Iheanacho, Sterling wreck Roma, as City win first trophy

Nigeria and Manchester City youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, was on target in the club’s victory against Roma in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday, during an International Champions Cup friendly, which was eventually decided by a penalty shootout in City’s favour..

The Nigerian capitalised on a lazy back pass from Ashley Cole to put his side ahead. Iheanacho clipped the ball in behind the Roma defence.

Before his goal, Iheanacho had provided the assist for new man, Raheem Sterling, to score in his debut. Sterling latched on to a through ball from Iheanacho to score.

Two goals from Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic and Adem Ljajic took the game to penalties.

Aleksandar Kolarov blazed his penalty over the crossbar, just as Joe Hart stepped up to smash a spot-kick into the top corner before Seydou Doumbia failed. Sterling was named man of the match award for his performance in his first outing as a City player.

Sterling needed only two minutes and 17 seconds to show why Manchester City decided to approach Liverpool with three offers before breaking their club record to sign him earlier this month.

It was all the more impressive because the England forward had just picked himself up from a rather embarrassing fall on his backside less than a minute into his debut.

The former Liverpool forward keeps his eyes on the ball as he races clean through before putting his new side ahead within three minutes.

The Roma fans who booed him before kick-off loved that moment, jeering with delight when Sterling tried to trick his way past Alessandro Florenzi and slipped on the soft turf that had caused Manuel Pellegrini so much concern before kick-off.