Red-hot Bayelsa United Beat Gombe United to Keep League Status in Shape
Rejuvenated Bayelsa United on Sunday beat Gombe United 2-0 to keep league status alive in a matchday 20 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) decided at the Samson Stadium Yenagoa
Bayelsa United coach Meremu Okara made few changes in the starting eleven after injecting new legs into the squad during the mid-season transfer window. With the introduction of Okon Saturday from Sporting of Lagos and home Elkanah Godgift in goalpost.
Delight to watch Ekeson Okorie returned to the squad after two games on the sidelines while captain fantastic Gabriel Biriduba returned after being on the medical table for over three months.
The Prosperity Boys went ahead on 13 minute from Kehinde Lawal’s cutback beautiful move as Bashir Monsur slots in the ball into his own net having failed to draw the first blood few minute into the game with Bayelsa United showstopper Elkanah Godgift making crucial saves.
Bayelsa United continued to dominate possession with the trio of Tekena Garando, Jawad Mustapha and Kahinde Lawal dictating the pace of the game in the midfield and starving the visitors of the ball.
Gombe United on resumption from the break showed some glimpse of promises threatening Bayelsa United defence line but the energetic Tarabina, Adekunle Olawasegun and Adamu Yazid silenced Gombe United Yusuf Taiye and David Nnaj.
Coach Meremu Okara of Bayelsa United on 69 minute introduced Abdulrahman Muniru and Ifeanyi Assurance in place of Isreal Consul and Tekena Garando, the substitution paid off on 82 minute as Ifeanyi Assurance unleashed a ferocious shot to double the lead for the host from Eyong Nneoyi Offem beautiful move which break the visitors resistance.
The Prosperity Boys will now travel to Eket to face Akwa United at the Eket Sports Stadium while Gombe United will take on Sporting of Lagos at the pantami Stadium.
Both coaches Meremu Okara of Bayelsa United and Alhaji Kwairanga in separate post match interviews aired their views on the game.
Bayelsa United Chief Coach Meremu Okara, said the lads gave their best in the encounter, noting that the team’s attention has shifted to their next game against Akwa United with acquisition of new players.
Gombe United coach, Alhaji Kwairanga attributed the Savannah Scorpions defeat to fatigue due to the long journey, stressing that his side arrived late in Yenagoa for the fixture describing Bayelsa United team as a good side.
