A brace from Wikki Tourists’ captain, Idris Guda on Wednesday, helped the host team to halt Lobi Stars’ six matches unbeaten streak in a three-goal thriller on Matchday 8.
Both teams needed the maximum points as the fight for qualification for the super six intensifies.
After securing a point on Matchday 7 against Abia Warriors, the Bauchi-based side was eager to improve their current standing against the group B leaders.
For the visiting Lobi Stars, the match was an opportunity to hold firm on the top spot.
But seven minutes after the commencement of the match, Captain Idris gave Wikki Tourists an early lead from the penalty spot, following an unintentional handball in the box by Lobi Stars’ midfielder, Francis Odinaka, who tried to clear Muhammed Yusuf’s long-range free-kick. The incident left the center referee with no option but to point to the spot.
The visitors regrouped with strong determination in search of an equalizing goal. The chances came in quick successions but Joseph Atule especially was unlucky.
The sensational winger had the best opportunity to level things for the Makurdi-based side in the 9th minute when he was released on goal by Suur Kumaga, but Goalkeeper Mohammed Galadima of Wikki Tourists thwarted his effort.
Atule spurned another opportunity eleven minutes after when he was put through by Terdoo Shimagande.
Abba Umar equalized to level the scoreline 1-1 for the Makurdi side in the 34th minute. His thunderous left-footed strike 25 meters away from the goalpost, left goalkeeper Galadima rooted, restoring parity.
But the equalizer was short-lived Six minutes before halftime, Guda again restored the lead for the home side with a solo effort, after going one on one to put the ball beyond Emmanuel Daniel, as the first half ended 2-1.
As the second 45 minutes of the game resumed, Lobi Stars Head Coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, made some tactical changes in the 58th and 70th minutes, replacing Shimagande, Madu, Atule, and Umar with Imenger, Madaki, Legbara, and Alex, as the team went in search of the equalizer.
Their introduction brought in a lot of urgencies to play but it was again overshadowed by missed chances.
Barnabas Imenger had the last opportunity for the visiting side but his well-taken freekick was denied by goalkeeper Galadima, bringing the match to a close at 2-1 in favor of Wikki Tourists.
Reacting to the defeat, Lobi Stars head Coach, Muhammed Baba Ganaru said it was an interesting encounter but expressed his disappointment over the missed chances by his boys.
“Generally, it was a good match, the boys played very well, they showed a very good character and discipline both in defense and attack, but lost so many good chances to comeback after conceding an early penalty, after that we fought back to get a comeback but it was not meant to be.”
He said the team will regroup quickly in preparation for its next game.
On his part, Wikki Tourist’s head coach, Abdullahi Adamu said it was a good result for his team, having defeated a good side like Lobi Stars.
“It was a very good match, I thank God for the victory, the most important thing is to secure the three points which God has granted us, I am grateful”. He stated.
Lobi Stars will now host Doma United in Jos on Sunday, for the Matchday 9 fixture.
