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‘We were just unlucky’ – Deji Ayeni reacts to Akwa United draw at Shooting Stars
By Wale Mustapha
Technical Adviser of Akwa United has expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance, after they were forced to 2-2 draw by Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Sunday.
Both sides went into the clash with a contrasting fortunes as Akwa were on the four games unbeaten streak while Shooting Stars are without a win on four consecutive matches under Coach Gbenga Ogunbote.
Joshua Akpan opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute but Uche Collins leveled for the visitors six minutes later before Liman Ahmadu put the Promise Keepers ahead in the 23th minute.
On the brink of half time, the Oluyole Warriors Ibrahim Ajani sneaked past his markers to tap home from a brilliant cross from Ghalib Falke to even the score and Ayeni feels they were unlucky not getting the match winner.
“Its highly tactical and tensed game, but it wasn’t a bad result for both sides, anyways, because its better than losing at home and also better than go back home empty handed,” the ex-Sunshine Stars coach told Nigeriafootball.ng.
“We wanted to get the third goal, its not our plan to sit back and pack the bus, attack is the best form of defense, we were just unlucky not to get the third goal but we are happy with this point.
“This is abridged league makes every point vital, there’s no way its not going count at the end of the season.”
Asked what would be Akwa’s major focus for the second round, Ayeni said it will be mainly on picking one of the slots for the championship playoffs which the break would afford him the chance to perfect the plan.
“We are going to make good use of the break to adjust and make the team more formidable, we will give the players break to rest from the stress and knocks, then we’ll come back,” he continued.
“We are working hard to make the Super Six and by the grace of God we are going to cross over to the playoff tournament when we get there, we will know what next.”
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