Lobi Stars 1-1 Enyimba: Bala’s penalty lifts Osho’s relentless fighters to third place

Enyimba fought from behind to earn a valuable 1-1 draw against Lobi Stars at the Aper Aku Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Reuben Bala converted from the spot late in the first half to strike out Samuel Tiza’s early opener as Fatai Osho’s side moved to third on the standings.

With the fight for qualification for the CAF Interclub Competitions seemingly stretching to the very end, the People’s Elephant were aware of the implications of a slip in Makurdi, but were served a unpleasant awakening when Tiza Samuel gave Lobi the lead after just fifty-six seconds, the winger poaching from three yards after Bassa-Djeri had stopped a close range strike.

Enyimba began their press for an equaliser, with star winger Anayo Iwuala looking threatening on the left.

It was from one of the dingy winger’s incursions that the visitors were awarded a penalty after he was impeded by Stanley Nwabali with two minutes left in the half. Reuben Bala smashed the kick past Nwabali to ensure parity at the break.

Samuel Mathias hit the base of the upright while Chinonso Okonkwo and Austin Ogunye also came close as the hosts dominated possession and territory in the second half.

Enyimba had moments of their own late in the game as substitute Orok Gabriel drew a save from Nwabali before setting up Samad Kadiri who was flagged offside.

Post match reactions: “We were tactically disciplined” – Fatai Osho