Akwa United came from a goal down to beat Nasarawa United 2-1 in a Nigeria Professional Football League Match Day 31 clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.
The win moves Akwa United up to second position on the log.
Aminu Kadir put Nasarawa United ahead after taking advantage of a loose ball following a goalmouth scramble to tap in with seven minutes before half time.
Ubong Friday equalized for the Promise Keepers in the 41st minute when he headed in Ifeanyi Ifeanyi's corner kick before Christian Pyagbara sealed the victory three minutes into the second half tucking in a rebound after Suraj Ayeleso spilled Cyril Olisema's close range shot.
The hostility commenced with firepower as both teams showed signs of determination which resulted in an early attacking play.
Akwa United players were motivated by the presence of the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government SSG Sir Etekamba Umoren who was the Special Guest of Honour at the match, and the players did not disappoint.
The home team settled into the game quickly and made their first attempt at goal in the 4th minute but Ifeanyi Ifeanyi's free kick was saved by Suraj Ayeleso in the visitor's goal.
The Solid Miners then had two corner kicks in quick succession and would have gone ahead in the 13th minute but Aminu Kadir missed the chance inside the six yard box after a great delivery by Thomas Zenke.
The home side took control of the game and launched series of attacks. Friday and Pyagbara could not beat Suraj Ayeleso in Nasarawa United's goal as the goalkeeper made saves after saves to deny the the Promise Keepers.
Akwa United were left to rue their missed opportunity when Aminu Kadir capitalised on Ojo Olorunleke's mistake to scramble the ball over the line in the 38th minute, in what was the first goal conceded by the home team in their seven home matches at the Nest of Champions.
Coach Maikaba boys picked themselves up immediately and responded three minutes after conceding the goal.
Ubong Friday rose above the opposition's defense and nod home Ifeanyi's pinpoint cross from a corner kick in the 41st minute.
The forward's 7th goal of the season ensured both teams ended the first half 1-1.
Nasarawa United kick start the second half but lost possession almost immediately. Ubong Friday received a clever pass and locates Newman on the edge of the visitor's box.
The striker dribbled his way into the box and delivered a delectable pass to Olisema whose shot was spilled by Aleyeso for Pyagbara to tap in from close range to give the Promise Keepers the lead.
What followed was a catalogue of missed chances by Akwa United's front men as fans watched each miss in disbelief.
Coach Abdu Maikaba replaced Christian Pyagbara and Cyril Olisema with Gabriel Okechukwu and Christopher Lolo while Coach Kabir Dogo introduced Buhari Jaafar, Oussou Antonin and Eugene Obi into the game in the last half an hour but they did little to increase their team's tally as the Promise Keepers held on to record their 14th victory of the season and move up to 2nd on the log with 50 points from 30 matches.
Akwa United will next engage Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Wednesday in a rescheduled game, as gathered by codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng
No comments:
Post a Comment