Bayelsa United on Sunday produced a composed performance to beat Plateau United 1-0 in a matchday six encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL decided at the Samson Siasia stadium.
Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso made few changes from the team that drew last weekend against Nasarawa United with Okardi Inikurogha making a return.
Midfielder Yahaya Ibrahim put the host ahead four minutes into the game from Chinedu Sunday’s blunder when forward Obed Junior picked up the ball to find Yahaya who intelligently placed the ball to beat Plateau United goaltender Emeka Nwabula.
The visitors who later in the game gained balance on two occasions came close but their efforts were abbreviated by the trio of Tarabina Bweribo, Gabriel Biriduba and Issah Yusuf before the halftime mark.
However, on resumption into second half after 12 minutes, the encounter was halted for 50 minutes due to the rain but the game resumed with determined Bayelsa United looking for the insurance goal having introduced Rabiu Abdullahi and home boy Foluwa Akpokabowei which brought tension to the visitors defence.
Rabiu Abdullahi on 65 minute had an opportunity to double the lead from Awual Sadiq’s beautiful drive but fired blank. In what could be described as the best chance for the host in the second half saw Yahaya Ibrahim’s shot hit the woodwork.
The victory is the first win for the coach Bosso tutored side after six games in the NPFL and will next face Bendel Insurance on Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso in a post match interview, said the victory has boosted the confidence of the team describing the tie as operation no compromise, stating that the maximum points relaunched their hopes in the league.
Plateau United Head Coach, Mbwas Mangut noted that the early goal destabilized their game plan, attributing the defeat to the soggy nature of the pitch.
Cautions Yellow Card
Gabriel Biriduba 35 mins
Mafeng Pam 47 mins
Saro Loveday 63 mins
David Okorie 90 mins
Itodo David 90+3
Starting XI: Godgift Elkanah, Issa Yusuf ,Saro Loveday, Amedu Goforth, Tarabina Biwerebo, Gabriel Biriduba, Jawad Mustapha, Awual Sadiq, Yahaya Ibrahim, Obed Junior, Okardi Inikurogha.
Substitutes:
51 Foluwa Akpokabowei in for Okardi Inikurogha, Obed Junior out for Rabiu Abdullahi.
Unused substitutes:
Clinton Ezekiel, Hassan Oladimeji, Ogundare Arise, Akpos Godbless, Simon Daniel, Bina Tombiri, Bassey John.
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