Taye Yusuf’s Last Gasp Equaliser Secure A Point For Gombe United
Gombe United’s search for a first win of the season continues as Taye Yusuf’s, equaliser at the death ensured that they shared the points with Nasarawa United on Sunday at the Pantami stadium in the week four fixture of the #NPFL23 which ended 1-1.
It took just two minutes for the Savannah Scorpions to register their first goal on target fired in an ambitious shot from the right flank but it was saved by goalkeeper Ameh Godwin.
There was a penalty appeal by the hosts in the 16′ when Sama’ila Bello beat two of his markers from inside the box before pulling the trigger which was handled by Gabriel as he tried to block the goal bound which was overlooked and led to a fruitless protest.
In the 20′ Chinedu Ohanachum, scored from an offside position from King Osanga’s free kick few metres from the center circle.
In a swift reaction, Gombe United’s Technical Adviser Aliyu Zubairu, made some tactical changes in the 32′ as he replaced Mamuda Aliyu with Victor Dawa and Sani Suleiman for their Cameroonian import Suoleyman Alhadji.
Gombe United returned more rejuvenated in the second half as they sought for the equaliser firing their cylinders from all angle that paid off in the 85′ when substitute Anayo Ogbunna, fired a bullet header from Taye Yusuf’s sumptuous delivery but the goal was overruled as the the assistant referee raised up the flag for offside.
The Savannah Scorpions were earlier reduced to ten men in the 81′ as Sani Suleiman was shown red card for a second bookable offense.
At the dying minutes Anayo Ogbunna, was fouled inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot which was converted by Taye Yusuf .
In a post match interview, Gombe United’s gaffer Aliyu Zubairu said he was disappointed with the result but notwithstanding it was better than losing, assuring to work hard for the subsequent matches .
According to him, his boys are yet to find their rhythm at home but was optimistic they would soon become a better side, saying if the earlier goal scored was allowed they would have turned around the result.
Gombe United’s next fixture is on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at home to Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan.
Report compiled by Teli Halilu, Media Officer of Gombe United FC
