Kwara United this evening, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, defeated African champions, RS Berkane 3-1 in the First Leg, First Round match of the 2022/2023 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

The visitors shocked Kwara United by scoring their first and only goal in the match as early as 7th minutes into the highly exosive encounter, with Kwara United FC forced to pick up themselves immediately, but couldn’t hitvthe back of the net despite creating several chances in the first half.

Cheick Ouattara of RS Berkane drew the first blood in the tension soaked and action packed cracker to give the Moroccan club early advantage and early bragging right, but Kwara United rose up to the occasion.

Super-sub, Taofeek Ahmed levelled up for the Harmony Boys in the 72nd minutes, after buldozzing his way into the defence, after connecting a pass from Adeshina Gata, to splash home at close range.

Wasiu Jimoh increased the tally for Kwara United in the 80th, as he curled in from outside the box. Bernabas Daniel made it three for the Harmony in 88th minute, to the surprise of fans at the stadium.

Speaking after thematch, Coach Mohammed Azeez of Kwara United commended his boys for rising up to the challenge, despite the early scare.

He praised them for their determination to emerge victorious against the stubborn RS Berkane, noting that they will consolidate on the feat in the return leg next week.

Coach Azeez added that even thought Kwara United FC won, its not yet over, as the second leg in Berkane, Morocco will finally determine which of the two will go through.

He however, expressed confidence that his team will make it to the Group stage. The return leg holds in Berkane, Morocco on Saturday October 14th, 2022.

Gombe United recorded a remarkable three points with after spanking Aklosendi International Fc 4-1 in the week (3) fixture of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL)played at the Lafia Township stadium.

Sani Shehu opened the the floodgate just a minute from the kick off when Muazu Taiwo set up Sani Shehu who beat the defense line from a tight corner inside the box before smashing the ball inside the net.

The first stanza ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors who enjoyed bulk of possession and missing pockets of goal chances.

The Savannah Scorpions returned to the pitch more rejuvenated as they continued from where they stopped, firing missiles from all angles and their efforts paid off as Baranabas Daniel followed up and scored from Ahmed Family’s long clearance from the back in the fifty two minutes of play.

Six minutes later,It was in-form Baranabas who notched his second goal of the game and third from three matches, before substitute Sadiq Shuaibu put the game beyond the game of the hosts as he bundled in Muhammad Hussaini’s pass in the 72′.

The hosts tried a fruitless efforts to make a come back after Ali Baba pulled one back in the eighty two minutes

Gombe United gaffer Aliyu Zubairu reacted after the match.

On the victory…

“Kudos to the match officials for officiating the game without fear or favour, i think this is good for the most important league”.

On why he looked worried…

” I don’t want my boys to repeat the mistake they did in Kwara leading by two goals before losing 3-2 and in Kahutu against Rarara leading by two goals before they equalised, it is complicency that always get them carried away”.

Aklosendi International Fc coach Adams Usman
On how he feels…

” I’m not happy first home match losing 4-1 is a bashing; I know the caliber of players I brought, partially i can say Gombe United is a household club and their experience helped them.

Gombe United will not be in action for the match day four fixtures scheduled for Wednesday 3/3/21 as they are on bye.

They will welcome Green Berets Fc on Saturday 6/3/21 at the Pantami stadium for the week five encounter.

Unused Substitutes:

Kazeem Yekini – 1(GK)
Maurice Chigozie – 4
Alhassan Yusuf – 16
Abubakar Yagiɗe -11
Muhammad Isah – 33

Halilu Mohammed Teli
Media Officer

The tourney has proven to be a goal feast, recording an average of 2.5 goals per match and with no game ending in a barren draw.

The strike force of Osuagwu Victor and Yussuf Ibrahim are joint top scorers of the nation’s first and prestigious pre-season tourney having scored three (3) goals each and all Remo Stars six (6) goals.

Daniel Barnabas who has two Ogunjobi Gold Cup medals in his trophy cabinet, having won the tourney in the colours of Lobi Stars 2016 and Sunshine Stars 2018, is also gunning for the Golden Shoe award having scored two (2) goals for Gombe United.

ABS FC David Okorom is also on the chat with two (2) goals.

The quartet of Osuagwu, Ibrahim, Barnabas and Okorom could add to their goal tallies as their teams go head-to-head in the semi-finals.

Favorites Remo Stars will be having its hands full against Gombe United in the first semis billed for 8am

Wednesday’s second semi-final is an Ilorin Derby between arch rivala ABS FC and Kwara United. The cracker is set for 4pm local time.

Meanwhile Remo Stars were the best attacking side scoring six (6) goals while Kwara United were the defensive team after it shipped in a goal in the shocking lone goal loss to the Sky Blues Stars from Ikenne. 

36 Lion showed that they are the rookies of the tourney. Making their debut, the Nation-Wide League One (NLO) team  conceded six (6) goals and didn’t score in the tourney.