Ten – man Osun United shared the spoils with Crown FC in a thrilling 1-1 draw in the second group game of the Nigeria National League Super 8 playoff at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The Gladiators, who needed a maximum points to seal the Nigeria Premier Football League ticket, faced stiff resistance from Crown FC, who required an outright win to revive their promotion bid.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Crown FC starting the game on the front foot, being eventful and aggressive upfront. Despite their efforts, it was nearly for Essien Emmanuel to stun the opponents with a shot 15 minutes before the break, but his effort was unsuccessful. Osun United gradually settled into the game towards the closing moments of the first stanza, goalkeeper Ayo Ojo who was called into action, delivered an excellent saves and kept United in the game as the half ended goalless.
Crown FC maintained their pressure after the restart, with Deji Ayeni’s side piling on the pressure on Osun United’s defense. However, Afolabi Olatubosun and Lekan Gabriel were equal to the task, although they were cautioned for various offenses. The game took a dramatic turn three minutes before the hour mark when Wasiu Falolu delivered a stunning goal that caught Ayo Ojo unaware, giving Crown FC the lead.
Lekan Gabriel picked his second yellow card and was expelled from the game at the hour mark, reducing Osun United to 10 men.
Despite being down to 10 men, Osun United refused to give up. Head Coach Seye Ajayi injected fresh legs into the game, introducing Paul Agbor, Gafar Olafimihan, Naheem Odugbemi, and Mojeed Abimbola. The substitutions seemed to turn the tide in Osun United’s favor, as they endured another five minutes after regulation time and finally got the equalizer through Abolude Nurudeen’s spot kick in the last minute of the game. The penalty was awarded after a Crown FC defender was penalized for handball in his own box, and Abolude coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to cancel out Falolu’s opener.
The draw means Osun United still leads the group with 4 points from two games, followed by resurgent Warri Wolves, who had 3 points after trouncing Kun Khalifat FC 3-0 earlier.
Osun United must avoid a loss against wounded Kun Khalifat FC in the last group game to qualify for the elite league.
Head Coach Seye Ajayi was full of praise for his players, saying, “We need to go back and re-evaluate ourselves so as to reinvigorate our passion in a bid to secure promotion tickets. But in all, I salute my boys, they made us happy. A point is better than nothing at this stage.” The Gladiators will look to bounce back stronger in their final group game, knowing that a win or draw will secure their place in the NPFL.
