MFON PATRICK
Head Coach of Akwa United Kennedy Boboye has admitted that a costly mistake denied his team victor against Lobi Stars in their second group game at the ongoing Governor Wike Pre-season Football Tournament in Port Harcourt.
Ndifreke Effiong’s spectacular freekick gave the Promise Keepers the lead in the 21st minute before Austine Ogunye levelled the scores in the dying minutes of the match to ensure both teams have a share of the spoils.
Victory against Lobi Stars would have seen United opening a three point lead on top of the group and coach Boboye believes that his team will make it to the knockout phase.
” It was a game we needed to win because we played very well. After the first goal, we could have been home and dry but our finishing wasn’t good enough. We were in control for a greater part of the game but the only mistake we made, a defensive error, cost us two valuable points.
“The boys did well and considering the fact that we have played two tough games in two days, I don’t think it is proper to blame the boys. We still have two group games to play and I am optimistic that we will make it to the semi final.
“The most important thing for me is that the lapses we observe in our game plan will help us to perfect our strategy and formations for the new NPFL season, I believe that is one of the main reasons we are taking part in this tournament” Coach Boboye explained.
The Promise Keepers still maintain their leadership position in Group A with 4 points, same as Lobi Stars but with superior goal difference from the same number of games. Coach Boboye’s boys will next face host Rivers United before engaging Ottasolo FC in their last group game.