Akwa United retuned to the top of log with an energy sapping 2-1 win at home to visiting Kwara United FC of Ilorin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in one of nine matches of MatchDay 14 played on Sunday.
Ubong Friday and Nasiru Jibril scored for the Promise Keepers in each half, while Wasiu Alalade got Kwara’s consolation late on.
Coach Kennedy Boboye’s side were without suspended Charles Atshimene and midfielder Seth Mayi, who is nursing an injury. The visitors named a strong side with Akwa United former players Emmanuel Iwu and Michael Ohanu given starting berths.
The Promise Keepers had to wait till the 38th minute to draw first blood. Ubong Friday’s 20 yards effort struck Iwu’s face before sliding into the net for the opening goal.
The second half resumed with same intensity as the first. Olisa Ndah raced forward into the Kwara half, before squaring to Ikechukwu Nwani in the flank. The striker skipped past his marker, before squaring to substitute Nasiru Jibril, who calmly slotted home from10 yards.
Biffo’s men pulled a goal back ten minutes from time through Wasiu Alalade, but could not force an equalizer, despite intended pressure on the hosts.
With the win, Akwa United moved to top spot, levelled on points with Kano Pillars (45), while Kwara slipped to fourth (4th) place.
Team News:
Akwa Utd: Adewale, Etboy, Phillip, Gbadebo, Ndah, Friday, Nwani, Saidu, Adam, Aliyu
Kwara Utd: Iwu, Balogun, Lawal, Nasiru, Isaiah, Nwaeze, Nweke, Jude, Ohanu, Fatokun, Agboola
Match Stats:
Corners: 8-5
Shots: 11-6
On Target: 7-4
Fouls Won: 19-19
Yellow: 1-2
Red: 0-0
Saves: 3-5
Offsides: 1-4
