By Daily Sports on March 12, 2016

Ubong Friday’s double ensured that Akwa United returned to winning ways as they defeated Plateau United 2-0 in Friday night’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match.

The Confederation Cup holders, Akwa United, without suspended winger Ubong Ekpai, made wholesome changes in their startlist that lost at Kano Pillars with Olufemi Kayode starting in goal with Kounnou Paterne moving to right-back.

Former Akwa United head coach Zachary Baraje, returning to Uyo with Plateau United after winning them the Cup last term, made just one change with Daddy Morris taking the place of Benjamin Turba.

Plateau United barely got out of first gear in this contest, as it was all Akwa United from start to finish.

Michael Ibe Okoro should have done better on six minutes from close range when he directed his header straight at Plateau United goalkeeper Ayo Segun, who saved with ease.

Three minutes later, Yusuf Adio’s free kick from the edge of the box stung the palms of Segun, who surely was the busier of the two goalkeepers on the night.

Akwa United kept pushing for the opener and in the 13th minute it was the turn of Emeka Ohazurike to force Segun into a save.

It was clear that Plateau United, with the worst defensive record so far this season, would play under pressure as their lone striker, Victor Namo, cut a forlorn figure.

On 28 minutes, Friday opened the scoring for Akwa United. The forward simply flicked Ibe Okoro’s cross from the right channel into the bottom right-hand corner of Segun’s goal to give his side a one-goal lead.

At the break, the stats were stacked against Plateau United, and it was clear they needed to up their game or return to Jos empty-handed.

The Jos club just did not measure up to Akwa United’s pressing play. Substitute Abdulafeez Awakan and Kufre Ebong came close to scoring for Akwa United.

However, it was Friday who stood up to be counted for the second time on the night. He received a pass from Ohazurike and then side-footed in off the upright at the near side of Plateau United’s goalkeeper for his and Akwa United’s second.

Friday nearly netted a treble with five minutes left when he shot Awakan’s pass over Plateau United’s goal.

Akwa United have now amassed seven points from four games and still have two outstanding matches while Plateau United have taken the same number of points from their conquerors, but have played two more games. © supersport.com

•Photo shows Akwa United players filing out for a match.

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 12, 2016

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