Lobi Stars FC vs Doma United FC

Lobi Stars FC 2 - 1 Doma United FC
17 Dec 2023 - 16:00Lafia City Stadium, Lafia

Match Report: Samuel Enefiok’s Late Goal Not Enough as Doma United Succumbs to 2-1 Lost Against Lobi Stars

In a gripping encounter at the Lobi Stars stadium, Doma United’s unbeaten streak came to a halt as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against a resilient Lobi Stars side.

The game got off to an explosive start as Stanley Eganbor capitalized on a well-delivered cross in the third minute, putting the hosts in the lead. The early setback caught the Savannah Tigers off guard, ending their impressive 9-match unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Despite their recent success, Akinade Onigbinde’s side struggled to find their rhythm in the face of Lobi Stars’ physicality. Bidemi Owoku and Emmanuel Ekpenyong faced the heat, but the Tigers’ defense, led by Haruna Aliyu and Nelson Abiam, showcased commendable resilience.

Lobi Stars extended their lead in the 79th minute through Suleman Mojereola, who found the net at the far post after Majalisa’s last-ditch tackle had initially thwarted a striker’s attempt. The goal proved to be decisive, seemingly putting the game beyond Doma United’s reach.

However, in a late surge, substitute Samuel Enefiok injected hope into the Doma United camp by slotting the ball into the roof of the net, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Unfortunately, the resurgent Tigers couldn’t muster another goal in the dying moments, and the referee’s final whistle confirmed their defeat.

The loss sees Doma United dropping to the 3rd position, with Lobi Stars claiming the 2nd spot. The match highlighted the Tigers’ defensive prowess, with goalkeeper Kingdom Osay making crucial saves to keep his team in contention.

Coach Akinade Onigbinde made only one change from the previous game, recalling Jacob Manga, who started ahead of Sani Suleiman. Despite the setback, Doma United displayed resilience and determination, creating chances, including a near miss from Manga in the 70th minute.

Doma United will look to bounce back from this defeat in their upcoming fixture at home against Heartland, aiming to reclaim their winning form and climb back up the league standings.

Doma United: Bidemi Owoku (Charles Terwar 46), Kazeem Andulrafiu (Samuel Enefiok 46), Jacob Manga (Sani Suleiman 78)

Unused Substitutes: Oche Emmanuel, Nasiru Suleiman, Zaidu Mohammed, Auwalu Abubakar, Emmanuel Ogwuche, Jerry Agwu

Booking: Haruna Aliyu, Jacob Manga & Hillary Ekawu

Referee: Ndidi Madu