Vandrezzer FC suffered their first loss of the year against Abia Comets FC of Umuahia in a very pacy friendly game at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State.
The game saw three new players introduced into the team – Sylvanus Nsikak,Samuel Edoho and Babatunde Damilare who came on as a sub later on.
The Hosts registered their presence when Segun Falana got an early goal (his 1st goal of the season)in the 6th minute of the game.
The combination of new signee Samuel Edoho and Cameroonian Pederson Ajong dominated attempts at goal thereafter with the duo accounting for three missed chances.
Samuel Edoho presence was cut short 32 minutes into the game when he picked up a knock from a challenge forcing him out for the remainder of the game and replaced by Babatunde Damilare.
Game ended 1-0 at halftime.
A blessing in disguise for the Lions of Naija is what describes the golden opportunity for Vandrezzer FC with 12 minutes (57th minute) into the second half when Kolawale Daniel dominated possession of the ball from the centre,breaking through the defence and catching goal keeper Ogoke Kingsley off-guard.
The former had an empty post before him and from the edge of the box he sent a long range shot at goal. Then like a thief in the night,a defender from the hosts showed up just in time,making a goal line clearance and prompting loud screams from the bench of the Lions of Naija.
The game marred by biased calls from the centre referee went on with exciting tackles,attempts and saves from Goalkeeper Peter Idongesit including two goal-mouth scrambles in the box of Vandrezzer FC ending the game 1-0 at regulation time.
Up next for the Vandrezzer boys is a friendly with NPFL side Abia Warriors at the same stadium tomorrow (Monday January 13) by 8am.
POST MATCH THOUGHTS
“The friendly game is a good one and a test of the boys fitness as well chance to old and new players who have not had enough playing time in the team. I’m happy with the performance of my boys. Against Abia Warriors tomorrow,it’s a good test for us as well”
Rafael Everton (Vandrezzer FC TA)
“From what I saw this afternoon, the Vandrezzer team have a standard and with the type of coach they have I believe they can go places. High standard League match. I thank the Vandrezzer side for coming because they have improved our quality of play”
Bethel Orji (Abia Comets TA)
“Both sides played well. Coming to the NNL for the first time and with their position in the league,they are doing fine. Their coach is really working hard with his team”
Segun Falana (Goalscorer for Abia Comets)
