Keffi Ponys, Almat rule 2016 MTN African Patrons Cup Polo 

The prestigious 2016 MTN African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament came to a pulsating end with Keffi Ponys and Abuja Almat clinching the African Patrons and General Hassan Kastina Cups respectively.

Keffi Ponys, who edged out Fifth Chukker at the semifinal stage, defeated Abuja Rubicon 7-4 in the explosive final game to retain the continental title they won last year.

Rubicon came into the final as favourites after discarding Kano Lintex at the semifinal stage. But after allowing the defending champions jump to the front with two quick goals in the opening chukka, their chances waned as the game wore on.

With a 5-2 lead and two chukkas left to play, Keffi Ponys were firmly in the driving seat. The team fought off a spirited push back by Rubicon who closed the gap with two more goals. Hamisu Buba and Wadada hit back with two goals to clinch an emphatic 7-4 victory and retain their title for another year.

The battle for the General Hassan Cup that pitched two debutants, Abuja Almat and Kaduna Amana Insurance team, was an exciting duel that saw 11 ½ goals in the match.

Amana Insurers managed to hold back the rampant Almat warriors (Ibrahim Musa, Idris Badamasi, Malik Badamasi and their patron, Maurice Ekpenyong) in the early stages, managing a 21/2-4 score line at the end of the second chukka of the final.

The closing two chukkas belonged to Almat as Ibrahim, Idirs, Malik and Maurice each scored to close down the battle weary Amana Boys and write their names in gold. They won for themselves the General Hassan title at the first attempt.