MTN, the sponsors of the annual MTN African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament have applauded the sportsmanship displayed by all the participating teams during the week-long tournament which took place in Kaduna.
Dola Bamgboye, the Event & Sponsorship Manager, MTN Nigeria, who made the commendation on behalf of the telecommunications firm, also congratulated all the players for displaying the “can-do” spirit during the tournament, and complimented the winners.
The prestigious 2016 MTN African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament came to a pulsating end in Kaduna, with Keffi Ponys and Abuja Almat clinching the African Patrons and General Hassan Katsina Cups respectively.
Keffi Ponys, who edged out Fifth Chukker at the semi-final stage, defeated Abuja Rubicon 7-4 in the explosive final game to retain the continental title they won last year.
Rubicon came into the final as favourites after discarding Kano Lintex during the semi-final stage, but after allowing the defending champions jump to the front with two quick goals in the opening chukka, their chances waned as the game wore on.
With a 5-2 lead and two chukkas left to play, Keffi Ponys were firmly in the driving seat. The team fought off a spirited push back by Rubicon who closed the gap with two more goals. Hamisu Buba and Wadada hit back with two goals to clinch an emphatic 7-4 victory and retain their title for another year.
The battle for the General Hassan Cup that pitched two debutants, Abuja Almat and Kaduna Amana Insurance team, was an exciting duel that saw 11 ½ goals in the match
Amana Insurers had managed to hold back the rampant Almat warriors (Ibrahim Musa, Idris Badamasi, Malik Badamasi and their patron, Maurice Ekpenyong) in the early stages managing a 21/2-4 score line at the end of the second chukka of the final
The closing two chukkas did belong to Almat as Ibrahim, Idirs, Malik and Maurice each scored to close down the battle weary Amana Boys and write their names in gold. They won for themselves the General Hassan title at the first attempt.
Some of the dignitaries that thronged the Fifth Chukker Lawns of the Magnificent Kangimi Resort, Kaduna, venue of the competition, included Dzugala Gustavo, the Argentine Ambassador to Nigeria, Alhaji Bala Shagari and the District Head of Marafan Shagari amongst others.
