Doma United endured a frustrating evening in the Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day seventeen on Sunday with a 0-0 draw against Enugu side Rangers International marked by midfielders Samuel Matthew and Hillary Ekawu both seen yellow.
Bidemi Owoku came closest for the hosts earlier in the first half with a low shot which was cleared by Rangers’ defender while midfielder Hillary saw a shot well saved after his thunderous shot couldn’t beat Rangers’ goalkeeper in the first period.
Rangers missed a string of chances, with their wingers seeing a point-blank effort going wide, while they had a goal bound effort cleared off the line midway through the second half.
Doma United went closed to making the breakthrough immediately after the break after Hillary’s long throwing was headed out and it bounced back to him. He fired a shot at goal and Usman Musa flicked with his head but it went wide for a goal kick.
Another opportunity presented itself in the 60th minute while United grew in confidence. Rangers’ goalkeeper spilled Usman Musa’s shot and Barnabas picked it from the left and sent in a crossing that was headed by Bidemi but his effort was cleared off the line.
However, a brilliant save from Kingdom was enough to keep United in the game. He tipped the ball over the bar after a one-on-one effort by a Rangers winger.
United made some changes towards the last ten minutes with Success Simon replacing Barnabas while Ufere Chinedu and Paschal came on for Bidemi and Usman Musa in the closing minutes.
The Akinade side mounted pressure but Rangers defended well to deny the Savannah Tigers a home win in their final home game of the season.
Doma United dropped one place as Rivers United replaces them on the second position with the same points but above on goal difference. Lobi Stars remained top of the log with thirty points, followed by Rivers United with twenty-six points while United occupies the third and final Super Six position with twenty-six points as well. United still have a game in hand against Rivers United.
“It is not the result we wanted but we can’t do anything about it now that the game is over. But we are not giving up yet until it is over. The only thing now is that we have to work harder than we were supposed to.”
Doma United will travel to Abuja for their Federation Cup Round of 32 against FR Ebunuajia from Imo State on Wednesday 10th May 2023 at the Area Football Pitch by 2PM.
Doma United will travel to Abuja for their Federation Cup Round of 32 against FR Ebunuajia from Imo State on Wednesday 10th May 2023 at the Area Football Pitch by 2PM.
-DUMEDIA