It was the first all physical engagement of the Ajilete Warriors in the 1 nil defeat against Gateway United FC and the Technical Adviser of the team, Oladunni Oyekale believes the team will make a perfect impression going forward.
The encounter, a tense soaked one at the MKO Abiola International Stadium saw the teams tied it goalless in the first half although with a goal from Crown FC midfielder Tobi Adeyi ruled offside by the linesman.
The Oyekale tutored boys had put in their best in the game and were hoping to at least coast back home with a point before Seyi Okeowo struck in the 97th minute to give the home side their first win of the season.
The Technical Adviser of the Ogbomoso based team while speaking to newsmen after the game expressed his delight at his boys’ performance despite the loss.
His words: “This is our first match this season, my boys even surprised me, I couldn’t believe they play to this level. If we put in the right things, going forward there won’t be a problem.”
“I told my boys that the first 20th minutes would determine the game and you can see in the first half. I’ve known Gateway for a long time.” The National U-20 assistant coach said while remarking about the game approach.
He ruled out lack of concentration as the cause of the last-minute goal and argued it should have been another way around faulting the decision of the Referee.
“I won’t blame the late goal on the loss of concentration. The ball was a foul, the goalkeeper was pushed but the referee decision is final.”
“As I said, I’m happy with my team and the boys did well. Going forward, we’ll correct our mistakes and take a game one by one.” He concluded.
Coach Akeem Busari of Gateway United FC noted that the game albeit was a fierce one but expressed his pleasure at securing their first win of the season.
Crown FC will welcome Bendel Insurance in their midweek game slated for Wednesday 24th of February at their temporary home ground of Lautech Sports Complex at 4 pm.
