FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s title hopes was dealt a serious blow after it lost to Lobi Stars 2-1 on Sunday in the Nigeria Professional Football League Week 36 fixture in Makurdi.
A brace from Ismaila Konoyaya was enough for the 2015 Federation Cup Finalist to claim all three points and seriously hurting the Anambra Warriors’ title ambition. FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s goal was scored by Gata Ismaila Adeshina.
Going into the match coach Rafael Everton decided to maintain the same starting eleven that secured all three points for the Anambra Warriors’ last match against El Kanemi Warriors the last time out. However, the 1st 20 minutes of the match was a game of cat and mouse as both teams observed each other and didn’t really create any clear cut chances.
This however changed in the 34th minute as Ismaila Konayaya was clear on goal after teammate Tyacasse took advantage of a defensive mix up between the FCIU midfielders and defenders, Tyacasse then delivered a perfect through pass to Konayaya who made no mistake in scoring to give the hosts the lead.
This was followed by a period of domination by the Anambra Warriors who went on to create a couple of half chances especially in the 38thminute when Kojo Baah nearly equalized when he nodded a corner kick from Alberico Da Silva but his effort was just wide.
That proved to be the last action of the 1st half as it ended 1-0 in favour of Lobi Stars.
The second half started with FC Ifeanyi Ubah mounting pressure on Lobi Stars, the Anambra Warriors controlled possession and looked more threatening, winning every contest and it was no surprise that in the 50th minute, Lobi Stars succumbed to the pressure when Seka Pascal was brought down in the penalty box. Gata Adeshina who had replaced Alakwe Chijioke at the start of the second half, stepped up and scored from the spot, leveling the scores.
This was followed by scenes of violence as angry Lobi Stars officials lead by Chairman Mr Idoko, attacked an FC Ifeanyi Ubah substitute, Okereke Maduabuchi who was on the touchline about to be introduced into the game. Okereke Maduabuchi was slapped by two Lobi Officials prompting the FC Ifeanyi Ubah players to come to his rescue, interrupting the match momentarily.
The well-deserved equalizer increased the confidence among the Anambra Warriors as they began to create more chances but unfortunately couldnot convert especially in the 70th minute when Alberico Da Silva delivered an inch perfect through pass to Seka Pascal but unfortunately, the Ivorian’s effort was far from perfect.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah were made to pay for their misses as Ismaila Konayaya in the 73rd minute got his brace against the run of play when he strike from outside the box found its way into the back of the net beating Ezenwa Ikechukwu to the delight of the home fans.
There was really not much free flowing football after the goal as Lobi Stars took to time wasting, falling to the ground at any slightest contact with goalkeeper John Lawrence leading the charge. This negative football tactics prevented the Anambra Warriors from creating any real chance after the goal and it ended 2-1 to Lobi Stars.
The defeat leaves FC Ifeanyi Ubah on 4th on the log with 53 points, four points behind leaders Rangers FC who are on 57 points. The Anambra Warriors will next face Enyimba FC at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium on Sunday, needing to win the match to stand any chance of winning the NPFL title
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