Kwara United Football Club today, Thursday December 21, 2023, came from behind to defeat Plateau United 2-1 in the Matchday 15 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match decided at the Main-Bowl of the State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
It was a highly crucial, technical and tactical match that saw the two sides reduced to 10-men, as Plateau United drew the first blood as ealier as 20th minute.
Albert Hilary drove home a 35 yards free kick in the 20th minute, to silence the home team, and the away team followed up with good combination of coordinative and positional play.
Plateau United got early setback when defensive strong man, Mohammed Umar got injured, and was substituted with Charles Henlong. Another defender, Adams Yakubu was shown red, after getting a second yellow card, in the 34th minute.
Despite the pressure pilled on the away side by Kwara United FC, which almost turned to tension, the home team was unable to convert the begging chances created.
On resumption, Kwara United, in a bid to return to winning ways, rose above board, and the introduction of Godwin Oshagbemi and Sadeeq Yusuf in place of Ogbole Emmanuel and Kabir Mohammed changed the narrative, as they gained more dominance in the game.
Abubakar Garba was also brought in for Ifeanyi Odinnega.
Kabir Balogun kicked Kwara United onto the path of victory in the 72nd minute, with a well taken 25 yards free kick that caught goalkeeper Bamidele Adeniyi unawares. That happened to be the turning point, as Plateau United jittery mode was activated.
Seun Adelani was also introduced in to replace Bernard Ovoke.
Sadeeq Yusuf scored what ended up been the winning goal in the 83rd minute, but his celebration, pulling off his shirt, earned him a second yellow card, and eventually, a red.
Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo, in his reactions, expressed happiness with the win, and dedicated the victory to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and well-meaning Kwarans.
He commended the players for their sacrifice and resillience, adding that the team will continue to work hard to achieve success.
