Gombe United Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu said his side didn’t have to lose the encounter with Akwa United
A determined and high pressing Gombe United side was on Wednesday evening, December 29, subdued by a Friday Ubong 80th minute penalty that gifted hosts, Akwa United all three points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium .
The Referee had awarded the penalty after a Savanna Scorpions player was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box and the goal sealed the win for the Promise Keepers that struggled for a larger part of the game.
The visitors started brightly and had a shot on target as early as the third minute when Ibrahim Yahaya raced towards goal and unleashed a shot which was saved by Adewale Adeyinka.
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Five minutes later, Yahaya almost got the opener but his attempt hit the post. Samaila Bello and Ahmed Jimoh also added attempts but to no avail as the game went into the break even.
Gombe United Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu said the final outcome didn’t reflect the exchanges over 90 minutes, insisting his side didn’t have to lose the encounter.
“This is not a match that we are supposed to lose…the better side lost”, was his terse response to www.npfl.ng after the match.
The second period witnessed an improved performance from the hosts who made a first half change with Izu Azuka replacing Dare Ojo.
Denis Nya, Utibe Archibong, Ubong Friday and Charles Okafor all made attempts to get the hosts in front in the second half while Yusuf Abdulazeez forced Adewale Adeyinka to a great save in the 60th minute.
Akwa United assistant coach Abasiakan Windy expressed relief at getting the victory after a tough battle. He said it is always tough playing against newly promoted teams.
“It’s not a surprise to us that the game turned out this way, because we know when you’re playing against a team newly promoted to the premier league, it’s always a very physical and tough match.
“We just played a game on Sunday, we had to be on the road on Monday to play again today. We were prepared; we knew what we wanted. The three maximum points was just what we really needed and we got that”, a relieved Windy remarked post-match.
