2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 16: Plateau United FC returns to winning ways after 5-goal thriller against Heartland FC

Posted : 11 December 2024

Following near misses for points on the road during Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Days 14 and 15, Plateau United's hunt for points pitted them against Heartland of Owerri. Heartland’s gruelling home victory over Nasarawa United on Match Day 15 had kept them in 10th place in the standings heading into the encounter in Jos.

Making his debut season appearance as a manager in the NPFL, former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amunike appeared to have endured difficult moments since taking over the helm at Heartland. Meanwhile, Mbwas Mangut's second season in charge of the Peace Boys has been marked by challenges on multiple fronts.

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Opening attempts by Heartland's Lawal Surajo seemed to hand the visitors an early lead, but a sixth-minute header by Plateau United's Sunday Anthony gave the hosts the opening initiative amidst other goal-bound attempts.

The Peace Boys threatened several times, including Samuel Pam's delectable runs that, unfortunately, only found the woodwork.

Heartland goalkeeper Ebuka Nwakocha was called upon to make several crucial saves to keep the Naze Millionaires in contention, but they headed into the break trailing the Peace Boys 1-0.

The second half sprang to life when Heartland's Tobi Ige produced two goals in seven minutes to give the Naze Millionaires the lead, showcasing brilliant finishing in both instances.

The Peace Boys later responded through Sunday Anthony’s second goal and Mafeng Pam's magnificent finish late in the game amidst key moments of brilliance.

Sunday Anthony’s sublime connection with a set piece in the second half saw him rise skillfully to nod past the opposition goalkeeper and level the scores at 2-2 after 70 minutes, completing his brace.

Mafeng Pam secured a crucial victory for the Peace Boys with a delightful left-footed finish off Mancha Sabbath's supply in the 90th minute.

Earlier, a moment of uncertainty ensued when Heartland's goalkeeper, Ebuka Nwakocha, collided with Samuel Pam, requiring immediate medical attention and causing a series of delays to the game's proceedings.

Plateau United's Mbwas Mangut expressed delight in the hard-fought win but admitted there are key areas that need improvement. Heartland's Emmanuel Amunike congratulated Plateau United on their victory but emphasized the need to maintain high standards to effectively develop players aspiring to join the national team setup.

Up next for the Peace Boys on Match Day 17 is a short trip to Lafia City Stadium for a North Central Derby against Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 16: Plateau United FC returns to winning ways after 5-goal thriller against Heartland FC

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