Kwara United FC put up a credible performance to force Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan to a goalless draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium, in the Matchday Two of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Shooting Stars put in everything into the game, which was their first home game of the season, especially basking on the euphoria of the away draw against Plateau United in Jos in Matchday One, but Kwara United FC have goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka to thank for stopping the home team scoring from one-on-one situations on three different ocassions.
Kwara United were forced to a goalless draw in their first match against Gombe United on same ground, which is their new adopted home, with Coach Abdulazeez Mohammed describing the performance against Shooting Stars Sports Club as encouraging, despite having his players struggling to get it right in front of goal.
He said: “Kwara United is a work in progress, and we will keep improving from one game to the other. We lost some vital chances in our two games so far, and we will keep on working to correct the lapses.
“Defender Sanni Faisal got injured in the first half, paving way for young defender, Muritala Dagbo, who, together with Abiodun Adebayo, did not disappoint at all at the heart of Kwara United defence.
“Alalade Wasiu, Chisom Samuel, Bright Etaghara and Taiwo Salaudeen were later introduced for Taofeek Ahmed, Wasiu Mahmud, Junior Ayobami and Paul Samson respectively, with the team growing in confidence as the game wears on, coming close to scoring on several occasions.”
In his reaction, Coach of the home team, Gbenga Ogunbote praised his players for playing well, even as he rues missed chances.
His words: “The important thing for us was that the boys played well. Sometimes you play well and don’t have your way. We need to be calm in front of goal.
“We played well and scored as much as three goals in Jos against Plateau United, but today we couldn’t score just one. That’s football for you.”
Kwara United will square up against Bendel Insurance of Benin at the same venue, Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday, in Matchday Three of the NPFL, while Shooting Stars Sports Club will play away to Remo Stars at the Ikenne Township Stadium, also on Sunday.
