Beyond Limits made history as they beat former champions and 10-man Niger Tornadoes 3-1 to qualify for their first Optima Energy Gold Cup pre-season tournament final in three attempts. The Young Sky Blue Stars were the only team in the tourney with a hundred percent win record; having gone unbeaten in the group stage and
Heartland showed their intent to win against Lobi Stars early in the match when Bright Onyedikachi’s attempt in the 10th minute came off the crossbar before it was hurriedly cleared out by the visitors.
Ten minutes later, Heartland had another glorious opportunity to go in front but Emmanuel Adachi instead skied his attempt over the cross bar.
Mustapha Aliko in goal for Lobi Stars was forced to make two impressive saves in quick succession before he was booked in the 25th minute for time wasting.
Heartland continued to pile pressure on Lobi Stars defence and the resulting free kick in one of such dangerous incursions was expertly converted by Chidera Eze in the 38th minute for the opener.