The defending champions, Sakaba United Football Club, were knocked out on the opening day of matches in the 2013 Federation Cup competition in Kebbi.
The competition being organised by the Kebbi Football Association (FA) had commenced among registered football clubs in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
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The Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Abubakar Udu, performed the ceremonial kick-off of the competition.
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Thereafter, Bati Babes FC of Birnin Kebbi caused a major upset by defeating the defending champions, who are from the Sakaba Local Government Area, 10-9 on penalty kicks.
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The encounter had ended 1-1 after the regulated full time of 90 minutes and the Bati Babes FC went on to win the penalty shootout.
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Speaking on the competition, Secretary of the state FA, Atiku Magaji, said adequate security and fair officiating helped in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the match.
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“The FA will continue to ensure that all clubs receive fair treatment, keeping in mind a strict compliance with the rules of the game,’’ he said. (NAN)
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