Home team Mighty Jets Int'l FC survived a scare at the New Jos Stadium to dramatically snatch a win over visiting Zamfara United FC of Gusau.
Mighty Jets Int'l would rather start the game on a shaky note, allowing their visitors enough time and space to dictate the pace of play for most of the first forty-five minutes as Zamfara United were the better side.
Frustration could visibly be seen on the faces of home fans as Mighty Jets Int'l offered little determination to win the game in the first half that would end in a goalless draw.
As the game resumed in the second half, Mighty Jets Int'l players returned to the pitch with a renewed vigour and determination not to disappoint their fans, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Jets technical crew made three changes instantly in the 53rd minute allowing Simon Elijah, Usman Maiyanga and Huzaifa Mohammed to come in for Nansel Selbol, Choji Stephen and captain Saleh Mohammed, and it turned out to be that a hero was among the new comers, Usman Maiyanga.
As Mighty Jets Int'l continued to mount a significant amount of pressure relentlessly in a bid to break the stubborn defence line of their visitors, however, it was not to be, until the 85th min when the diminutive forward, Maiyanga, finally broke the deadlock when he sensationally stroke the ball into the top roof of the net to breath life into the team as well as smiles and jubilation among fans.
Zamfara United however, looked determined to spoil the show for Jets as they continued with waves of attacks inside the danger area of their hosts but all to no avail thanks to the defensive solidity of Jonathan Nempes, Joseph Bindip, Abiya Absullahi, Ebuka Chukwukere and the goalkeeper, Roduwe Gobum.
As the game wound down to the 90th minute with Mighty Jets Int'l still having a slim 1-0 lead, 8 minutes was added by the centre referee allowing the visitors a chance to continue their search for the equaliser but to their own surprise.
Mighty Jets Int'l snatched a chance to take them on a swift counter attacking move which ended with Usman Maiyanga scoring the second goal with a precise header to put Jets 2-0 up in the 90+6mins of the additional time.
The sound of the final whistle was greeted with a wild jubilation from the fans of Mighty Jets Int'l FC as their darling team has now rounded up the year 2023 on a winning note.
In his post match reaction, Mighty Jets Int'l coach, Najib Mabo admitted that it was not an easy match but he was delighted with the result.
On his part, Zamfara United coach said Mighty Jets Int'l has always been a good side and a big name right from their playing days and the players have defended the name of the team.
Up next for Mighty Jets Int'l is an away tie against EFCC FC of Abuja in the New Year, 2024 as the team embarks on a Christmas break to resume on Friday, 29th of December, 2023.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola