Gateway United held J Atete to a 1-1 draw at Otu Jeremi Stadium, Delta State in a matchday 9 fixture of the 2021/2022 NNL season.
Oronsaye James canceled out Edewor Godstime’s opener at the death as both teams shared the spoils.
Coach Toyin Ayinla made 2 changes to the squad that defeated Adoration FC with Ogunleye Sulaimon and Agada Ameh returning to the lineup.
It was the hosts who first forced Araromi Ibukun to a fine save denying Edewor Godstime at the near post.
Atete’s Ekeku Daniel came close in the half hour mark with a low effort that spiralled off target.
Ogunronbi Hawal replied with a long goalward effort tipped over by Atete’s Joke Efewara.
After a goalless first half, the hosts took the lead 6 minutes into the second half as Edewor Godstime drilled a low effort past Araromi Ibukun in a one on one situation.
With the quartet of Sanni Jamiu, Babalola Azeez, Abawula Anthony and Isiaka Olawale joining the fray, powers changed hands as the visitors became fluid in the middle of the pack.
Sanni Jamiu showed intent in the final 20 minutes by hitting a rocket which flew straight at the goalie.
With the game coasting home in the final 3 minutes, Samuel Akintola dinked a long ball to Iwundu Chidozie, who then cut back for Oronsaye James at the right flank, James sent home a one time low effort, and that rescued a point for the visiting side.
Coach reaction :
Coach Toyin Ayinla again commended his side for grinding a point at a difficult ground.
“It’s our first point on the road this season, that makes it a special one for us. We came for a win but we got a draw. The players showed great character and resilience. It was a difficult game. It’s not easy chasing a game here in Otu Jeremi. We simply gave it a good fight. We will continue to get better. There’s so much to come. So much in the offing” he concluded.
Gateway United will face Ibom Youth next in Matchday 10 in Abeokuta.
