By Adamu Usman Ahmed
Adamawa United defeated Katsina United 1-0 to secure a first win in nine matches and dragged their visitors into relegation battle. It was Adamawa’s first win since Matchday 14 when they won 2-0 at home to Dakkada FC of Uyo.
Coach Justine Madugu made two changes to the side that was held to a 3-3 draw over the weekend by Warri Wolves. On the opposite dugout, Coach Azeez Audi altered three places in the starting line up from the side that was held at home against bitter rivals and league leaders Kano Pillars.
The game started on a slow pace which could be put down to the heavy downpour in the City of Gombe as the stadium was almost waterlogged before the sudden stops of the rainfall 25 minutes after the kickoff.
Katsina United’s powerful striker Joseph Atule produced the most dangerous attack of the first half which came in 45th minute when he comported himself to fire a curling effort but goalkeeper Victor Philemon produced a brilliant save, diving to his left to block the danger.
On returning to the second half Bolaji Micheal intercepted a pass at the center before attempting a powerful strike, Katsina United had the goalkeeper thank for blocking the strike. Then came the horrible moment for the Chanji Boys when their promising young full back, Sanusi Abdulmutalib sent the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear a goalmouth delivery by Felix Kenan for Adamawa United only goal of the match day.
The addition of veteran Gambo Muhammed in the Chanji Boys attack almost yielded result as he located lively Samuel Kalu inside box but the playmaker belted a powerful strike on goal which was well handled by Philemon
The former FC IfeanyiUbah Winger, Kalu was at it five minutes later when he dribbled past two of his opponents before pulling the trigger aiming at the far right corner of the net but was again denied by goalkeeper Philemon who reacted swiftly for a finger tip save.
The defeat meant Katsina United dropped on the log to the bottom four after failing to win in three consecutive matches since beaten Wikki Tourists 5-1 at home on MatchDay 20.
Adamawa will be on the road to Lafia for a clash against Nasarawa United, while Katsina United will host another relegation threatened side, Warri Wolves on MatchDay 24 on Sunday.
TEAMS
ADAMAWA UNITED
Victor Philemon 16
Mbai Aminu 26
Etete Okon 14
Mohammed Jiya 34
Nanushi Daniel 5
Emma Ogbuagu 15
John Paul 9 (Isa Garba 57′)
Bolaji Micheal 28
Annayo Ogbonna 8 (Chinanso Mbakwe 57′)
Danjuma Jamilu 27 (Danjuma Abutu 90+1)
Felix Kenan 19 (Edward Elam 90+1)
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES
Usman Jona 29
Isaac Ali 35
Yahuza Bala 42
CAUTION: Annayo Ogbonna (37′)
KATSINA UNITED
Daouda Kassaly 21
Sanusi Abdulmutalib 26
Olayinka Yusuf 23
Faisal Sani 31
Habibu Yakubu 5
Souley Mamadou 6 (Adekunle Adeniyi 39′)
Samuel Kalu 17
Matthew Emmanuel 14 (Yushau Garba 75′)
Rasheed Ahmed 20 (Mahmud Abdulwasiu 83′)
Nnoshiri Samuel 11
Rules Joseph 25 (Gambo Muhammad 75′)
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES
Yusuf Muhammad 1
Frank Kappe 22
Abdulkareem Ahmed 10
STATISTICS
Shot Off Target 2-4
On Target 2-4
Save 4-2
Corner 5-1
Offside 3-8
Foul 12-16
Yellow 1-0
Red 0-0
