Osun United FC held homers First Bank FC to a goalless draw following an intense encounter in one of the match day one encounters decided at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Following a rigourous preseason activities, Seye Ajayi tutored side picked fresh legs and handed four new recruits a starting berth. Olateju Robiu, Ganiyu Gberefun, Nwogu Justice and ex FC ONE Rocket defence trojan, Boyo Solomon all earned their debut in style.
‘Imole Gladiators’ drew the first blood consecutively having being cautious in the opening stages.
Twelve minutes after kickoff, Olalere Hakeem picks it from Emmanuel Essien and set up Ganiyu Gberefun who twists before pulling the trigger from an impossible angle, only to see his delivery slipped inches wide.
Twenty-four minutes into the action, United nearly thump the Bankers following a fluidity of passes that caught the host napping, fans favourite, Ganiyu Gberefun once again dazzles with brilliant touches from byline, he placed it with premium sauce for unmarked Emmanuel Essien who agonisingly miscued it, just before opponents area, the mother of all chance fluffed from an iconic assist, to the dismay of club’s supporters.
The host continued posing threats with supremacy battle at the middle after restart, they were quickly presented with a chance to go infront but no thanks to their profligacy infront of goal. Moment of brilliance arrived once again for shot stopper, Sabitu Abiola who maintained his territory with great composure as he denied goal bound effort with sterling clearance.
Seye Ajayi later injected fresh legs into the fray with returnees, Gafar Olafimihan and Naheem Odugbemi with new signing, Udom Samuel, the waiting moment refused to come but calmness returned in the middle, giving gangling Ganiyu more room to bully opponents defenders.
First Bank on the other hand had their fair share of dominance but Solomon Boyo, Taiwo Promise, Justice Nwogu and Paul Agbor who replaced injured Gabriel Lekan were disciplined enough to keep the opponent’s huzzling strikers at bay as referee ended the proceeding with shared spoils, earning Osun Utd their first point of the season on the road.
Elated Seye Ajayi thereafter showered praises on his lads and promised to further ensure cohesion and chemistry with identity that the team is known for as the team is looking forward to excellent season. He promised that the team would come good.
Osun United FC will be the host next weekend when Gateway United knocks on the door. The match day two encounter is slated for the adopted home ground, Lanreleke Sports Complex Ileogbo.
OsunUtdMedia
