Kwara United ensured they end the year on a high after rallying back to beat former champions, Plateau United in their Nigeria Premier Football League match day 15 encounter on Thursday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Albert Hilary's first half goal was cancelled by Kabir Balogun and Sadiq Yusuf to give the Harmony Boys a 2-1 win over the Peace Boys at the Kwara State Sport Complex.
With 4 matches without a win and a 3-match ultimatum to Coach Kabiru Dogo, the host started with the ascendency against a Plateau United side that are yet to lose in 8 matches.
However, after several push towards goal with no clear cut chance, it was the visitors who opened score through in form striker, Albert Hilary.
Hilary hit a thunderous strike from outside the box to give the Jos Boys the lead after 19 minutes of play.
10 minutes later, Ifeanyi Odiannga missed a chance to level terms for the hosts.
In the 32nd minute, Kwara United came close to scoring again, but it was Bamidele Adeniyi put his body on the line to save the situation.
3 minutes later, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Yakubu Adams was issued a red card for a second bookable offence.
The score remained 1-0 in favour of the visiting team nevertheless at the end of the first half.
Kwara United continued with the push for the equaliser as another chance was saved by Bamidele 3 minutes into the second half.
Hilary almost doubled the lead, but his 54th minute free-kick hit the woodwork.
Godwin Osagbemi missed another chance to score for the host as Plateau United continued to do the needful to keep score at 1-0.
The much sort after goal finally came as Plateau United tormentor of the day, Kabir Balogun scored the equaliser from a 25 yard freekick in the 76th minute.
Plateau United came close to restoring their lead after Daniel Itodo delivered and Chris Nwaeze headed to target but it’s cleared out 8 minutes to regulation time.
2 minutes later, the Afonja Warriors completed the comeback following a mix up in the box 18 which gave Yusuf the opportunity to tuck in the ball.
Yusuf was given the matching orders after a second booking for pulling off his shirt in celebration as the two teams ended the encounter with 10 men.
A relief win for Coach Kabiru Dogo which places Kwara United in 11th with 19 points while Plateau United stay 6th with 22 points at the end of the year.
Uche Dozie