AKARANDUT OROK FIRES AKWA UTD TO FIRST AWAY WIN OF THE SEASON
MFON PATRICK
Akwa United’s Legend Akarandut Orok scored the only goal of the match after 17th minute in Uyo, as Akwa United beat city rivals Dakkada FC 0-1 to record their first away win of the current 2019/2020 NPFL season.
Orok who opened his goal scoring account on matchday 9 against Rivers United in what was his first start since rejoining the team, continued his blistering form in front of goal with his second of the season when he stabbed Etboy Akpan’s inch-perfect cross into the back of the net.
The decisive goal secured all three points for Akwa United which is their second successive win and their third of the season. The three points propelled the two-time Federation cup champions to 12th position on the log with 13 points from ten games.
Coach Kennedy Boboye made a little twerk in the midfield to the team that defeated Rivers United last time out. Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Dare Ojo were given the nod to start ahead of Morice Chukwu and Samuel Mathias. Goalkeeper Jean Efala, Etboy Akpan, David Philip, Sampson Gbadebo, Denis Nya, Ubong Friday, Aniekeme Asuquo, Ndifreke Effiong and Akarandut Orok all kept their places in the starting line up.
Akwa United played as an away team at the Nest of Champions for the first time but they produced a superb display throughout the game against a hard fighting Dakkada FC but Orok’s goal early in the first half proved to be the winner.
Akwa United had a sniff at goal as early as the 4th minute when Ndifreke Effiong interchanged nicely with Ubong Friday but the winger’s cross was saved by goalkeeper Thomas Omokhudu. And moments later, Akarandut Orok fail to connect with Ndifreke Effiong’s low cross and his weak effort went wide.
The Promise Keepers created another chance in the 6th minute when Etboy Akpan forced a corner off Moses Effiong. Aniekeme Asuquo’s beautiful cross was cleverly flicked by Ubong Friday but his attempt went over the bar.
In the 12th minute, Dakkada FC goalkeeper Thomas Omokhudu was called into action when Ndifreke Effiong headed Ifeanyi Ifeanyi’s cross from the left towards the top right corner but the effort was saved by the goalkeeper.
The Promise Keepers deservedly took the lead in the 17th minute when Akarandut Orok stapped home Etboy Akpan’s inch-perfect cross from the right flank.
The home side were kept at bay by a well coordinated backline marshalled by Denis Nya, Sampson Gbadebo, Etboy Akpan and David Philip. But their two attempts from free-kicks outside the box by Captain Aniekan Ekpe and Alaibo Somiari lack the venom to trouble Jean Efala in United’s goal.
Coach Kennedy Boboye’s men took control of the game and dominated play after taking the lead but were unable to add to their advantage as they went into the break with a deserved 0-1lead.
The two sides resumed the second half on the front foot but created very few scoring opportunities with Akwa United having the best chance. Ndifreke Effiong who was outstanding throughout the game freed Ubong Friday on the right in the 54th minute but the winger went for glory instead of passing to unmarked Akarandut Orok inside Dakkada’s box.
Both sides had their penalty appeals waved away by FIFA badge referee Adebimpe Quadri who was in total control of the game in which Dakkada FC goalkeeper Thomas Omokhudu was the busiest of the two goalkeepers.
Despite introducing Morice Chukwu, Mfon Udoh and Etim Mathew into the game in the second half they couldn’t add to their team’s advantage as they held on to secure their first away win of the season.
Akwa United will next engage Lobi Stars of Makurdi in Uyo on the 29th of December while Dakkada FC who suffered their second home defeat of the season will travel to Akure for a date with Sunshine Stars on matchday 11.