Kwara United FC today played what would arguably dictate that they still have much work to do before the commencement of the 2020/2021 NPFL season in the on-going Gold Cup Pre-Season, as the were humbled 1-0 by Remo Stars.
A second half Victor Osuagwu goal was the separating factor as Remo Stars sealed a famous win over Kwara United in the second game of Group B this evening at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The highly enterprising Remo Stars played with utmost determination from beginning to the end, keeping the homers chasing shadows.
The game lived up to its hype even though the first half ended goalless.
Kwara United should have scored the quickest goal of the tourney though, precisely in the 2nd minute, but Remo Stars goalie Bankole Kayode made a smart save to parry Kabir Adeniji’s half volley.
Remo Stars had their clear cut chance of scoring the first goal in the 43rd minute, but Ibrahim Yusuf’s weak shot at edge of the goal was no threat to goalkeeper Emmanuel Iwu.
Second half substitute, Victor Osuagwu scored the goal in the 73rd minute, condemning Kwara United FC to a must win encounter with 36 Lion on Sunday morning.
Iwu, in goal for Kwara United FC, pushed Osuagwu’s low drive into his own net to the delight of Remo Stars bench and anguish to his own team.
Seven minutes later, Kwara United should have leveled the scoreline after Jide Fatokun’s bicycle kick off a mesmerising move by Afeez Nosir inside Remo Stars box went inches off the woodwork.
Osuagwu, who bagged a brace against 36 Lion in Remo Stars first game becomes the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season tournament top scorer so far, with three goals from two matches.
Remo Stars will now meet defending champions, Niger Tornadoes in the last game of the group, while Kwara United who are walking on a thigh rope will host 36 Lion in a make or bust game on Sunday.
Chief Coach of Kwara United FC, Ashifat Sulaiman said that the team is work in progress, as loopholes detected will be worked on before the commencement of the season.
For Coach Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars, he praised his wards for playing to instruction. He said that the competition is offering his team the right platform to prepare for the NNL season.
