EUROMATCHNPFL leaders Barau FC were held to a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s standalone fixture against Sporting Lagos.
Barau FC began the matchweek in top spot and were undefeated in their last five games (W3 D2).
It was an open game in the early moments with Kumaga Suur having a go at Sporting’s goal which was saved by Ebenezer Harcourt.
On 21 minutes, Joel Ajibola thought he had given Sporting Lagos the lead when he scored from a follow-up but the flag was up for offside and the goal was ruled out.
Just before the half hour, Haruna Hadi had his goal attempt kept out by Barau FC goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu.
Ten minutes before the break, Barau FC took the lead through Joseph Atule’s goal from the spot after Stanley Oganbor was fouled in the box.
On the stroke of halftime, Barau FC defender Nura Ibrahim’s last ditch tackle ensured that the score remained in favour of his team at the break.
The restart followed the same end-to-end flow as Sporting Lagos levelled the score on the hour mark. Hadi’s cross was directed by Aliyu Baba’s head onto the crossbar, and then Sodiq Ayoade was quickest to react to the rebound to score the equalizer.
The final 30 minutes failed to produce another goal as both teams shared the points, which leaves Barau FC on top of the standings and unbeaten, and two points ahead of the chasing pack of Rivers United, champions Rangers and Doma United who play on Sunday and Monday.
Sporting Lagos now occupy ninth place with seven points from five matches played.