Vandrezzer Football Club came from behind to earn a valuable away point against Nnewi United in the Nigeria National League (NNL) on Saturday.
Substitute Okoye Onyekachi opened scoring for the home side in the 85th minute but the Lions fought back to equalise in the 94th minute through midfielder Anietie Uko.
It was a cagey first 45 minutes with both teams struggling to move the ball well because of the poor nature of the pitch.
Nnewi United threatened on a few occasion and had clear chances to score but goalkeeper Edwin Nwakama was up to the task as he had little to do in the first half.
The centre back pairing of Ekerete Udom and Jamiu Suleiman stood their ground and came up top against a determined Nnewi United attackers with the imposing Udom winning 100% of his tackles, aerial duels and clearances.
Nnewi United came out more determined and physical in the second half, launching attacks at the VFC backline but Nwakama had very little to do.
Nnewi United’s substitute Onyekachi had a chance from a corner in the 78th minute but his effort was well saved by Nwakama.
The deadlock was broken in the 85th minute when Suleiman misjudged a corner to allow Onyekachi to nod home the opening goal.
But the Lions roared back late in the game with a sweet team move. Udom started the move with an interception deep in their half, drove forward with purpose to beat to his markers, and the ball eventually got to Amos Okoro who then lay it to Uko from 25 yards out, the midfielder took a touch and unleashed a fierce strike to beat Nnewi United goalkeeper in the 94th minute.
There was a late drama when Nnewi United’s goalscorer Onyekachi received his second booking of the game for a foul on goalkeeper Nwakama.
