The football team of Knights of St. John’s International, District 50 over the weekend traded tackles with the Port Harcourt Diocese, Altar Servers Association, Football Club, in an explosive encounter that ended in a draw, in Port Harcourt.
The football match took place at the playing field of Sacred Heart Seminary, Rumuibekwe, Port Harcourt.
The Port Harcourt Grand President Brig. General Emmanuel Ufuoma Okene, who is thec Initiator of the program gave his blessings and support for the sports evangelism, was ably Represented by the District Commander of District 48, Col. Premo Ebiware
The kick off for the match was performed by the Supreme Subordinate Nigeria Inspector General, Brigadier General Henry Agbai.
Addressing the players and spectators, the District Commander of District 50, Port Harcourt Grand Commandery, Knights of Saint John’s International, Major P.M.C. Okeke, said that the objective of the novelty football match, was to further the work of evangelism of the Catholic church. He admonished the players not to see the football match as a do-or-die affair but rather as a tool for physical fitness and to foster the growth of the church through evangelism.
The football match was exciting as both teams played their hearts out.
Altar Servers FC opened the scoring line with a goal in the 25th minute of the match. The Altar Server’s FC followed up with another goal before the close of the the first half of the match.
The second half opened with KSJI District 50 making some impressive moves, but failed to convert them into goals.
Altar Servers FC followed up with two quick goals, bringing the scoreline to 4-0, the end of the second half.
At the close of the match, the match officials ruled that going by FIFA regulations, Altar Servers fielded underaged players, as the agreed age limit for the match was 45 years and above. The match officials therefore ruled that the goals scored by Alter Servers FC has been forfeited to KSJI District 50 FC.
In the spirit of brotherhood, the captain of the KSJI District 50 FC, Major P.M.C. Okeke disclosed that the goals will be shared equally by both teams, thus bringing the scoreline to 2-2.
At the end of the tournament, players and spectators were treated to a lavish entertainment.
In the spirit of the evangelism, objective of the tournament, about 4 aspirants from the Altar Servers FC and spectators, decided to Aspire to membership of Knights of Saint John’s International.