Plateau United Snaps IfeanyiUbah's Unbeaten Run

Plateau United on Saturday defeat FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Rwang Pam Stadium Jos courtesy of two first half goals by Kabiru Umah and Benjamin Turba.

The defeat was the Anambra Warriors’ 1st NPFL loss in seven matches and its first loss in eleven matches in all competitions.

As expected Coach Rafael Everton was forced to name a changed starting 11, with keys players missing because of injury, illness and involvement in the NPFL All Stars hence handing debuts to goal keeper Chijioke Ejiogu while Olawale Doyeni, Kojo Baah where given starts.

The team never got going, failed to cope with high physical intensity provided by Plateau United and hence in the 12th minutes conceded the 1st goal when Kabiru Umar tapped in a beautiful delivery from Anayo Ogbonna.

Gradually the Anambra Warriors began to come into the match with Tamen Medrano and Ngoma Luamba trying to dictate the pace of the game but it was in the final third that the team was found wanting as it was unable to create a clear cut chance.

On the other end of the pitch our defensive who by its high standards struggled to cope with the United defense especially with Anayo Ogbonna. The Anambra born striker in the 33rd minute laid up a glorious chance for Kabiru Umah who should have gotten his 2nd of the afternoon but for a fantastic double save by Chijioke Ejiogu.

However, the 2nd goal was to come minutes later in controversial circumstances when a deflected long range shot by Benjamin Turba went past Chijioke Ejiogu but it looked like the keeper was pulled back by a Plateau player.

The center referee, Garba Hamza from Kano State and his assistants didn’t not deem the pull strong enough to be called a foul and hence awarded the  goal to the disappointment of the FC Ifeanyi Ubah players.

At half time it ended 2-0 for Plateau United and it wasn’t surprising that coach Rafael made a change at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Chijioke Alakwe for Isaac Loute. The impact of This tactical change was well felt during the 2nd half as the Anambra Warriors dominated possession, and where more threatening upfront especially Seka Pascal.
The Ivorian combined well with Chijioke Alakwe but unfortunately were unable to score and the chance of the 2nd half came in the 77th minute when Bright Onyedikachi delivered an inch perfect cross but Adeleye’s header narrowly missed the target.

In the end Plateau United held on to win.

Reactions:
Rafael Everton: FCIU Coach

It’s sad for us today, because we played very well but didn’t score goals. I praise my boys for trying to produce good football on this type of pitch especially in the 2nd half.

We were disappointing in the way we defended but we will work on that and am sure we will be ready for the Rangers match.

Seka Pascal

We had a good game, but unfortunately we conceded the 1st goal very early and that kind of threw us off balance. But that’s football, sometimes you win, and other times you loose.

It feels great to be voted man of the match but its unfortunate that my team lost but we will keep working hard in training so that we meet our target which is a top three finish.