Osun United FC secured a vital 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos in an exciting encounter at the latter’s home ground, Onikan Lagos.
The Matchday 10 duel saw first-half goals from Emmanuel Essien and the NNL’s top scorer Ganiyu Gberefun, who helped the visitors maintain their strong push for a spot in promotion playoff zone.
United should have been on song in the early minutes but for indecision on the part of our strikers which is their greatest undoings. After enduring a cagey moment, Essien opened the scoring in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered ball from dazzling winger, Naheem Odugbemi to put Osun United ahead.
Ten minutes later, the NNL’s highest goal scorer, gangling topman, Ganiyu Gberefun made it 2-0 with a clinical finish stealing it away from the defender thereby taking his tally to six goals for the season and giving Osun United a comfortable lead heading into halftime.
Despite the dominant performance from Osun United, Sporting Lagos fought hard in the second half, with the match taking a dramatic turn in the dying moments.
A controversial penalty awarded to the hosts allowed them to reduce the deficit, although it was not enough to mount a serious challenge for the equalizer.
In the final stages of the match, Osun United’s substitute, Olateju Robiu had a golden opportunity to further extend the lead, but his delivery from the diagonal location inside the final third deflected into safety with fellow substitute, Samuel Adeniyi left unmarked, it could have sealed a more convincing win for Seye Ajayi tutored side.
In the end, ‘the Gladiators’ held on for the three points, keeping their momentum going in the league, while Sporting Lagos were left to rue their missed opportunities.
‘Belive And Achieve’ will next shift focus to Osun State Federations Cup Semi Final clash against Nationwide League One campaigners, Ijesha Golden Warriors on Wednesday 19th February by 10am. The match is slated for Ejigbo Township Stadium.
