It was a moment of magic on Saturday for struggling Gateway United Football club whose commanding first-half display, saw the side claiming its first vital away win , after an impressive 2-0 victory against First Bank FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos in Matchday 6 of the 2024/ 25 second tier Nigeria National League campaign.
The Ogun State-based side delivered a dominant first-half performance to claim all three points at one of the league's most challenging venues.
Head coach Festus Allen, making four changes to the lineup that lost to Solution FC in Matchday 5, saw his team respond emphatically.
Right from the kick-off, Gateway United pressed aggressively, and their efforts paid off with two quick goals in the first ten minutes. Olufemi Famuyiwa broke the deadlock in the 3rd minute, while Taofeek Babatunde doubled the lead just four minutes later with a stunning curler.
In the 17th minute, Christian Samuel found space in the box, but his tame effort failed to trouble Labi Akinola in First Bank’s goal.
Moments later, the hosts' Adetola Adeyemi tested Ibrahim Raheem with a powerful shot, but the goalkeeper stood firm.
Late in the match, Hamsat Jamiu came close to extending Gateway’s lead, driving into the box only to fire his shot wide. With just minutes to go, Adeleye Olalekan once again intervened decisively, ensuring Ibrahim Raheem kept a clean sheet.
Gateway United's defensive unit, led by the imperious Adeleye Olalekan, thwarted every attempt by the hosts to claw their way back into the game.
Adeleye Olalekan's timely blocks and commanding presence later earned him the Man of the Match accolade.
The referee’s final whistle brought relief for the visitors, who held firm to record their second win of the season.
Gateway United according to a statement by Media Officer of the team, Moses Ojewumi, will have a bye in Matchday 7 before hosting Kun Khalifa FC in Ilaro on February 1, 2025.
The team suffered humiliating defeat to Solution FC in the last home played at the Gateway Stadium in Ilaro before this latest performance
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