By Aderonke Ojo
A second-half goal from Meyanga Usman gave Mighty Jets the edge over hard-fighting Lobi Stars in high stake matchday 12 clash, played at the New Jos Stadium.
Lobi Stars headed into the important contest with the hope that a win for them would brighten their chances of returning to the elite league.
An early-minute save from Lobi Stars goalkeeper, Daniel Atsaka, inspired his teammates to launch series of attacks on the opponent’s goal, with young and energetic Peter Onah coming close in a quick succession, enough to break the deadlock, only to see his efforts slip inches away from hurting the Jos-based side.
The Makurdi-based side kept possession of the ball, dictating passes around in search of the best opportunity to exploit the host side on a counterattack.
Again, those moments arrived no doubt, however precision was a stumbling block, Bello Egigogo thought he had buried a lay on pass inside the net when the defensive midfielder found himself at the edge of the box, only to see his strike deflected for a corner kick.
Approaching the half-hour mark, the duo of Suur Kumaga and Yusuf Afeez, produced some panic at the opponent’s goal post when the former played a sensational free-kick that was goal bound only to see the ball sail over the wood work for a goal kick before the later’s well taken free-kick was saved by goalkeeper Tomiwa Isaac.
Both teams tighten their grips, preventing any damage as they head into the tunnel with the 0-0 scoreline.
Returning from the mid-match break, Lobi Stars Head Coach John Onuh made some tactical changes with Christian Amara taking over from injured Afeez Yusuf.
The Alia Boys pushed forward in search of an opener. Unfortunately, it was Mighty Jets who took the lead through Meyanga Usman in the 58th minute from what was clearly seen as an embarrassing offside positional play, but the Centre Referee who relied on the Assistant Referee 1 who did not raise his flag for offside had no option than to award a goal, changing the scoreline to 1-0.
Despite trailing behind, the Makurdi-based side kept pressing forward to restore parity, with Onah coming close after a good solo run, only to see his effort sail away.
The host almost doubled their lead with 8 minutes left on the clock, goalkeeper Atsaka, who was outstanding in between the sticks for the visitors, pulled a stunning save when he stretched fully and pushed the ball away
With time running down to the final whistle, the Jos-based side protected their slim lead until the final whistle.
Reacting shortly after the clash, Coach John Onuh attributes the defeat to missed opportunities.” We created numerous chances unfortunately we couldn’t hit the desired target”.
Lobi Stars still stand with 17 points, occupying fourth place on the log and separated by a goal difference with Kada Warriors who are coincidentally our next opponents as we return home Wednesday on March 25.
