Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Polo: Titan/STL, SA Polo africa in winning start

The 2016 Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament galloped-off Wednesday at the Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club, Kangimi Resort, Kaduna with BUA defeating Valda 4-2 1/2 in the UNICEF Cup .

South African side, SA Poloafrica also produced a sublime display to edge New Line Farm 6 1/2- 5.

Titan/STL were also victorious against Susplan 5-41/2 while Niyya Farms also secured a 6 1/2 – 4 win against Aerovote to brighten their chances of clinching the top prize in the15-team UNICEF Cup which takes the centre stage for the first week of the ten-day event.

Two-goaler, Ali and Abdulrahman Mohammed +3 both spearheaded Team BUA’s triumph in the first match on Ground 3.

The Emir of Hadeja, HRH Dr. Adamu Abubakar Maje performed the traditional kick-off for the match between New Line Farm and SA Poloafrica which has former Governor of Katsina among the spectators but it was the visiting team sponsored by the South Africa Tourism Board that was trailing less than a minute into the match as Halifa Elhussaini drove in a low shot.

Further goals by Haba Dawul and Hamisu Buba put the Farmers more comfortable on the driving seat after David Lephatsi struck to put the scores 3 -1 1/2.

The last three chukka saw the best of the South African side with goals by Thabo Mokofeng, Anthony Mothijoa and Taota Ntoeleng scored back-to-back to added excitement to a topsy turvy encounter which eventually ended 6 1/2- 5.