A goal in each half meant Kogi United succumbed to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of in form Yobe Desert Stars in the Matchday Six of Nigeria National League, NNL on Saturday.
Mohammed Dajibir open the lead for Yobe Desert whose stars have been shining bright this season after connecting a lose ball in United’s box before hitting a target past Ogundare Detan at the dead of half time.
Abdullahi Usman doubled the lead for the hosts at the stroke of an hour mark as his header in the crowded box sailed in from Adamu Danjuma’s corner.
United went into the game on the back of another away defeat from Kaduna United last week and were matching their hosts strength for strength in he opening minutes.
Both sides looked more combative in midfield and on the flanks but not too clinical in front of goal.
Detan was called to action with less than 10 minutes to end the first as the keeper had to made a double save to deny Yobe from taking the lead.
Both Acheneje and Jerome also had a rare glimpse of chances to score for United but their efforts were denied by Yobe Desert Stars’ defenders.
Just as the game was heading for stalemate half time, Yobe struck a deadly blow as they took the lead through Dajibir whose left foot shot from close range beat Detan who dived full length to parry but couldn’t.
John Jerome did go close to level up on resumption, turning on the edge of the six-yard box and firing wide from Adewumi Femi’s delivery on the edge.
But it was the hosts who double their lead in the 60th minutes after substitute Adamu Danjuma wins a corner do the delivery which was headed in by Abdullahi Usman.
Kogi United responded well moments after conceding the second goal and Thomas Acheneje”s low drive was parried to corner by goalkeeper Odekunke Olatunji.
The hosts’ keeper was on hand again to deny United from getting a goal with seven minutes remaining after making a double saves from Acheneje’s and substitute Idris Muye’s efforts.
Coach Tunde Abdulrahman of Kogi United described the defeat as unacceptable as his players performances weren’t enough to prove something special from the game.
He however called quick response as they return home to host Kwara United in their next game.
Head coach of Yobe Desert Stars, Aminu Musa admitted that the visitors gave them a touch game adding that his side was lucky to get the goals to earn the victory.
United have shipped down to ninth place with 6 points while the win ensured Yobe Desert Stars climbed to top of the Northern Conference log with 13 points from six games.
