Magate claimed its first 3points of the Nationwide League One (NLO) season as the team left it late to stun Jossy with an 82nd minute sublime goal.
The MatchDay 2 fixture at the Alade Stadium, Ajasa-Command in Lagos, lived up to it’s hype as both teams were evenly matched in the game but Magate could have been pained by rueing their missed clear cut chances.
Magate should have won the game in the first half but no thanks to Jossy’s shot stopper who made some quality reflex saves in the game.
The combo of Seun Adepoju and Tijani Yusuf, coupled with good runs by Adetunmobi Olawale, Salau Nurudeen and crosses from Moses Kehinde proved to be a real threat to Jossy defence line in the opening 45minutes, but the lads from Surulere were clean with their defending.
Goalkeeper Adeola Johnson was in his best form as he kept his first clean sheet of the season as he thrice denied Jossy strike force from finding his goal.
The goal post was also the amazing graces from both goalkeepers after the ball hit the woodwork at opposite ends in both halves.
It was an improved second half performance by Magate after Coach Farouk Yusuf made his five substitutions to bolster the team. One of the substitute, Olatunji Sikiru was an instant performer as he should have given Magate the lead in the 57th minute.
After cleverly beating his opponents defence line, Sikiru’s low drive shot from 20yards was parried for a fifth corner kick Jossy’s goalie.
In the one hour mark, Adetunmobi Olawale thought he had opened scoring for Magate but his shot from an assist from Adepoju, glided inch away from the goal post, to the anguish of his teammates, coaches and a hand full of fans.
With eight minutes to end the game and with the thoughts that the spoils would be shared, that was not to be as second half substitute Wasiu Osunbiyi turned match hero in the 82nd minute after he stylishly turned away from his marker inside the box, jumped highest to nod the ball into net from a free kick.
Magate will by the end of this week know its next foe as the NLO Secretariat will make available the next fixtures.
