A 40th minutes header from Usule Martins gave league leaders, Katsina United a shock win over Kogi United in the Week Six of Nigeria National League, NNL in Lokoja.
The tension soaked game played on Saturday at the Confluence Stadium saw Kogi United dominated the proceedings and almost gain the lead in the 33rd minutes when John Jerome was gifted with a chance to score but was tripped by Timothy Danladi.
The Boys of coach Bashir Sadaoki gained an unexpected lead with five minutes to end half time when Usule Martins headed in a cross from Kabir Ahmed Janadu.
Second half saw a resurgent Kogi United as they dominated the control of the game yet again but were miserable in front of goal.
The Confluence boys could have level up in the 62nd minutes when Katsina keeper David Samson tripped Samson Pius in the box to earn United a penalty.
Captain Afolabi Abiodun stepped forward to take the spot kick and unfortunately saw his kick parried to safety by Samson David.
Destiny Ashadi could have redeemed Kogi United's status in the tension soaked match when the home side gained a free kick at the edge of Katsina's box but his effect went just an inch from goal.
There would come other begging chances missed by Kogi United attackers in the closing stage of the match when they were under pressure to score as the final final result earned Katsina United a comfortable control of the Group A1 table of the second tier league in the country with 14 points from six games.
Coach of Kogi United, Ishaya Jatau who expressed shock over his side's unacceptable defeat admitted that Kogi United were unlucky to have dropped the whole point in Lokoja having been in control for much time.
He however called for calm from the club's enthusiasts as the Lokoja based side would readdress their mistakes early and work towards getting it right in their subsequent games.
"I couldn't believe we lost this match, with our efforts and chances created, but that's football, congratulations to Katsina United, they came with a game plan and it worked for them. For our misfortunes in goal scoring, I do believe this isn't our day in this match and I will appeal to our supporters and fans to continue to believe in us, I believe we will also get our own points elsewhere," Jatau said.
His counterpart from Katsina United, Bashir Sadaoki admitted his boys were lucky to have left Confluence Stadium with the maximum points despite playing under intense pressure for larger part of the game just as he said the group is open as other clubs can also get away points.
Kogi United with seven points from six games, will next travel to Hadejia to take on Jigawa Golden Stars in the final game of the league's first round.
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