By Tony Ademodi
Abia Warriors, on Sunday, played out a 2-2 draw against Doma United in a EUROMATCHNPFL Matchday 12 fixture at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba.
Abia Warriors started the game strongly in the early stage of the game, as striker Emeka Obioma came close to opening scores in the third minute, after receiving a pass from Austin Osayande, but his shot at goal went inches wide.
Doma United however opened scoring in the fifth minute, through Tijani Azeez who slotted home after a defensive error from Abia Warriors defence line, to silence the home fans.
The Umuahia-based side, pushed for an equalizer in the ninth, 18th and 28th minute, through Obioma, Ochoche Ngbede and Chidiebere Nnachi, but couldn’t convert the chances that came their way.
However, their effort paid off in the 37th minute, as Obioma got the equalizer through a headed effort from a corner kick by Ngbede, with both sides going into the interval with a 1-1 scoreline.
The second half resumed with more intent from both sides. Abia Warriors introduced Israel Joseph for the injured Austine Njoku, and Idris Alonge took the place of Chidiebere Nnachi, which helped stabilize the home side.
Doma United kept dictating the tempo of the game, especially in midfield, with Isah Mohammed, Shola Collins and Sadiq Rilwan, enjoying possession, while denying Abia Warriors a chance to score.
The Savannah Tigers scored their second goal in the 69th minute, through Samuel Akpan, who came off the substitute bench to slot home, after Abia Warriors couldn’t clear their line.
Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo knowing that time was running out, introduced Ikoi Ettah for Austine Osayande, while switching to a 4-4-2 formation.
Obioma scored the equalizer in the 79th minute, to take his season goal so far to eight, as the game ended 2-2 after regulation time.
In a post-match interview, Amakapabo decried the goalscoring opportunities missed by his players that led to dropping two points at home.
‘’This is a game we should have won especially in the second half, my players were not clinical in front of goal, and this has affected us in most of our games played so far this season, but we hope to find our goalscoring rhythm again hopefully in our next game,” Amapakabo said.
Doma United head coach Deji Ayeni during his post-match interview praised his players for their performance, while also highlighting the attacking prowess in his team.
‘‘It was a very good game against Abia Warriors, as they have a good team. We came here with a plan to score early, and it paid off as planned. Every team I have coached, I believe the best form of defence is to attack, and that’s why we’ve been scoring goals in most of our games played at home and away, and my players understand my philosophy as their coach. We go back home and prepare well against Barau FC, which is also a good team,” Ayeni said.
Abia Warriors will be guests to Inter Lagos on Matchday 13, while Doma United will host Barau FC at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
Man of the match: Emeka Obioma
(Abia Warriors)