NNL:Coach Folley Reveals How Kogi United Subdue Doma United
NNL:Coach Folley Reveals How Kogi United Subdue Doma United
A 90 minute Spot kick converted by Salisu Tanko after a Doma United player had handled the ball in his 18 yard box was all Kogi United Fc needed to subdue a hard fighting Doma United at the Confluence Stadium Lokoja in a Match day 14 fixture of the Nigeria National League.
Technical Adviser of Kogi United Coach Folabi Ojekunle kept faith with the same squad that held Kebbi United in Match day 13 to a 2-2 draw with the exception of Atoe Emmanuel Eghosa who replaced injured Oladapo Tunde in the starting lineup.
Both team settled almost immediately into the game but it was the host who got series of opportunity to go ahead.All their effort at opening their goal account wasn't successful.After many failed attempt,Nuhu Daniel got the first clear opportunity to put his side ahead in the 12th minute but his effort went off target to help the visitors breath a sigh of relief.Bigman Omolabi Owolabi also came close few minutes later.
The visitors from the Jewel in the savannah up their game and almost raced into the lead with Friday Ogwuche firing towards Shola Sheshere.The combine defensive effort of Moses Kayode and Atoe Emmanuel Eghosa at the heart of Kogi United defence denied them all entreaties.
Ahmed Mustapha Eneji put kogi United in front in the 20th minute after benefitting from a rebound from goalkeeper Muttaka Musa.He wasted no time in sending home a powerful shot too hot for Muttaka Musa to handle to register his side's first goal of the afternoon.
Kogi United would have doubled their lead almost immediately through Omolabi Owolabi whose shot was blocked on its way in.
Friday Ogwuche who was everywhere putting kogi United defence on the run also came close to levelling for his side when he latched on a pass swinged his way,he took a shot but watched as the ball goes out wide.
Kogi United were reduced to 10 men temporarily In the 32nd minute when Ogwuche hacked Ahmed Mustapha Eneji down violently thereby taking him to the sidelines to receive medical attention.
Defence strongman Moses Kayode who was absolutely active all afternoon also tried his strength at goal when he rose high to profit from a goalbound ball but he gets a corner kick instead.The homeside held on to their lead as the referee signalled the end of the opening half.
The second half saw Kogi United Omolaoye Abiodun taking the Doma United defence to task with some mesmerizing dribbles.He was brought down as he tries to outwit a defender in the 50th Minute.Ahmed Mustapha Eneji was brought down the second time and this time,he showed no sign of continuing the game and Coach Folabi Ojekunle quickly drafted in Kasim Usman to hand him his debut since joining the team from the youth side.
A defensive error in the 66 minute gifted Friday Ogwuche opportunity to bring his side level thereby making the game more difficult for the host.The introduction of the duo of Salisu Tanko and Akpan Saviour boosted the Frontline of the homeside in 84th minute as both players fresh from the bench proved a worthy replacement with Akpan Savior getting clear chances to seal the game.
The host got a penalty in the 90th Minute after a Doma United defender handled the ball in his box.The referee blew his whistle but delayed pointing to the spot as he ran to consult with his Assistant.After some few minute delay,he awarded the penalty to the host. Salisu Tanko wasted no time as he sent Muttaka Musa the wrong way to the admiration and jubilation of the home fans and supporters.
*POST MATCH REACTION*
Coach Folabi Ojekunle who described the entire match as pathetic because of so many factor said he is now relieved after the win at home.He said Doma United are a good side who are topping the group at the moment and came to Lokoja with a game plan which didn't work in their favour them.
"Remember that one of our former player Mohammed Mohammed is now on the payroll of Doma United and he is a very good player and so we developed a plan to work him out of the game by not giving him the space to thrive which worked for us. You saw how he was pulled out of the game when they saw he wasn't delivering.He is a very good player who can wreck havoc anytime when given the Space and opportunity"
"The replacements we brought in also tried their best by making sure they remain relevant upfront especially the new lads who gave a very good account of themselves.They tried very well and am happy with their overall performance"
"Going to Adamawa next weekend is not going to be a problem because one thing I noticed about this team is that they play good football away from home and so hopefully we will try to change our formation to suit the system.We will continue to work hard ahead of the trip which is very far and hopefully we will leave Lokoja on Thursday so that the boys can get enough rest before Saturday.We will keep working hard "
Match winner Salisu Tanko who was all smiles dedicated his winning goal to his daughter who clocked two years today as he promised to continue doing his best to ensure the team finished well at the end of the season.
GODWIN WAMBEBE
MEDIA OFFICER
KOGI UNITED FC
28 MAY 2022
