Momentary loss of concentration cost us two points against Nasarawa Utd – Deji Ayeni

Anas Yusuf’s late equalizer for Nasarawa United denied Akwa United all three factors and an opportunity to shut the hole on Group A leaders Bendel Insurance coverage to inside two factors as they shared the spoils in an exciting 2-2 draw on Matchday 13 on the Nest of Champions.

The guests took the lead within the twentieth minute via defender Victor Collins whose highly effective free kick beat the wall and flew into the again of Jean Efala’s web.

Akwa United responded a minute later via Cyril Olisema who despatched a left-footed volley past Mohammed Galadima in Nasarawa United’s purpose.

Each side had the chance of extending their lead earlier than half-time however they have been denied by some resolute defending and a few excellent goalkeeping as they went into the break on stage phrases.

Couple of minutes after the restart, the Promise Keepers took the lead when Victor Collins in an try to filter Ubong Friday’s low drive by accident turned the ball into his personal web.

Coach Ayodeji Ayeni’s workforce managed the sport and will have scored extra however goalkeeper Mohammed Galadima made some excellent saves to disclaim Uche Collins, Taiye Muritala, Ubong Friday, Liman Ahmadu and James Ajako deep within the second half.

With time operating out, Akwa United thought they have been on their strategy to recording their seventh victory of what has been an unimaginable season for them, however that hope was dashed when substitute Anas Yusuf dived low to move residence the equalizer for Nasarawa United three minutes from time.

Efforts by the house facet to retake the lead have been unsuccessful as James Ajako’s free kick in stoppage time took an enormous deflection and went out for a nook. The supply from the set-piece was nonetheless cleared as each groups settled for a 2-2 draw.

Akwa United who recorded their first win of the season towards Nasarawa United in Jos didn’t do the double over a workforce they defeated 6-1 final season on the Nest of Champions.

Coach Ayodeji Ayeni in a post-match interview with the membership’s web site www.akwaunitedfc.com admitted that his workforce dropped two worthwhile factors at residence as a result of lack of focus.

“We knew it was going to be a tricky recreation towards Nasarawa United contemplating their place on the log. We ready effectively for this recreation, we had our recreation plan and we even got here again from a purpose down to guide 2-1 however I feel at a really vital second, that focus was not there and the opponents capitalized on that to disclaim us all three factors.

“It is not the consequence we needed however it’s a kind of issues in soccer. It is a recreation we should always have gained comfortably however we missed some superb possibilities to bury the sport.

“In some unspecified time in the future within the match I seen that a few of my gamers had accidents and I made a decision to switch them, and I feel it was the best factor to do. So, I take full duty for the result of this recreation. Now we now have to return and plan for the subsequent recreation.”

With the consequence which is Akwa United’s first draw at residence this season, the 2021 champions keep 2nd in Group A on 23 factors from 13 video games, 4 factors behind leaders Bendel Insurance coverage.

The Uyo based mostly membership will subsequent journey to Jos to interact Plateau United this weekend.