Match Report: Nasarawa United vs Katsina United

Recap

Nasarawa United waited until the last minute to snatch all the three points at home against Katsina United. It ended 1 – 0 courtesy of a late strike by Shammasu Mohammed on Matchday 8 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) decided at the Lafia City Stadium in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The visitors had soaked up all the pressure from their hosts only to succumb to the injury time pressure when they conceded a late goal to fluff the chance of picking their first point on the road

Nasarawa United created the first scoring opportunity just eight minutes into the proceedings as Michael Tochukwu got the better of Katsina United defender, Habibu Yakubu but his shot ended on the roof of the visitors net.

Kastina United came close on the 15th minute when Amah Chibundu got behind the Nasarawa United defence but went down under the challenge of Paul Odeh in the box. The visitor’s bench protested for a penalty but the Referee waved play on.

Ameh Godwin made a big save on the 18th minute to deny Katsina United the opener as he tipped Abba Umar‘s goal-bound strike to safety to the delight of the home fans.

Katsina United’s counter-attacking move on 30th minute orchestrated by Amah Chibunde who raced clear of Manga Mohammed ended up in the crowd as the attacker’s effort missed the target.

The visitors dominated virtually the first 45 minutes but could not get any goal reward for their dominance as the first half ended a barren draw.

The ‘Changi Boys’ continued their dominance in the second half as they created the first scoring chance on 51st minute when Madaki Dauda tried a clever strike from a distance which was an easy catch for Ameh in goal for Nasarawa United.

Katsina United came close once again five minutes later with a Beautiful play by Abba Umar who waltzed his way through three Nasarawa United players before finding Amah Chibundu who’s final effort sailed wide with Ameh Godwin to beat.

This time, the Solid Miners responded almost immediately, as Charles Eguavoen surged forward from the left flank dribbling his way past Nafiu Ibrahim before hitting a rocket that went off target.

Coach Bala Nkiyu and his counterpart from Katsina United introduced some fresh legs on 65th and 67th minutes respectively to add energy to the game .

The home side would then break the deadlock on the last minutes of added time when Shammasu found the back of the net with a powerful close range effort after receiving a pass from Michael Tochukwu to give Nasarawa United the important lead.