…congratulate state’s U-16 team for retaining Ramat Cup
Kwara United on Sunday picked their third away win of the season, after beating Katsina United 1-2 at the Main-Bowl of the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, with the home fans responding harshly to the home loss.
Afeez Nosir opened scores for Kwara United as early as five minutes, with a well-taken free kick from 45yards, while Katsina United’s equaliser in the 30th minute was scored by Atule Joseph, through a goalmouth scramble.
It was a match that was obviously bigger than referee Hong Zulkilli, with Kwara United mostly at the receiving end, as he awarded as much as seven yellow cards, especially to a player that was on the bench, Lucas Alves.
Michael Ohanu, Lucas Alves, Chris Nwaeze, Issa Gata, goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba, Deji Bamidele and Stephen Jude all got booked in the game which Katsina United played under tension.
Coach Abdullahi Biffo made only two substitutes, with Deji Bamidele replacing Joshua Agboola in the 75th minute, and Olawale Farayola, who provided the assist for the winning goal coming in for Issa Gata in the 87th minute.
It was a well deserved win for Coach Abdullahi Biffo against his former team, as he commended his boys for the feat the was achieved against all odds.
Issa Gata, Joshua Agboola and Michael Ohanu tormented Katsina defence, especially in the second half, as they struggled to curtail rampaging Kwara United.
With the win, Kwara United has now won three matches away from home so far, and Biffo equalled Coach Samson Unuanel’s three away win record when in charge of Kwara United.
The win doesn’t go down well with Katsina United fans, who pummelled the centre referee, Hong Zulkilli, as they descended heavily on him immediately after the final whistle.
He was treated of a broken head by Kwara United medics, before been taken to the hospital for further treatment.
Kwara United players and officials were also held hostage by the fans for up to 50 minutes after the final whistle, and were later escorted out of the stadium by a team of Mobile Policemen.
Kwara United will play it’s last match of the first round against Nasarawa United at home on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Kwara United has congratulated the state’s U-16 team for their success at this year’s Ramat Cup in Kano, where they retained their title.
Having lifted the crown last year in a remarkable fashion, Kwara U-16 team, led by Coach Ladi Ojokojo were determined for another success this year, which they got.
However, they were made to fight hard this time around in this competition, especially during their quarter-final duel against Kano, which they eventually won.
In the final on Friday in Kano, Oyo were prepared to shock Kwara team, but they lost 2-1 which gave Kwara the title for the second consecutive time.
Kwara United in an official statement, rejoiced with the management of the Kwara Football Academy, coaching crew and players for making the state proud far away in Kano.
“We wish to express our happiness and congratulate the team for another success achieved by winning the Ramat Cup once again in Kano.
“Their win over Oyo in the final was an emphatic one that we at Kwara United are proud of and we wish them more success in future competitions,” Kwara United stated.
Daniel Aiyenugba, who is the son of Kwara United number one goalkeeper, Dele was named as the best Goalkeeper of the tournament, thanks to his impressive performances.
His father, Dele Aiyenugba has been superb this season for Kwara United in the NPFL as Biffo and his wards remain on top of the table after defeating Katsina United on Sunday
