BY AKINDOYIN OLATAYO EMMANUEL
The Solid Miners got stung at the last minute of extra time after substitute, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam, stepped forward to convert Kwara United’s 90+5 minute’s penalty to the disappointment of the travelling side in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier League match-day 32 clash at the former’s makeshift home ground, the Mobolaji Johnson’s Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday evening.
With scores tied at nil-nil after regulation time, it was the Harmony Boys who capitalized on a fringe defending started by Utake Emmanuel leading to the referee awarding a penalty to the hosts after adjudging Chidera Nduka to have fouled his opponent in the box, three minutes into added time.
Despite appeals for innocence, Kwara United scooped all points from the spot, dashing the Solid Miners’ hope of sharing the spoils on the road.
Saturday’s result, however, had no effect on the team’s standing on the table, as they remain at the 3rd position with 50 points, whereas Kwara United moved a step higher to 18th position with 36 points.
Nasarawa United will return to their base in Lafia, where they will host Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, in their next game.
Coach Mangut Mbwas, expressed disappointment with the outcome of the game, stating that the least he expected against Kwara United was a draw.
“We are all pained by this result today.
“We had given this game our all from the blast of the whistle, only to be letdown in the dying minutes. A draw was the worst we had envisaged, but, sometimes, you get hit by the cruel side of the round leather game.
“Nevertheless, we have picked up our pieces, we remain resolute in our focus for our targets, and we will continue to fight till the last day of the league.
“Our next game is against Kun Khalifat. We have to console ourselves and our very loyal supporters and fans by winning that game.”