Ten man Akwa United extended their unbeaten run in the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL to four matches after playing a goalless draw with Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries MFM at the Agege stadium in Lagos on Sunday.
Stephen Odey failed to increase his goal tally when he missed a penalty in the 33rd minute after Kodjovi Dadzie handled the ball inside the box.
Aremu Afeez was sent off in the 86th minute of the game after a second yellow card following a late tackle.
The matchday 20 fixture was a reverse of the last match of the first stanza in which Akwa United won MFM in Uyo last month.
Akwa United’s new signings Ojo Olorunleke, Harmony Ikande and Gabriel Okechukwu all made their debut in the match but the top scorers in the league, Stephen Odey of MFM and Alhassan Ibrahim of Akwa United caught fan’s attention.
MFM needed a win to return to the top of the league while the Promise Keepers were targeting victory to break into the top four but the two teams could not find a way pass each other’s defense despite a spirited performance.
Ifeani Ifeanyi and Aremu Afeez who dominated the midfield battle were both booked and the duo will miss Akwa United’s home game against ABS of Ilorin.
Sikiru Olatunbosun, Stephen Odey and Adegboyega Adekunle all had chances to score for the home side but their efforts were well saved by Olo Olorunleke who had a wonderful game on his debut.
Coach Abdu Maikaba’s team also had opportunity of their own Harmony Ikande, Gabriel Okechukwu and Alhassan Ibrahim were guilty on many occasions.
In the end a goalless draw was a fair result for both sides. With the result, MFM moved to 34 points while Akwa United have 30 points from 20 matches and occupy 6th position on the table.
Akwa United will next play ABS of Ilorin at the Nest of Champions in Uyo at the weekend.
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