Suleiman Abdulganiyu came to the rescue as he netted a 96th minutes equalizer to earn ABS Ilorin FC a 1-1 draw against visiting El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri on Saturday in the matchday 11 of the Nigeria National League (NNL) clash at the Kwara State Stadium Complex Ilorin.
It was a disappointing day for the Bukola Saraki’s boys who where poised to win in other to go top of the Northern Conference Group A 1, but that wasn’t to be as two valuable points was dropped following the draw which proved vital for El Kanemi who remain top of the log with 22 points, one point ahead of City Boys of Abuja who have played a game lesser why ABS Ilorin FC remain third with 20 points.
Obata Ogala fired the Warriors into the lead in the 37th after he beat the offside trap to put the ball behind the on rushing goalkeeper to give the visitors the lead despite ABS FC Ilorin dominance earlier in the game.
Some questionable calls from the referee to the dismay of the home side after he ruled out what looked like an equalizer for an offside late in the first half to cause a stir amongst the fans as the visitors went into the break with the 1-0 advantage.
The home side came back rejuvenated in the second half of the game as they dominated and dictated play created lots goal scoring opportunities but where unable to make meaningful use of it.
ABS Ilorin FC where awarded a penalty after captain Muhammed was fouled in the area, he however stepped up to take the resulting penalty only to see his kick being parried away by the goalkeeper who stood as a barrier against ABS FC on the day.
Motivated and determined ABS Ilorin FC continued their push for an equalizer and where rewarded late after Suliaman Abdulganiyu pounce on a defensive mixup to tap the ball behind the goalkeeper in the 96th minutes to earn ABS Ilorin FC a draw and continue their home unbeaten run.
A win would have catapulted ABS Ilorin FC to the top of the Northern Conference Group A 1 table going into the next round of matches in the ongoing NNL season.
