A first minute goal by highly mobile and ambitious Jonathan Alukwu unsettled Kwara United Football Club in their Matchday Six encounter today, Wednesday November 1st, at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, but the home team rallied late to win their second match of the season.
Aluku, who was a torn on the flesh of Kwara United defence throughout his stay on the pitch, benefitted from a penetrative pass from the left, and was free enough to swing the ball to the right of goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka, to silence the spectators.
Kwara United, even though rose to the ocassion, found it difficult breaking the defence of the visitors, but were forceful enough to earn a 45+ minute penalty that was converted by defender Ejeh Isaiah, who was later named as Man of the Match.
In a desperate bid to win the match, especially following the lack of win in two consecutive matches against both Rangers and Bayelsa United, Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo made early change in the second half, introducing Issa Gata in place of Paul Samson.
With the visitors growing gradually in confidence as the minutes role bye, the Coach, again, introduced Sadeeq Yusuf for Samuel Ayanrinde. He also brought in Ifeanyi Odinnega and Godwin Oshagbemi for Emmanuel Ogbole and Ikenna Offor respectively.
Bernard Ovoke also replaced Alao Mohammed deep into the game.
The incessant pressure on Sporting Lagos paid off in the 86th minute, when Ifeanyi Odiannega got to the end of quick exchange of passes by Kwara United to slot home at close range, to return Kwara United to winning ways.
Coach Dogo, who commended his players for the great comeback added that despite rallying late, his team is one of the best in the system, and that they will keep improving with every match.
Coach of Sporting Lagos, Paul Offor said that his team did its best in the match, especially having the confidence of scoring goals in away matches. He named the fans as the major motivators of the NPFL new entrants.
The Man of the Match, Ejeh Isaih, who scored his second goal of the season in the match, and also capped it with great performance said that the team was motivated to win, after getting just a point from two consecutive matches.
Kwara United will play Enyimba International in their next match, the Matchday Seven encounter, in Aba.
