It was a perfect start for the debutant Yoca Crocodiles in the opening fixture of the Nationwide League One (NLO), decided at the main bowl of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.
The first two scoring opportunities fell the way of the home side in the first 5 minutes of the explosive encounter, but a lack of proper composure in front of goal denied them the lead.
Yoca Crocodiles had their own scoring opportunity in the seventh minute through Buhari Sani but were denied by Gabriel Ojo's superb save. Just before the halftime break, Kaduna United's Emerson Praise God had a beautiful goal-bound effort halted by the crossbar.
Yoca Crocodiles made their first substitution in the 52nd minute when Aminu Ismail was replaced by Kabiru A. Muhammad, and it was the turning point for the Crocodiles as the pressure on the home team's defensive line paid off in the 62nd minute when Obinna Jacob turned in Aliyu Sagau's powerful cross.
Lukman Ibrahim took the game beyond the reach of the home side in the 69th minute when he tapped in an empty net after Gabriel Ojo could only parry Sani Mohammad's cross.
The home team had the opportunity to halve the deficit towards the closing period but were unlucky as Alhassan Umar's effort missed the target by whiskers.
Coach Gambo Shanding was full of praise for his players as he commended their doggedness and determination to turn things around after the halftime pep talk.
"I must commend my players' doggedness and determination, especially in the second half.
"We told them to calm down and play football. We noticed the lapses in our opponents' defensive line and we told the players what to do. They did just that, and it's no surprise we scored 2 goals.
"We have 11 days to prepare for our next match, and we will be ready for our opponent."
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