Gombe United Fc lost to Akwa United FC by a lone goal in the 2023 #NPFL Match Day 8 fixture played today at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Uche Collins’ free header from inside the box from James Ajako’s delivery in the 9′ gave the hosts the maximum three points.
Umar Ahmed took a solo from the right before whipping a left footed shot which went off the post in the 17′; then chances upon chances but the equaliser wasn’t forthcoming .
The referee blown the whistle after an additional one minute to end at the time when the Savannah Scorpions began to find their rhythm .
Goalkeeper George Abine was outstanding as parried out Moses Effiong’s goal bound effort in the 47′, before making some key saves in the course of the match.
Gombe United took over control of the match in the 55′ as introduced Sani Suleiman for Samuel Ogunjimi;Sadiq Shuaibu for Chidi Ernest and Injured Umar Ahmed for Christian Molokwu.
In the 69′, Usman Abbas missed a glorious chance to level the game as his header from inside the box went over the post; Sani Suleiman also failed to convert another goal opportunity as he tried a weak volley at the edge of the box.
Despite the introduction of Anayo Ogbonna for Gimba Ajiji and Al’ameen Al’ameen for Lucky Vandi at the tail end of the encounter, the Savannah Scorpions could not find back of the net.
Speaking to the press after the match, Gombe United’s Technical Adviser Aliyu Zubairu said the early goal scored destabilized their plan.” I think the early scored destabilized our plan and later in the second half we got the rhythm but we were not lucky “.
Aliyu Zubairu explained that they have shifted their attention to their next fixture which is the last game of the first round. ” We’re going to work on our deficiencies before the commencement of the second round of the league”.
Gombe United will be up against Plateau United at home in their final first round fixture at the Pantami stadium.
