Leaders Akwa United forced to a draw by spirited Rivers United

Leaders Akwa United were pegged back in the title after Rivers United scored late to deny them all three points in Nigeria professional football league Super Sunday encounter in Port Harcourt.

Kennedy Boboye’s side traveled to Port Harcourt searching for another three points to take them closer to their first ever title, but were held to a 1-1 draw by in from Rivers United, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka’s Stadium.

After a goalless first-half, reliable forward Charles Atshimene put the visitors in front in the 53rd minute when he pounced on a poor backward header by Kazie to beat Ovunda in Rivers goal.

Rivers United reacted and almost equalised in the 73rd minute. Shedrack Oghali lobbed the ball over Akwa United’s Jean Efala but Samson Gbadebo produces a goal line clearance to deny his former side.

With seven minutes left in the game Stanley Eguma made made double substitutions as he introduced Destiny Ashadi and Fortune Omoniwari for Shedrack Oghali and Morice Chukwu. The move however proved to the vital for the hosts.

Two minutes after their introduction, Asadi sent a fine cross to Malachi Ohawume who outjumps everyone in the box but his header went agonisingly wide.

Rivers continued to push for the equalizer and it finally arrived with three minutes left before the full time whistle. Substitute Fortune Omoniwari set Bamba Bakari’s who beat Jean Efala from impossible angle.

Rivers United had the chance to win the game a minute into four minutes of additional time, but Fortune Omoniwari hits his free kick straight to hand of Jean Efala.

After hostility, Akwa United remain on top of the log with 61 points, while Rivers United maintained their fifth positions with 56 points.