Plateau Utd surrender to Gombe Utd in late drama

Posted : 30 October 2023

Gombe United FC secured a last-minute win over the visiting Plateau United with a controversial penalty. Sadiq Shuaibu stepped up and converted the penalty kick to spark massive celebrations for the home fans.

The Plateau United technical crew maintained the status quo for the Peace Boys' team list that narrowly defeated Sunshine Stars of Akure in Jos on Match Day 4 for the Sunday trip to Pantami Stadium, where they faced the hosts, Gombe United. This was a team that aimed for a second consecutive home victory after securing a one-nil win over Bendel Insurance on Match Day 4.

In the match against the host, Gombe United, Plateau United took the initiative from the start, asserting dominance in most technical aspects of the game. However, they struggled to penetrate the host's defense, as the home team was prepared for counterattacks from the opening whistle, but they achieved little success.

The Jewel of the Savannah, the hosts, threatened on several occasions, with their best opportunity coming when former Plateau United forward Aliko Bala unleashed a thunderous shot that hit the woodwork, signaling Gombe United's attacking intent.

During the match, Gombe United created a barrage of attacking situations that threatened Plateau United's defensive line. Still, a largely outstanding John Amah and a resolute defense set-up ensured that the hosts endured very frustrating periods of the game as it progressed.

It was a match of high intensity, with Plateau United's Albert Hilary coming close to scoring from an angle, but his attempt failed to connect, and Uche Onwuasoanya's rebounding attempt was saved by goalkeeper Itodo Akor.

Uche Onwuasoanya's attempt to get past Emeka Isaac in Gombe United's box saw him being clipped, but referee Abdulazeez Saheed saw nothing wrong with the challenge.

As the regulation period elapsed, Gombe United's Chijioke Alaekwe drove the ball into the opposition area in what appeared to be an act of simulation regarding contact with Eric Oguocha. Still, it seemed enough to warrant a penalty call, with over 5 minutes of extra time already played.

Referee Abdulazeez Saheed's decision to award the penalty clearly infuriated Plateau United players who surrounded him in protest and disapproval of his decision, which they felt was largely unfair.

The penalty resulted in the only goal of the match, scored by Sadiq Shuaibu.

Critics argue that consistent decisions like these have only increased the possibility of undermining the credibility of competitive competitions, continental placements, or national assignments.

The Peace Boys return to their base for a Match Day 6 midweek clash against visitors Katsina United in Jos on Wednesday, November 1st.

Plateau Utd surrender to Gombe Utd in late drama

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