80
Gateway Utd on Monday pipped Dynamite FC of Iyhamo, Edo State by one goal to nil in one of the Nigeria National League matchday 9 fixtures at the MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta, brila.net gathers.
Oluwole Johnson’s second-half goal proved to be the decider as the visitors put up a very good fight being the group B3 table topper.
Akeem Busari tutored side have been increasingly impressive in recent times only for couple of missing chances in front of goals. Adodo Stephen missed a sitter just five minutes into the game while in a one on one situation with Dynamite goalkeeper to beat he blasted the ball off.
Chances were minimal between both teams just as there was a huge let off for the hosts as Dynamite almost scored against the run of play on the half-hour mark.
Possession gained, play broken but still Gateway United’s effort in the final third wasn’t enough and the hosts eventually broke the deadlock just five minutes into the second half as Oluwole Johnson tapped a loose ball from Michael Okolo’s corner.
Julius Ikechukwu almost had his magical moment with a good run into the Dynamite box, got past three defenders but his effort was well saved by the Dynamite goalkeeper.
Another corner was swung in with ten minutes left on the clock by Michael Okolo but Nicholas Egrigba’s header could not but hit the upright of the woodwork.
Stephen Adodo would then go on to miss the last chance after a brilliant run into the area but pulled his target off guard.
With this victory, three consecutive victories are now in the kitty and thus sees Gateway Utd muscling 11pts, just one behind Group B3 table topper, Dynamite FC who are on 12pts.
Gateway Utd will next travel to Ekiti Utd this Saturday as they hope to snatch a last-minute qualification and would be banking on the results of Dynamite force who is playing at home to know their NPFL chances.
Speaking with brila.net, Coach of the Abeokuta outfit, Akeem Busari said “it’s high time Gateway regained its NPFL status. I took this team to the third position last season two points behind Shooting Stars and this time around, we are a point behind table topper.
We’re going to Ekiti United with all our arsenal and garner three maximum points and hopefully, Dynamite FC draw or lose their home match. Impossible is nothing in football” former Shooting Stars Gaffer enthused.
