Alao Mohammed rescues point for Kwara United at home against Rangers
It was yet another classic performance from Alao Mohammed on Sunday as his 56th minutes screamer rescued a point for Kwara United in Ilorin against the visiting Rangers.
Rangers had earlier secured the lead in the 34th minutes when Kazeem Ogunleye’s free kick sets the tune for the game which was wholly dominated by the visitors in the first half.
As the home fans, who saw Kwara United picked up a point on the road against former league champions Rivers United in their last game grew more demanding, Alao stepped up to fire in a rocket in the 56th minutes to calm their nerves as the home team took the game to their visitor’s halve.
Like Rangers, the Harmony Boys bottled the game in the second half but the visitors would have their goalkeeper, Japeth Opubo to thank for fantastic saves within the sticks, even as the hosts had to protest for three penalty situations.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who was surprised by the display of Kwara United, especially in the second half, said that the one point they got in the match was like a win.
“I don’t know that Kwara United is as good as this. Their first half wasn’t good, and we failed to capitalise on that. They came out good in the second half, and to me, the draw we got here was like a win”, he said.
For Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo of Kwara United, he said that Rangers were very lucky to get the draw, adding that they didn’t deserve it.
“Rangers were very lucky getting the draw. They didn’t deserve it. That’s football for you. My team is improving game by game. They are a bunch of young players, and with patience, they will keep improving.
Kwara United so far have five points from four matches, and now sits 13th on the log with. They will face Bayelsa United FC in the Matchday Five encounter, in continuation of the season.
On the other hand, the result see Rangers moving up to the third position with seven points as they head back home to prepare for the battle against Kano Pillars.
Alao’s performance would later see him won the man of the match award donated by a foremost supporter of the club, Engineer Ahmed Olaide. He had earlier won the same award in the last game when the Harmony Boys defeated Abia Warriors 1 nil
