A resilient Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM) Football Club earned a vital point away to Katsina United in one of NPFL MatchDay 12 games played on Thursday.
The game was characterized by skilful and energetic play as both teams approached it on equal keel.
MFM Coach Gabriel Olalekan fielded a 5-4-1 formation, leaving only Ebenezer Odeyemi as the lone striker while his counterpart Baldwin Bazuaye relied on his traditional 4-4-2 pattern.
The first ten minutes was played with no chance from either side as both teams traded tackles with caution.
Thereafter, Katsina United had an attempt through Nafiu Ibrahim, who was fouled and subsequently wasted the effort from a set piece.
MFM came out of their shell using the right flank through Adebayo Temin, whose left footed hot shot slightly went off the mark after picking up a chested pass from Ebenezer Odeyemi.
From that point chances were created, though the visitors got more glaring efforts. Dennis Obasi was close to raising the curtain with a header off Adewale Moses delivery on 15 minutes but goalkeeper Yusuf Muhammad reacted with a save.
Katsina United duo of Mannir Ubale and Ubankama Peter had several efforts blocked by the MFM wall of defence as the pair masterminded all the set pieces for their team.
Second Half
The home team returned with an obvious intent to get the goals but for the Olukoya Boys, their strategy was focused on squeezing out a point, deploying delay antics.
Goalkeeper Adeniyi Bamidele took time caressing the ball in his box before picking up to kick. While Katsina United continued to pile pressure, they lacked the cutting edge at converting those plots to goal.
The introduction of Rasheed Ahmed for Mannir Ubale triggered more offensive drive but the MFM backline were extremely resolute in clearing most of the dangerous moves.
The draw leaves Katsina United 16th on the league table from 14 points. MFM are 14th with same number of points as their host.
Katsina travels to Lobi for MatchDay 13 clash, while MFM hosts Nasarawa United on Sunday.
Man Of The Match: Onyebuchi Ifeanyi, MFM.
Katsina United Team List Yusuf Muhammad GK 1, Ubankama Peter 2, Faisal Sani 31, Usman Barau 4, Adekunle Adeniyi 15, Souley Muhammadou 6, Samuel Kalu 17, Abdulkareem Ahmed 10, Mannir Ubale 11, Nafiu Ibrahim 24, Atule Joseph 25.
Subs Daouda Massaly GK 21, Saleh Sulieman 3, Isaac Giwa 23, Umar Musa 28, Abubakar Abdullahi 29, Rasheed Ahmed 20, Boubacar Massaly 19.
MFM Team List Adeniyi Bamidele 16, Onyema Odiuka 6, Ebenezer Odeyemi 9, Dennis Obasi 11, Adewale Moses 13, Justice Zachariah 19, Mumuni Amoo 26, Adebayo Temin 28, Alimi Adebayo 31, Onyebuchi Ifeanyi 32, Kenedinum Nelson 35.
Subs Osayi Kingdom 33, Tosin Olubobola 12, Desmond Ojietefian 15, Chimezie Izuchukwu 17, Sunday Olatunde 27, Michael Mbonu 30, Oladejo Babatunde 38.