Akwa United FC defeat Gombe United to win first NPFL match of the season
Akwa United FC defeat Gombe United FC to secure their first win of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. SportsRation reports.
Buoyed by the away point secured vs Bendel Insurance FC last weekend, Akwa United FC started the NPFL week 6 match like a house on fire and had at least three attempts on goal in the opening quarter with Mustapha Dan’azumi etching the oppositions only attempt in that time.
Akwa United FC dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances until the 35th minute when a fine team move from the right was tapped home by Kufre Ebong to give the Promise Keepers a deserved 1-0 lead, one they maintained until the half-time break.
At the resumption of hostilities for the second half, Akwa United FC survived an early scare when Gombe United FC forward Wasiu Alalade was played through on goal but failed to hit the target with only the on-rushing goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus to beat.
Nigeria U-23 striker, Edidiong Ezekiel had two opportunities to extend Akwa United FC lead but was denied on both occasions by last-gasp defending by the Savannah Scorpions defenders.
Akwa United FC had a chance to double their lead in the 86th minute but Gombe United FC goalie Itodo was smart to make a double save to deny Said Mubarak and Williams Peter.
The Promise Keepers defence marshalled by highly-rated youngster Wisdom Ndon kept their perfect record at the back at home with a third cleansheet and fourth of the season.
At the expiration of regulation time, it finished Akwa United FC 1-0 Gombe United FC, a first win of the 2023/2024 season after six weeks.
Big relief for Akwa United FC Head Coach, Fatai Osho who will eye another victory when they host Plateau United FC at the Eket Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
