SGFC Athletics Sports Club suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Nigeria premier football league (NPFL) challengers Kwara United in a friendly match played on Saturday at the KFA pitch.
A late deflected strike from Mohammed Bajibril on the 86th minutes was what Harmony Boys needed to edge the Eagles in what was a cagey affair between both sides.
Kwara United began the game on the front foot but piling early pressure on SGFC Athletics defense but they where disciplined enough to contain the attacking threat from United’s attack.
SGFC grew into the game and almost got the opener when Anthony Jegede pounce on to a lose ball and unleash a strike but he would see his effort go over the bar.
Kwara United also had the chance to go ahead when Paul Samson’s effort was headed out from the goal line by Henry Ndubisi to keep his team level after goalkeeper Godwin Friday was clearly beaten.
Iman Abdulgafar also came close scoring from the free kick on the far right but his efforts was brilliantly chipped over the bar by the legendary Dele Ayienugba in goal for United.
The lad put up a fantastic display to hold Kwara United to goalless draw at halftime.
On resumption of the second half, Abayomi Ayodeji was replaced by Ibrahim for SGFC in the middle as the Eagles continued from where they stopped against a new look Kwara United side who had a different eleven for the second half of the game.
The Harmony Boys came all out at SGFC in-search of the opener with Samad Kadiri, Wasiu Mamud, Issa Gata and Godwin Osagbemi all leading the line but SGFC defense where resolute to absorb everything thrown at them.
The break through would finally come for the Harmony Boys towards the closing stages of the game when Mohammed Bajibril long range strike on the 86th minutes was mis-judged by goalkeeper Godwin Friday who dived to the wrong direction while the ball deflected into the net. 1-0 Kwara United.
SGFC Athletics quickly went in-search for an equalizer but there would be no time for the boys to redeem themselves as Kwara United held on to grab a slim victory which seems like a moral booster ahead of their NPFL matchday nine clash against El-Kanemi Warriors on Wednesday.
Head coach of SGFC Athletics, Mashood Yakub was satisfied with his team’s performance adding that they gave everything but were unlucky to concede at the manner at which they did.
“The boys put in everything and we almost got a draw. It was a m top performance from the team, I am satisfied with the tenacity in them it show we are working. But the result? It’s always a must win,that is the principle and the boys have to stick to that”, He added.
SGFC Athletics will be in action again on Sunday as they file out against Nationwide FC in the quarterfinal of the ongoing Wali of Ilorin cup.
