Gombe United’s impressive run in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) continued Thursday as they left it late to beat strugglers Dakkada FC 1-0 in Uyo for their first away win of the season.
After the 1-1 draw with Heartland in Okigwe in week 11, Gombe United returned home to end Remo Stars unbeaten run before yesterday’s battling 1-0 away victory.
Victory over Dakkada didn’t come on a platter of gold as the two goalkeepers deployed by Gombe United, Gideon Gambo and Akor Itodo had to make several saves to ensure the visitors ran away with the maximum points.
Five minutes from regulation time, Dakkada had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty after the referee ruled that Emmanuel Ayaosi was upended in the box but the chance was wasted by substitute Musa Bashiru who sent both Itodo and the ball the wrong way.
The hosts then paid dearly for the miss in the 90th minute when Ibrahim Yahaya wrestled past Ibukun before setting up Yusuf Abdulazeez who fired a scorcher into the top corner to hand Gombe United the three points.
In Owerri, after a goalless first half, Heartland fought hard to end their five-match winless run as they managed to secure a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars of Makurdi.
Heartland who were desperate to win had their prayers answered in 71st minute when Nnamdi Egbujuo slotted home the ball after a good pass from Nonso Nzediegwu.
Before the deadlock was broken, former BCC Lions legend and Lobi Stars’ assistant coach, Sam Pam, jnr was given the marching order by the referee for dissent.
The match in Okigwe between Abia Warriors and title contenders Rivers United ended in a 1-1 draw after Uche Onwuasonaya cancelled out Paul Samson’s opener for the hosts.
In the other week 13 fixture decided at FC Ifeany Ubah in Nnewi, Enugu Rangers shot down Nasarawa United by a lone goal scored in the 61st minute by Christian Nnaji.
At the end of week 13 matches, Plateau United claimed the top position with 27 points after their emphatic 3-1 home win over 3SC and are followed closely by Rivers United on 26 points.
