It was a bad day in the office for Kwara United FC, losing 3-0 to CAF Confederation Cup campaigners, Rivers United FC at the Main-Bowl of the Adokie Amiesimaka Sports Complex, and also had two players sent off, though deservedly.
Afeez Nosir got a straight red card as he retaliated a foul on him by Rivers United player, after he had been awarded a free kick, while, with two minutes to go, Isaiah Ejeh stopped a goal bound shot on the goal line, and committing a foul in the process.Kwara United started on a bright note, pushing the host to their half, but an howler by goalkeeper Abdullateef Ishola in the 32 minute gifted Ifeanyi Anaemena the first goal.
The euphoria welcoming the goal was still in the air when a through pass to Kwara United’s defence was converted by Godwin Aguda, jabbing in a low cross from the left.
Earlier in the game, Kabir Balogun went out injured, and was replaced in the 18th minute with Joshua Agboola, whose dashing runs at the wings caused a lot of worry for the homers.
In the 51st minutes, Issa Gata was introduced, replacing Steven Jude, and his several efforts were not properly channeled, as Kwara United FC struggled to reduce the tally.
Struggling Michael Ohanu was substituted with ten minutes left to play, as Alao Dabani was brought on. Kalu Nweke also substituted Joshua Agboola.
Rivers United got the third from the spot, after Ejeh was red carded. Gowin Chika scored the penalty to make it three.
With the win, it was three out of three for Rivers United, and Kwara United FC losing one out of two, after opening their campaign with a win over Plateau United in Jos in December.
Kwara United FC will on Wednesday, take on Akwa United FC in Ilorin, in their first home match this season, with the Week Two game against Enyimba FC postponed.
Coach of the team, Abdullahi Biffo said that the technical crew will have to return to the drawing board, and re-strategise, ahead of the mid-week encounter.
Coach Stanley Eguma commended his boys for rising up to the occasion, adding that they had to prepare well for Kwara United, which he described as a strong side, following their victory over Plateau United in Jos in Week One.
