Dakkada stepped up their chances of beating the drop with a hard fought lone goal victory at home to second placed Plateau United of Jos, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
It was the first win for Coach Umar Danlami’s side after back to back defeats on the road. The match was characterised by limited opportunities, fierce battle in the middle of the pack and breathtaking defending.
Within ten minutes, the home side piled the pressure on the opposing defence line with an intent of drawing first blood. Inemesit Sunday had a clear chance at goal but his shot was slightly off target, while Ekerette Udom missed a free header which should have put the home side in front.
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Ekerette who joined from Vandrezzer in mid-season redeemed himself in the second half, sealing the game for the home side with a header, sixteen minutes into the second half.
The visitors had a chance to get a goal in the encounter as Peter Eneji had his curler punched away by goalkeeper Thomas Omokhudu, with that being the only clear chance they had in the game.
Plateau United handler, Fidelis Illechukwu commended his players after the game saying both sides put in thier best.
“We played well and lost but we’ll look at the areas we need to work on and make corrections”, he said.
He expressed optimism with his side’s chances despite the result and promising that Plateau United will give a strong fight till the end of the campaign.
For Coach Umar Danlami, whose side are currently 14th on the log after 26 games, the visitors stretched his team, but praised his lads for being resolute.
“It was a tough game and as expected, Plateau United is a good team to reckon with in the league and their position on the log confirms that. I’m happy my boys went through it victorious “, he said.
Dakkada hopes to keep their place on the log, but could be leapfrogged by Abia Warriors or Katsina United if the duo win their respective fixtures against Heartland and Akwa United.
The gap between Rivers United and Plateau United could further be widened depending on the outcome of the fixture involving the former and Kwara United in Ilorin on Sunday.