By Ademetan Abayomi
Two teams with exciting players will go head to head for a place in the semi-finals of the #AhlanCup2019 when Kwara United and Rarara FC trade tackles at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Monday afternoon. Kickoff is at 4pm.
Both sides know that a showdown with Nasarawa United could now follow in the next round as a result.
Kwara United
Indeed, this year’s tournament is the first time they have even qualified for the quarter-finals.
At the 2019 Okowa Pre Season Tournament, Kwara United emerged as champions after beating Lobi Stars 1-0 in the final.
Kwara United won one and drew two games to top Group D with five points.
Abdullahi Biffo’s side will still go into Saturday’s match as slight favourites given the talent at their disposal, but they will know that a major improvement is needed if they are to make serious waves in the latter stages of the competition.
Recent Ahlan Cup form: DDW
Rarara FC
Rarara will feel that they should have topped their group after collecting six points from their opening two games, but their final match also cost them.
They went into their third group game sitting top of the standings, but they were beaten 1-0 by Elkanemi Warriors.
Rarara enjoyed 52% possession and had 11 shots as they probed for a breakthrough, only to be beaten 1-0.
It has not been an easy road to this stage, then, but Rarara have too proud a record in this competition having finished third in 2018.
Recent Ahlan Cup form: WWL
Team News
Kwara United
Kwara United are expected to welcome some key first-team players back into their starting XI for this match after naming a second-string side against Wikki Tourists.
Samuel Ganda and are among the names likely to return.
Joshua Agboola should also regain his place, while will Abdullateef Ishola expect to be recalled in goal.
Rarara FC
Young playmaker Naziru Auwalu is the livewire in the Rarara FC team. He has contributed two assists so far at #AhlanCup2019.
Also expected to paddle the boat of Rarara FC are Saleem Ali, Kamilu Ammany and Nathan Aruwa.
By Ademetan Abayomi
