Kwara United FC had to wait till the 82nd minute to see off hard fighting Crown FC of Ogbomosho in the quarter-final of the on-going Prince Dapo Abiodun Pre-Season tournament in Ijebu-Ode.
Issa Gata, who was introduced in the 46th minute was a thorn in the defence of the Nigeria National League side, and in the 82nd minute, he controlled a pass perfectly, displaced his marker and slotted to the right of goalkeeper Adeniyi Adejare in goal for Crown FC.
The match started on a high tempo, with the two teams showing determination and seriousness, but early mistakes denied Kwara United FC a first half lead.
The duo of Michael Ohanu and Alao Dabani, with the support from Jide Fatokun, Agboola Joshua and Ufere Chinedu put up ocassional breakthroughs, but failed to combine well at the last touch.
Two changes in the 46th minute, Gata coming in for Joshua Agboola and Nweke coming in for Ufere added to the bite in the middle, as Kwara United FC sustained pressure on Crown FC which made ocassional forays in Kwara United defence.
Kabir was also brought in much later, as he assisted in creating more openings in the defence of Crown FC, but the opportunities were never utilised.
The Ogbomosho side looked to have exhausted their energy towards the end of the game, and resort to committing fouls.
With the win, Kwara United FC will take on Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Lobi Stars, which also recorded a lone goal win over Remo Stars.
The semi-final tie comes up tomorrow by 4.00pm, at the Main-Bowl of the Otunda Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, and will see two Kwara coaches, Abdullahi Biffo for Kwara United and Kabir Dogo of Lobi Stars leading their teams against each other.
