Katsina United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Heartland in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash on Friday, with Mohammed Ibrahim scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute. The match, held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, saw both teams battle for crucial mid-table points.
Heartland, led by head coach Emmanuel Amuneke, had to make adjustments to their lineup due to the suspension of key defender Christian Molokwu. Samuel Agu stepped in to replace him, while Suraju Lawal and Tobi Iyanda started from the bench as Daniel Ekpo and Joel Okoro were preferred. Despite the changes, Heartland struggled to impose themselves in the match.
Katsina United head coach Azeez Mohammed named a strong lineup featuring key players such as Usman Barau, Moses Achare, and Lukman Bello. His side aimed to capitalize on their home advantage, and they eventually found a way through a resolute Heartland defense.
The first half was largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. The first real moment of excitement came ten minutes before halftime when Heartland’s Emmanuel Okoko attempted a volley from outside the box, only for the shot to be deflected wide by his own teammate.
After the break, Katsina United increased their attacking intensity, forcing Heartland goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga into a stunning point-blank save to deny the hosts from taking the lead. Heartland found themselves under sustained pressure as Katsina United dominated possession.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Heartland failed to clear their lines from a corner kick. Mohammed Ibrahim pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired home from close range, sending the home crowd into celebration.
In response, Amuneke made attacking substitutions, bringing on John Bassey and Stephen Ezeamaiwe for Emmanuel Charles and Terdo Shimagande in a bid to salvage a point. However, Katsina United remained solid defensively and refused to let their lead slip.
Despite Heartland’s late push for an equalizer, the hosts held firm, frustrating the visitors with disciplined defending and effective game management. Katsina United’s ability to absorb pressure and close out the match underlined their tactical discipline.
With the victory, Katsina United climbed to 13th place in the NPFL standings, level on 29 points with Heartland, who sit in 11th place due to goal difference. The result provides a crucial boost for Katsina United as they look to distance themselves from the relegation battle.
Both teams will now shift their focus to their next league fixtures, with Katsina United aiming to build on their momentum, while Heartland must regroup to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
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