Osun United on Saturday evening secured 1-0 win over rivals Ikorodu City in one of match-day 14 contests decided at Kwara State Sports Complex, llorin.
The Omoluabi Giants needed outright victory to return to the summit as Seye Ajayi kept the faith with the squad that secured vital away point in Eket only Ahmed Ahmed replaced Paul Agbor who was not listed for the match day proceedings.
Kid sensation Ismail Ayodele who replaced Injured Emmanuel Essien broke the deadlock twelve minutes into the game following a fine move off an assist by Ebenezer Odeyemi.
Moments later, Ikorodu City stealthy worked their way into United area and were unlucky consecutively as they nearly restored the parity just before the break. Olatubosun Afolabi whose partnership with Abubakar Goringo curtailed dangerous moves by the opponents limped off, towards the break as United lost two vital personnel in first period.
Drama continues in second half as Omoluabi Giants refused to give in to threats from the opponents. Twenty five minutes into second half, it’s nearly for United as Ismail Ayodele hastily dropped behind the line and met with Ephraim Nwachukwu’s defence splitting loop, he cuts back and pulled the trigger only for opponents goalkeeper to spill towards onrushing Odeyemi who was brutally hacked just before he could pounce, as centre referee signals to the spot.
Dayo Agbolade was denied from the spot by Dare Aina as the opponents were given some nuance hopes towards the death. Three minutes from time, United were reduced to ten men, Ebenezer Odeyemi received his marching order following a veracious outburst with his marker as he was bundled off the ball from a counter.
It’s a hard fought victory for Omoluabi Giants on the adopted turf of Kwara State Sports Complex as Seye Ajayi tutored side extend its impressive runs with 22 points. Next in line for ‘Believe And Achieve’ side is a date with Enugu based Giant Brillars who escaped Osogbo Township Stadium with a point during the first stanza.
