In an intense Matchday 8 encounter at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Kwara United Football Club faced off against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), resulting in a 1-1 draw that left both teams with mixed feelings.
Kwara United started the game on a positive note, earning a penalty in the 11th minute after a handball by a 3SC defender. However, Samuel Ayanrinde failed to convert the spot kick, a miss that seemed to impact his performance, leading to his substitution for Ovoke Bernard in the 34th minute. Despite the setback, Kwara United maintained pressure, only to see 3SC take the lead in the 40th minute through Malomo Taofeek, who capitalized on Abdullahi Lawal’s freekick rebound off the crossbar.
3SC faced adversity just before halftime when their Captain, Malomo Taofeek, received a red card for dangerous play, leaving them with 10 men. The second half witnessed Kwara United making strategic substitutions, introducing Omolaoye Abiodun, Ifeanyi Odinnega, and Godwin Oshagbemi in the pursuit of an equalizer.
The breakthrough for Kwara United came in the dying minutes of the game, as Alao Mohammed secured the equalizing goal with a close-range header, earning him the Man of the Match accolade.
Expressing his disappointment, Coach Kabiru Sulaiman Dogo lamented the missed penalty opportunity, stating, “The draw against Shooting Stars Sports Club was a disappointment. That wasn’t what we bargained for. Nevertheless, I believe in the team. We will keep improving.”
Shooting Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote acknowledged his team’s carelessness in not capitalizing on situations but expressed satisfaction with the gained point. He, however, lamented the impact of the red card on his team’s performance.
“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 labor in vain,” remarked Coach Ogunbote.
Meanwhile, Kwara United’s Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, has urged both players and the technical crew to elevate their performance in upcoming matches or face sanctions.
The draw marks Kwara United’s second at home this season, following a similar outcome against Rangers International Football Club in Matchday Four. The Afonja Warriors are currently placed 14th on the table, with 9 points from 8 games and will face Bendel Insurance in Matchday Nine at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday.
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