Kwara United FC started the second stanza of the ongoing 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on a losing note, as the team lost by 2-1 to the highly rejuvenated Nasarawa United FC, at the Lafia Township Stadium, this evening.
Anas Yusuf scored the first goal for the home team in the 47th minute, through a well executed scissors kick inside the box, while Silas Nwankwo, who bagged assist in the first goal, got the second goal at close range, benefitting from the inability of Kwara United defenders clearing their line, in the 69th minute.
Substitute Alalade Wasiu got a consolation goal for Kwara United in the 90th minute.
Kwara United started the game on a brighter note, but the tempo of the team reduced when defender Jide Williams got a red card in the 16th minutes, to exit the game.
The tall defender got a yellow card in the 5th minute, and the second in the 16th, and Kwara United paid dearly for his absence, especially in the second half.
Defender Deji Bamidele was immediately brought in, with the attacking options reduced, following the withdrawal of Segun Alebiosu, who was playing his first game after joining Kwara United from Lobi Stars mid season.
Despite playing a man less, Kwara United were all over the home team in the first half, with Jide Fatokun, Afeez Nosir and Stephen Jude gaining full control of the midfield.
After scoring the first goal early in the second half, Nasarawa United seemed to have gotten the tonic needed to take total control of the game, and their efforts paid off, as they got the second in the 69th minute.
Three changes for Kwara United; Bashir Monsuru replacing Musa Afeez, Olawale Farayola replacing Joshua Agboola and Stephen Jude substituted for Ayobami Junior brought Kwara United back into the game, with Farayola running the lines in the far side to keep the home team at Bay.
Nasarawa United also made three quick changes, to ensure they keep their hard earned advantage.
Kwara United benefitted from one of the dashing moves of Farayola, as Alalade, who had replaced Michael Ohanu in the 77th minute reduced the tally in the 90th minute.
Reacting to the loss, the Chief Coach of Kwara United FC, Ashifat Sulaiman said that his team lost concentration when it mattered most, despite playing major part of the game with a man less.
For Coach Bala Nikyu of Nasarawa United, it was a game well executed as he said that they hope to keep winning games with the aim of ending the season well.
The 2-1 loss has pushed Kwara United to the third position on the NPFL table from first position, after Matchday 20. The team has 37 points, and is behind the league leaders, Akwa United on 37 points, and Kano Pillars, who also has 37 points but placed second with lesser goal difference.
Kwara United will play Plateau United at home next Sunday, in continuation of the 2020/2021 NPFL.
