Mahanaim FC pacing winger and Flying Eagles forward, Rilwanu Haliru Sarki powered his team to the quarterfinals of Unity Preseason Tourney with a brilliant goal against Wikki Tourist on Wednesday.

The Nigerian U-20 Star striker confirmed the exit of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side, Wikki Tourists alongside Doma United in their last group games in Abuja.

The last matches in the Group D which took place simultaneously at both Old Parade Football complex, venue of the game between Mahanaim FC and Wikki Tourist, while EFCC against Doma took their make or nar encounter to Area 3, Football Pitch.

The two fixtures showed how difficult it was for two the teams, to have qualified before the last round of matches in the Unity preseason tournament groupings.

Wikki Tourist drew the first blood against Mahanaim FC in the first half and managed to consolidate on it till they went on recess.

The non-league side, Mahanaim FC who fielded some of their fringe players in a bid to build their confidence and equally exposed them through the highly intense encounter with Wikki Tourist, however, Coach Saheed Olalekan promptly unleashed all his foot soldiers into the field of play, as the second 45 minutes started.

Mahanaim were initially forced by Wikki Tourist to adopt a not too impressive tactics which is against the culture and style of play of the Abuja-based side.

As the match continued to take shape properly Wikki Tourist were struggling to contain the tactically high ‘pressing’ approach of the Mahanaim boys all through the progression of the match.

The Kebbi born intelligent winger, Rilwanu Sarki came on explosively and forced Wikki goalkeeper to smart save from his ferocious strike.

Aliu Baba Kareem, known as Mahanaim FC ‘Tiger’ outpaced two of his markers before feeding Sarki whose 17 yard effort beat the keeper to bring Mahanaim back on level terms.

This late effort confirmed the quarter finals ticket of Mahanaim FC, as Doma united exit the competition after they settled for a two all draw against EFCC at the area 3 football pitch; suffice to say, Rilwanu Haliru Sarki handed the Abuja-based team its quarter finals ticket against Setraco FC.

Meanwhile, as Mahanaim FC prepared for the quarterfinal match against Setraco today, one of the best center backs in this competition, Sodiq Yusuf has expressed confidence that his side will leave no stone unturned to secure victory.

“It was not an easy task booking the ticket going into today’s game against a league one side, Setraco.

‘’We have been very formidable as a non league football team thus far, Mahanaim FC sets target collectively and we usually tick the target boxes after every game.

“We are taking this game very seriously and no stone would be left unturned,” he assured.

Mahanaim FC finished as the Table toppers of Group D with five points, from three games – in the second edition of the ongoing Unity Preseason Tourney.

They will face Setraco 2pm, at Area 3 football pitch this afternoon.

  Mahanaim FC, Rilwanu Haliru Sarki, Setraco FC, Sodiq Yusuf, Unity Preseason Tournament, Wikki Tourists