Kwara United Football Club, for the second time at home this season, today, Sunday November 12th, 2023, played out a one-all draw against visiting Shooting Stars Sports Club in the Matchday 8 of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), decided at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
Kwara United started the game on a promising note, and were rewarded with a penalty in the 11th minute, after 3SC defender handled the ball in the box, but the resultant spot kick was not converted by Samuel Ayanrinde.
That may have affected the striker’s performance going forward in the game, as he was substituted for Ovoke Bernard, in the 34th minute.
Shooting Stars Sports Club opened scores in the 40th minute through Malomo Taofeek, who followed Abdullahi Lawal’s freekick which hits the crossbar, to slot home.
The visitors were reduced to 10-men in the minutes before interval, when the club’s Captain, Malomo Taofeek was red carded for dangerous play.
On resumption of the second half, Kwara United introduced Omolaoye Abiodun, Ifeanyi Odinnega and Godwin Oshagbemi for Ikenna Offor, Emmanuel Ogbole and ThankGod Ikeagu, as the search for the equalizer intensified. Samson Paul was also brought in to replace Issa Gata, with few minutes left to play.
Kwara United got the equalizing goal with a minute ledt to play, through Alao Mohammed, who was later picked as the Man of the Match. He nodded home at close range, to rescue a point for the home team.
In his reaction after the match, Coach of 3SC, Gbenga Ogunbote said that his team was careless not to take full advantage of situations, but expressed delight with the point gained. He lamented the red card given to Malomo.
“We got a goal, and we were a bit careless thereafter. Be it as it may, the one point is a consolation, as we didn’t labour in vain. Our target was to win the game, but the red card affected us.
Coach Kabit Sulaiman Dogo was disappointed with the result, especially after his team wasted the opportunity to go ahead in the game through the penalty that was thrown away by Ayanrinde.
“The draw against Shoiting Stars Sports Club was a disappointment. That wasn’t what we bargained for. Nevertheless, I believed in the team. We will keep improving.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kwara United Football Club, Kumbi Titiloye has charged the players and technical crew to step up their game going forward, or be sanctioned.
The draw against Shooting Stars Sports Club was the second at home this season, the first been against Rangers International Football Club in Matchday Four.
Kwara United presently have nine points from eight games, and will play Bendel Insurance in Matchday Nine, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium next weekend.
