Katsina United yesterday brightened their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing Naija Super 8 competition, after they stunned reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba 2-1 in the group match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Lagos.
The loss also marked the end of the road for Enyimba as they failed to record a win in three matches in the pre-season competition.
Enyimba had lost their opening match 0-1 to Remo Stars and were forced to a goalless draw by newly promoted Sporting FC Lagos before yesterday’s defeat in the hands of another newly promoted side, Katsina United.
After a barren first half, Katsina United got their well-deserved lead in the 54th minute when fleet-footed Ibrahim Yahaya broke the deadlock with a well taken strike.
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Four minutes later, the ‘Çhanji boys’ as Katsina United are popularly called doubled their lead when former junior international, Nazifi Yahaya, converted from the spot after an Enyimba defender was adjudged to have handed the ball in the box.
However, against the run of play, Enyimba reduced the deficit a minute from time from a Fatai Abdullahi’s well-taken free-kick.
With the win, Katsina United now have four points, same as Remo Stars, and Sporting FC of Lagos and will need only a point in their final group match to reach the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, in the day’s opening match, Sporting FC shocked regional rivals Remo Stars 2-1 to keep alive their hopes of a semi-final ticket from the group.
Although Franck Mawuena gave Remo Stars the lead in the 18th minute, Remo Stars rallied back to win when Saturday Okon scored the equaliser in the 27th minute before Chiemeka Nwokeji’s winner came at the death.
While Remo Stars are now on the verge of elimination having completed their group matches, Sporting FC would go through with a draw against Katsina United in their last group match on Thursday.
Apart from Enyimba, Rivers United also are mathematically out of the tournament after losing 0-1 to Akwa United on Monday.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’ had lost to Lobi Stars who came from behind to beat them 2-1 so they can no longer qualify even if they win today’s last group match against Yobe Desert Stars.
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