By Wale Mustapha.
Austin ‘Bentu’ Daniel came from bench to help Kogi United beat ‘youthful’ Abubakar Bukola Saraki, ABS Ilorin FC 2-0 in the Matchday Seven clash of Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL on Saturday in Lokoja.
Daniel replaced Sule Ilemona with just a minute to end the first half time the forward settled into the game as he gave the visitors much to do in the opening stages of the restart.
The bulky forward opened the lead for United in the 54th as he tucked in from close range from a beautiful team build up.
Daniel was the provider for the United’s second goal as he fed John Jerome to shoot past impressive ABS’ goalkeeper, Nurudeen Mudashiru with seven minutes to full time.
The first half was a cagey one as both sides tested each other at goal but couldn’t found the cutting edge.
Ilemona who was favored to lead the attack for United following a late injury suffered by top scorer Sunday Stephen did not do much to threaten ABS’ defense and made the hosts pegged for much time in first half.
It became an end to end encounter until a minute to end the first half when Kogi United goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare made two point blank saves to deny ABS’ Yusuf Soliu and Evbuomwan Stone.
The second stanza was more of one sided as United increased the tempo and took the game to their visitors which earned them their first goal nine minutes into restart through Daniel.
ABS will have their keeper Nurudeen Mudashiru to thank as the keeper stood between the posts to keep out series of United’s scoring opportunities.
But the lanky shot stopper had no answer to Jerome’s 83rd minute powerful strike which he couldn’t go down on time to block.
After the game, United’s game changer, Bentu as he’s fondly called praised his side’s positive response in the second half to claim the full match points just as he expressed delight to open his goal account for the Confluence state club.
The striker however hoped to score more goals to help Kogi United gain promotion in the end urging the fans to continue supporting and believing in the team.
“It was a sweet victory, a deserved one because we labored for it, we didn’t start well but fought really well in the second half, it’s a collective achievement and I really thank my teammates for the togetherness and how we dealt with the game,” begin the former FRSC forward.
“Yes, I feel so good scoring my first goal for this club, it came handy as timely for me and the team, I’m looking forward to get more important to help us achieve our target this season,” he said.
Kogi United will travel to Abuja on Wednesday for what will be their last match in the first round against NAF FC.
