Mfon Udoh’s 29th minute header sealed Akwa United’s first away win of the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League season as the Promise Keepers beat Yobe Dersert Stars 0-1 in Damaturu on Thursday.
The striker who increased his goal tally to three in six games rose the highest to nod home Etboy Akpan’s inch-perfect cross as they extend their winning streak against Yobe Dersert Stars to four games in all competitions.
The victory which is Coach Rafael Everton’s second win in six matches saw the team move up to 7th position on the NPFL Group B table with 8 points.
Coach Everton stick with the same starting eleven that defeated Go Round in Uyo and the boys put up a brave performance against their hosts albeit on a bumpy August 27th Stadium pitch in which both teams struggled to gain control of the game but it was the Uyo based side that came out with the vital win.
Akwa United announced their intentions early into the game when Mfon Udoh, Ndifreke Effiong and Cyril Olisema all made good attempts from outside the area but their efforts fail to hit the target.
As the Promise Keepers gained control of the game, Etboy Akpan burst
through the right flank and deliver an inch-perfect cross which was beautifully directed into the back of the net by Mfon Udoh.
The hosts pushed forward and nearly got the equalizer in the 38th minute but goalkeeper Jean Efala made a fantastic save to deny Abdullahi Usman after the striker was put through in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. The visitors held on as the first half ended in their favour.
Moments after the restart, Mfon Udoh’s spectacular volley flew past Yobe goalkeeper Godwin Paul who was off his line and over the bar for a goal kick. At the other end, Jean Efala was at his best, making some eye-catching saves to frustrate the home side.
Yobe Stars thought they were on level terms in the 80th minute but their effort was ruled out after the referee spotted an infringement in the build up, much to the disappointment of the home fans. At the final whistle, Yobe Stars’ fans threw stones and bottles into the pitch and forced the two sides and the officiating officials to retreat to the centre of the field. It took the effort of the police and stadium security to restore normalcy. However, Akwa United team bus was vandalized by the angry fans in Damaturu.
The Promise Keepers will next face newly promoted Kada City on one of Matchday 8 fixtures at the Nest of champions in Uyo on Monday.
