Match Report: Dolphins FC 0-0 Kwara United #GloNPFL

Nigerian Professional Football League
Result: Dolphins FC 0-0 Kwara United
Date: 07 March 2015

Ten-man Kwara United FC's tactical game plan worked perfectly as it held Dolphins FC to a 0-0 draw in the first match of the 2014/15 Nigeria Professional Football League season on Saturday afternoon.

Tunde Abdulrahman's system succeeded at the Liberation Stadium despite the exit of goalkeeper Suraj Aiyeleso to a red card in the 88th minute.

 

Dolphins played without motivation despite playing in front of their fans, and were hit by the early exit of Ifeanyi Egwim through injury.

 

But Kwara United looked too strong at the back, with Isiaka Oladuntoye and Akim Onigbari proving hard to unlock.

 

The result will leave the Ilorin side feeling upbeat about its chances of making a good impression on their return to the top flight.

 

Abdulrahman's game plan was intended to frustrate the hosts, but certainly proved effective as the Harmony Warriors stifled the Pride of Rivers. 

 

Kwara United should have been ahead after three minutes. Segun Alebiosu stole the ball and laid a pass to Adeshina Gata whose low shot failed to beat veteran goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi.

 

Egim should have done better with a chance on goal. He decided to take the glory rather than pass to Omoh Johnson in the 10th minute.

 

The pace and skills of Gata was a big worry to the hosts. He was a promising outlet for Kwara United.

 

Evans Iyoro forced a big save from Rotimi on the quarter hour mark.

 

In the 21st minute, Dolphins were dealt a big blow when the lively Egwim was taken off for an injury he sustained in the 19th minute.

 

Eight minutes to the end of the first half, Gata fed Ahmed Jimoh. But the forward met a mountain in Rotimi.

 

First half of the encounter ended goalless.

 

Aiyeleso was busy gathering failed crosses and long balls as the home side attempted to break through without success, while Kwara United's defenders did well to contain Johnson and block a series of shots.

 

Onigbari, who was a warrior for the visitors blocked a goal bound Johnson's shot as the hosts began to play with frustration.

 

Kwara United continued to exploit on the fast runs of Gata and almost stunned Dolphins, but substitute Akeem Audu was too casual with his final delivery.

 

Two minutes to the end of the goalless clash, Aiyeleso was sent off for his foul on goal bound Chigozie Ihunda.

 

Despite the numerical advantage Dolphins failed to find their way past the rocky Kwara United defence line.

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