celebrate their EPL victory ahead of the derby clash against their neighbours, Manchester United. It was a topic of discussion long before the match that Manchester City- Champions Elect- could nick the title with victory over their bitter rivals on April 8, 2018.
The script was playing accordingly at the Etihad with two quick goals by their inspirational captain Vincent Kompany and Ikay Gundogan. Ironically, both players have played fringe roles for City this term having been crocked for most part of the season. The match ended 2-0 in the first half with the home side in a comfortable lead.
Twitter and other social media went on a meltdown at half time berating Mourinho for his negative approach to the game while handing the EPL trophy to City. Only die hard Man U fans refused to bulge. Yours truly was guilty of this: proclaiming City as champions. Alas! It was not to be as United came out smoking in the second half.
Paul Pogba, with his funny hairstyle, a victim of trolls all day, now rose to his 89m Pounds price tag by scoring two quick goals to level scores. It was a crazy scene at the away end while boisterous home side remains silent.
They were gearing up for their traditional “Poznan” celebration but were gobsmacked by the goals. And defender Chris Smalling added insult to injury by scoring a winner.
Vintage Mourinho did the needful at halftime and changed the game completely, and called for more respect at a press briefing afterward.
You don’t outfox the fox! United will most likely end in second place in the EPL but have shifted City’s celebration away from their vicinity. The popping of champagne by City has to wait a little longer, not too long though.
In another news, Nigerian club sides faltered again on the continent as only Enyimba FC of Aba has the realistic chance of making it to the group stage of the less glamourous Caf Confederation Cup.
In the playoff on Friday, The People’s Elephant forced South African side Bidvest Wits to a 1-1 away from home. All they need now is at least a goalless draw in Calabar in the return leg to advance.
In Lagos on Saturday, Plateau United managed a slim 2-1 win over USM Alger and must avoid a one nil defeat to stay on course. That is a tall dream when you remember the last time in Tunisia, they lost 4-0 against Etoile Du Sahel.
A day after, MFM fell 0-1 to Djoliba of Mali in the first leg to become the first Nigerian side to lose at home to the side. Another tall order for Nigerian club side to emerge unscathed in the return leg.
Finally, Akwa United could not survive the onslaught of Al Hilal of Sudan in Omdurman losing 2-0 on Sunday night. This followed outcry by Nigerians who had a peep at the rickety bus provided for the team for their training.
The Uyo based side need three unreplied goals to turn the table against the Sudanese side.
