A goal in each half from Michael Okolo and Julius Ikechukwu ensured a comfortable 2-nil win for Gateway United over Bayelsa United in the 2020/2021 NNL Matchday 18 encounter at MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Four changes were made to the squad that lost to Abia Comets in Umuahia on matchday 17 with Salifu Haruna, Michael Okolo Sunkanmi Odusina, and Seyi Okeowo making the starting line-up.
The first attempt came in the 14th minute with Iwundu Chidozie blasting wide a loose ball from close range.
Gateway United’s enterprising attack paid off in the 28th minute when Bayelsa United defender handled Michael OKolo’s chipped pass to Sunkanmi Odusina with his hand. Resultingly, the penalty was awarded and the experienced midfielder Michael Okolo stepped up and converted from the spot.
Okolo came close again a minute to halftime with a low angled shot from the edge of the box which went few inches shy of the goal.
Hakeem Busari tutored side continued from where it left off in the second half and it was Michael Okolo who again stung the palm of Bayelsa goalie John Shaibu with a low effort which nearly beat him at his near post.
In the 57th minute, Bayelsa United were reduced to 10 men; Ebedebiri Endurance sent off for unsportsmanlike behavior. Gateway United capitalized on the numerical advantage, making three substitutions as Seyi Okeowo, Salifu Haruna and Olasunkanmi Odusina made way for Obinna Okoro, Mohammed Hamal, and Julius Ikechukwu.
The changes paid off instantly as Julius Ikechukwu turned super-sub, doubling the scoreline with a well-taken strike barely three minutes after coming on. He struck a beauty after beating his marker inside the box in the 69th minute.
Julius Ikechukwu came close again, drilling a low shot that narrowly missed the far post, while Araromi Ibukun’s outstretched leg blocked Stephen Wisdom’s low effort. The two aforementioned attempts characterized the closing stages of the game as Ibukun Araromi produced his 9th clean sheet of the season.
Godosky away trip comes next at Rojenny stadium, Anambra for the Ogun State-owned team on Saturday 29th May 2021.
