Michael Okolo's brace on Saturday rekindled Gateway United's promotion target to the elite division, after a 2-0 win over Abia Comets in the second tier Nigeria National League (NNL) matchday 10 fixture at the MKO Abiola International Stadium,Kuto in Abeokuta,the Ogun State capital
The match saw, Okolo grabbing the brace from the penalty spot in the remaining half of the thrilling encounter, to secure the maximum three points for the home side who had earlier lost to Bayelsa United by the same margin in Yenegoa
Gateway now moved closer to the top spot with 16points behind leaders and local rivals,Remo Stars of Ikenne-Remo with 18points and second placed Bendel Insurance of Benin with 17points in the Group B2 Southern Conference of the league
Okolo's freekick had earlier in the 5th minute lacked the usual bite, as his kick went straight to the keeper.
Gateway Utd were forced into an early substitution as Azeez Durojaiye made way for Chidozie Iwundu 30th minute, no thanks to injury.
Enterprising Michael Okolo missed another opportunity on the hour mark in the match, when his freekick was again saved by the Comet's goalkeeper .
Eight minutes later, Gateway United won a penalty after Haruna Salifu was brought down in a goal bound move.
Michael Okolo stepped up and converted the awarded penalty, slotting hard into the top left hand corner.
That goal pegged the visiting team back as the home side continued to dominate the game.
In the 85th minute, Odunsina Sunkanmi went on a mesmerising run, got past one, about to beat the second and was hacked down as referee pointed to the spot.
Michael Okolo would not miss as he got his brace of the afternoon with another deftly taken spot kick.
Okunbor Bankole and Faith Bakare came into the fray for Michael Okolo and Seyi Okeowo in the last five minutes as Gateway Utd saw out another home win.
Gateway United according to its Media Officer, Moses Ojewumi, will be on the road against Holy Arrows at Oleh Township Stadium, Delta State on 3rd of April, 2021.
Meanwhile Nnewi United ended the unbeaten run of the Group B1 leaders, Shooting Stars of Ibadan in eight matches
The homeside defeated Shooting Stars by a lone-goal in a week nine match, to end the visitors winning streak
Despite the defeat,the Oluyole Warriors are still comfortable at the summit of the league with 24points, ahead of the second placed Vandrezzer who have 14points
In this Sunday fixtures, Group B2 leaders, Remo Stars are guests to the nineth placed Apex Krane with just nine points while FC Nilayo take on Dynamite Force at the MKO Abiola International Stadium Kuto in Abeokuta in the Group B1 match
No comments:
Post a Comment