KATSINA UNITED MAINTAIN UNBEATEN HOME RECORD WITH 2-0 WIN AGAINST SUNSHINE STARS

Katsina United fans are delighted with the team impressive start to the season. The Changi Boys’ continued their fine home run of form in the Nigeria Professional Football League following a 2 – 0 victory over Sunshine Stars in the NPFL matchday 5 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina

Tasiu Lawal and Gambo Muhammed strikes in the 80th and 89th minutes handed Katsina United maximum three points in a tensed and tough encounter versus ‘The Akure Landlords’

No doubt, a tremendous game that lived up to its pre-match billings. The encounter at the 35,000 capacity Muhammadu Dikko Stadium was full of talking points as both teams exhibited brilliant football artistry to the delight of the spectators in the stadium.

Katsina United dominated the early minutes of the game as their opponents from Ondo State were completely put on the back foot with Destiny Ashadi orchestrating the midfield with crisp passes and dazzling skills

‘The Changi Boys’ made their intention of wining known as at five minutes of play when Tasiu Lawal came close to finding the breakthrough with a close range drive that was comfortably saved by Sunshine Stars goalie Suleiman Salihu after he was played through by Nurudeen Ibrahim.

The second clear cut chance of the game rested on Nurudeen Ibrahim who pounced unto a clever through pass from Destiny Ashadi but the Ghanian striker could not keep his effort low.

Former Niger Tornadoes winger, Tasiu Lawal would then force Sunshine Stars goalie Salihu Suleiman to another fantastic save with a volley after being played through by Yushau Garba.

The Akure Landlords didn’t come to the party as they were kept completely on the back foot by the hosts

Sunshine Stars gradually found their feet in the game with Omaka Anthony, Waheed Adebayo and Fatokun Jide retaining possession for the visitors.

Waheed Adebayo mesmerised his marker on the left flank and whipped in a low cross for Uche Ihuarulam whose low effort crashed against the woodwork to record Sunshine Stars first shot on target on 25 minutes.

Three minutes later Abdullahi Boje made a big save to deny Waheed Adebayo from putting the visitors in front from a long range drive.

With half an hour on the clock, Nurudeen Ibrahim forced Salihu to yet another brilliant save after being played through by Tasiu Lawal

On 33rd minutes, Tasiu Lawal scored for the hosts with a close range effort off a lofty pass from Destiny Ashadi but it was flagged offside.

Coach Makinwa made a force substitute on 43 minutes after Katsina United left-full back Alex Godwin was stretched off the pitch following rough challenge by Adebayo Waheed. He was replaced by Tsawanya Samuel.

The killer instinct was lacking to complement good display of football between the two teams as they headed to the break with a barren draw.

On resumption, Sunshine Stars came out smoking and were the better side in the early minutes of the second half.

The visitors could have scored on 50th minutes but Uche missed that golden chance after Adebayo burst forward on the right and whipped in a low cross for Uche to tap home from close range, Katsina United goalie Boje Abdullahi made a comfortable save from Uche’s weak effort.

Another Chance came begging for the visitors on 53rd minutes when Abe Sunday’s long range drive came off the woodwork.

Katsina United made early substitution during half time with Joseph Atule replacing wasteful Nurudeen Ibrahim

The introduction of Joseph Atule added some bites to Katsina United attack as the former Kebbi United became a constant threat on the right wing with dazzling skills

Katsina United would then break the deadlock on 80th minutes through Tasiu Lawal who combined well with Gambo Muhammed before the former Niger Tornadoes man placed the ball beyond the reach of Sunshine goalie Salihu Suleiman to give ‘The Changi Boys’ the lead

Gambo Muhammed the provider of first goal opened his official goal account for Katsina United eight minutes later with an emphatic strike to double the hosts advantage after an excellent piece of work from substitute Joseph Atule.

Sunshine Stars fought back but could not break the defense of Katsina United headed by Ikechukwu Nwachukwu as the game ended 2 – 0 in favour of Katsina United

Gambo Muhammed was adjudged man of the match for a brilliant performance.

Katsina United Team

Boje Abdullahi, Frank Kappe, Alex Godwin (Tsawanya Samuel 44′), Ikechukwu Nwachukwu, Habibu Yakubu, Usman Barau, Yushau Garba, Destiny Ashadi (Dominic Abah 91+’), Tasiu Lawal, Nurudeen Ibrahim (Joseph Atule 45′), Gambo Muhammed

Unused Sub

Aliko Mustapha, Suleman Shehu, Sherif Bashir, Musa Suleman