NPFL: BABA GANARU DISAPPOINTED WITH DRAW AGAINST ABIA WARRIORS
Head coach of Akwa United Muhammed Baba Ganaru has expressed disappointment over his team’s inability to secure victory in their first home match of the season following a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Coach Baba Ganaru observed that despite his team’s dominance throughout the game, his players were anxious at the crucial moments resulting in lots of missed chances.
“Generally it was a bad outing for us, it’s a result that we didn’t expect and I’m very disappointed. From my assessment, my players played very well and we dominated throughout but we couldn’t convert the many chances we created.
“Abia Warriors got their goal very early into the game and they defended very well and we tried to push for the equalizer but it wasn’t to be until the last minute of the game that we won that penalty in which Edidiong scored.
” This is the beginning of the season and we have to hit the ground running by winning games. We have two points from a possible six and we don’t have to wait any longer, we need to ensure we work on our scoring abilities and also redouble our effort in subsequent games as we hope for a better season ahead”
Edidiong Ezekiel scored a stoppage time penalty to help Akwa United to a 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors in Uyo on Sunday after Abia Warriors’ defender handled the ball in the box and coach Baba Ganaru believed that it was a game his team should have won but regretted his team’s poor finishing. Abson Mare, Wisdom Stephen, Paul Acquah, Seyi Oguntayo, Chijioke Alaekwe, Kemfon Davidson and Edidiong Ezekiel all came close to scoring but their efforts were either saved or missed.
The visitors Abia Warriors took an early lead in the first half through Ojonugwa Adejoh in the fifth minute and held on to their advantage while repelling all Akwa United’s attempts at goal in what was the 20th meeting between the two neighbours.
The Promise Keepers who played a goalless draw with Lobi Stars on matchday 1 in Lafia were aiming for a winning outing at home against their neighbours Abia Warriors who lost their opening day fixture to Remo Stars in Umuahia 0-2, but it was the visitors that had the advantage before conceding the late penalty to share the spoils for 11th time in 20 meetings between the two teams.
The 2021 champions will next battle Enyimba International on matchday 3 in Aba.