MATCH REPORT: Kwara United 1-0 Enyimba

Enyimba could not build on Sunday’s win against Kano Pillars, losing 0-1 to Kwara United at the Kwara Sports Complex on Wednesday evening.

Jude Stephen struck early to separate the sides in an intense and physical dwell in Ilorin.

The People’s Elephant looked to count on the high profile win against Kano Pillars three days earlie and Fatai Osho stuck with exactly the same lineup that started against Sai Masu Gida in Aba.

But Kwara United looked effective with their pressing game from the offset and capitalised on an inadequate clearance from Stephen Manyo when Michael Ohanu, although appearing to be in front of the Enyimba backline, provided a cut back for Steven Jude to jab into the net after just six minutes.

The goal seemed to be the only notable action of the half as neither side could do more than create half chances afterwards. Dele Aiyenugba showed great composure to cut off Enyimba’s in-swingers, while the centreback duo of Nelson Ogbonnaya and Hassan Abubakar remained alert to tame United’s danger man, Michael Ohanu.

Enyimba, however, returned stronger after the break, Anayo Iwuala the central point of their creativity. The nimble forward ran through United’s line but failed to connect a final ball to Kadiri, before seeing another brilliant run wasted by Samson Obi’s miss.

The hosts responded moments of that, Ohanu and Stephen striking the frame in a game that easily could have gone either way.

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