Bankers Games: Fidelity hampers UBA’s Cup defense

Cup holders, UBA, saw their title defense aspirations further questioned as they recorded a third consecutive draw in as many games to complete their group qualifying games on three points. That is one point less than group leaders, First Bank, which still has a game in hand.

UBA had gone into the Match Day 3 fixture needing a win to book a place in the next round as group leaders but their opponents on the day, Fidelity Bank were also determined not to lose a second game after their loss to First Bank on Match Day 1.

It was almost turning out a huge upset for the Africa’s biggest bank when Lamidi Kazim shot Fidelity Bank into the lead on 32nd minute, a lead they held into the second half. Yemi Lawal would save UBA the blushes when he converted from the penalty spot on 54th minute to salvage a point as the game ended 1-1.

The result means the defending champions can no longer emerge group leaders and risk a possible early clash with rivals, Skye Bank, leaders in Group B after two games. They also risk finishing further down the log should Fidelity beat group leaders, First Bank as both will tie on four points.