Late Philip strike halts Enyimba’s winning streak

David Philip scored at the death to earn Akwa United a 1-1 draw against Enyimba at the Enyimba Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The left back bundled in from close range, deep into added time to deny Enyimba a fifth consecutive NPFL win.

Austin Oladapo had given Enyimba the lead nine minutes into the restart, as The People’s Elephant put behind them a forgettable first half largely dictated by the visitors.

Ndifreke Effiong had two chances in the opening three minutes but could not find a way past the Enyimba goalkeeper, John Noble, before influential winger Anayo Iwuala initiated Enyimba’s first attack to find Tosin Omoyele who miscued his attempt.

God’swill Nicholas proved to be United’s major point of threat as the half wore on, the winger finding space behind Enyimba’s line to cut into the box, but the end product was often missing.

The hosts looked better at the restart, and their newfound composure was soon rewarded as captain Austin Oladapo benefitted from Olisema’s through ball to finish off an exquisite team move.

Effiong fluffed the chance to pull level fifteen minutes later, firing blasting high from snoring range after being played through by Charles Atshimene, while Noble did well to Atshimene’s header over the top before Dare Olatunji missed a chance to put Enyimba clear.

The match deciding moment however came at the death when Samson Gbadebo headed a freekick to the path of Philip, who tucked it in from six yards to condemn Fatai Osho to his first draw in the NPFL while in charge of Enyimba.

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