By NELSON DAFE

The maiden edition of the Evans Ediagbonya Memorial Cup got off to a goal-laden start in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Tuesday as youth football clubs fight for the mouthwatering price money and prestige of a competition to honour the late spiritual leader of the burgeoning True Worshippers church.

Top Edo State side Ine Stars showed their class as they drubbed newcomers to the Benin city youth football scene England Boys FC 8-0 in the opening match of group D.

England Boys put up some early resistance but were quickly overwhelmed by the superior firepower of Ine Stars at the UBTH sports field in Ugbowo, Benin City.

In Group D’s other game, Etto FC beat Benin Warriors by 2-1. Benin Warriors had taken an early lead through Larry Eguavoen’s penalty. Benin Warriors, parading some young players coming up in the slipstream totally dominated the first half, but within two minutes late in the first half, their lead evaporated and they found themselves trailing.

Briefly down to 10-men as gangling striker David Odoko went out for treatment after complaining of chest pains, the Warriors lost their organization and Solomon Enabulele’s shot from just outside the 6-yard box drew Etto level.

A minute later, some suicidal defending let Etto win the ball just in front if the Benin Warriors 18 yard box and Ajibola Emmanuel converted with a shot inside the box for Etto.

Etto went back to reset defensive mode in the second half but Benin Warriors thought they had equalized when an Etto defender turned the ball into across the line under pressure, but a dithering assistant ref and center ref, took deep breadths and waved play on to the protest of the Warriors.

Fast rising Elite Stars saw off Union Sportive 2-0 in one of Group A's matches. Both goals were scored in the first half by Emeka Ehiedu and Sketel Uyiosa.

Union Sportive continue a dreadful run of results that saw them emerge last in the just-ended Benin City Youth league.

Former Edo state Bet9ja champions Mission Side were shocked 1-0 by Jobem FC.

Big youth sides, Rolly and BJ are drawn by and await qualifiers from the group stage in the round of 16.

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