Fatigue cost us home win against Rangers- Kwara United Chief Coach
The Chief Coach of Kwara United, Ashifat has attributed the team 1-1 draw with Rangers to Fatigue arising from their long trips to Katsina and Borno States for away games.
Kwara United returned to Ilorin on Friday after playing away against Kano Pillars and an outstanding match against Elkanemi Warriors in Maiduguri where they played 1-1 respectively.
The Harmony Boys managed to extend their unbeaten streak in the Premier Football League as they were forced to a 1-1 with Rangers on Monday in their matchday 9 encounter.
Speaking after the game, the Chief Coach of Kwara United said the team’s performance was negatively affected by the fatigue of the road trips even as he promised to make up for the dropped points in future games.
The match saw a slow start from Kwara United, which allowed Rangers to put early pressure on their defense. However, the efforts of players like Ibrahim Yahaya, Oluwasegun Adekunle, Kabir Muhammed, and goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus successfully thwarted these initial threats from the visiting Flying Antelopes.
Kwara United gradually gained control, and their persistence paid off in the 43rd minute when Shola AbdulRaheem scored from a well-timed cross by Yahaya. However, the lead was short-lived, as Rangers’ Kingsley Maduforo leveled the score just before halftime with an impressive bicycle kick following a corner, sending both teams to the break tied at 1-1.
In the second half, Kwara United pressed forward with renewed energy. Wasiu Alalade came close in the 48th minute, but his attempt was saved by the Rangers goalkeeper. Despite constant offensive efforts from players like Issa Gatta and Wasiu Alalade, Rangers’ defense held strong.
Coach Ashifat brought on Emmanuel Ogbole and Sadeeq Yusuf to further boost the attack, but Kwara United couldn’t find the winning goal.
Ibrahim Yahaya’s standout performance earned him the Cyteck Man of the Match award. Following the game, Coach Ashifat noted that fatigue had impacted the team’s initial pace, given their recent travels for matches in Katsina and Maiduguri. He acknowledged Rangers’ strong play but emphasized Kwara United’s resilience.
With 11 points from 9 games, Kwara United now sits in 12th place on the league table. They are set to face Akwa United next Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for match day 10.
