Akwa United and Dakada played out play out a 2-2 draw closely contested rescheduled 2019/20 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Wednesday.
Dakada almost took the lead in the sixth minute when a good team play led to a cross from the right flank which fell nicely for Moses Effiong on the edge of the box and he fired a cracking shot at goal but was blocked by Etboy Akpan to deny him.
Dakada later took the lead after Akwa United Gabe away a free kick just outside their box and Alaibo Somiari decided to go for goal with a fierce shot which goalkeeper Jean Efala to the path of Spencer Bassey who tap home the opener in the ninth minute.
It took 20 minutes before Akwa could make a mark in the game as Ndifreke wasted a good opportunity to level when the ball was worked well by his teammates and it fell nicely for him in the box but his effort went over the bar.
Akwa relentlessly pressed their opponents until the opportunity came when Lateef Babalola brought down Ndifreke in the box and the referee wasted no time to call for the penalty.
Ndifreke dusted himself up and took responsibility of the kick sending goalkeeper Vincent Edafe the wrong way to level things in the half hour mark.
The second half was a different ball game as both sides cancelled each other with resolute defending and chances became scarce. Both coaches made changes to their sides to see if they could get all three points but chances were few despite the display of grit and passion to get the winner.
Dakada thought they had won in the 80th minute when an individual brilliance from their captain Eso Archibong rounded his marker on the edge of the box before unleashing a fierce, curling effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Efala to go in front for the second time in the game.
Akwa fought back with a minute left in regulation time when Ndifreke rose highest to head home Morice Chukwu’s set piece into the box for the equalizer to send the appreciable fans in the stadium to a frenzy.
Akwa United head to Enugu for a date with Rangers while Dakada will take the long drive to Jos for an encounter with Plateau United on Matchday 20.
