It was an unfruitful journey for Plateau United as they fell to a 3-2 loss to Gombe United at the Pantami Stadium yesterday in the remaining fixtures of Match Day 9 of the 2022/23 abridged Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The hosts, Gombe United who had only won a match prior to this game got on a perfect start in the 12th minute when Anayo Ogbonna headed home Sadiq Shuaibu’s free-kick to open the scoring.
Six minutes later, the 2017 champions equalised through Albert Hilary to make it 1-1. This was however shortlived as Gombe United made it 2-1 in the 23rd minute through Rahman Olarenwaju via a bullet header from Sadiq Shuaibu’s corner kick.
At the restart of the second half, Moses Adikwu equalised for his side to make it 2-2 in the 47th minute.
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This goal set up a nervy encounter as both sides cautiously guarded their home while seeking the winning goal as well.
Four minutes into the additional time, the hosts were given a lifeline when Victor Dawa’s shot hit a Plateau United’s player’s hand inside the box and penalty was given, which was scored by Mahanadou Souley as the game ended 3-2.
This victory gave the hosts their second league win with 10 points on 6th position while the visitors succumbed to a third defeat and are placed 4th with 14 points in Group A.
Similarly, Nasarawa United look to have recovered their form as they earned their second league win in the 2-0 victory over Remo Stars at the New Jos Stadium.
Joshua John gave the Solid Miners the early goal in the 8th minute to set the game on the right course to move out of the relegation zone.
The Blue Sky put everything forward to avoid a third league defeat but failed as Emmanuel Ogbole crushed their efforts in the second half with a rocket from outside the box.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday the concluding match of the fixtures will be played between El-Kanemi Warriors and Kwara United as the league goes on a three-week break due to the 2023 general elections.
