CHAIRMAN of Kogi United, Mallam Abdul Sule, says the Confluence Boys played their best match of the season but were unlucky to lose 1-2 to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) leaders, Wikki Tourists in the 2016 Federation Cup Round of 32 encounter on Wednesday.
An 87th minutes goal from Festus Umanah dampened Kogi United's hope of qualifying to the next round of the competition.
Abdul Sule who was in Kaduna with his boys believes United would transform the performance to the National League proper as they host Kaduna United on Saturday.
The pulsating encounter played at the Township Stadium in Kaduna on Wednesday saw both sides displaying wonderful soccer artistries for fans to enjoy.
Wikki had themselves in front in the 23rd minutes as Mubaraq Lawal headed in a cross from Festus Umanah after Kogi United defenders failed to clear a corner.
The Lokoja based club woke up quickly after the goal and almost leveled the score through Chindo Babangida with just five minutes to end the first stanza but goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu - who has kept 12 clean sheets in the NPFL this season- was on hand to make a save.
The second half witnessed almost a one sided affair as Kogi United gained possession and control of the game.
Destiny Ashadi almost leveled the scoreline for the Gov Yahaya Bello boys in the 65 minutes after he found himself in Wikki's goal area, but was selfish as he shot rather than layJerome who was in a better position.
There were also few moments of control for Wikki through the second half and their chances were fluffed by Victor Yakubu.
Kogi United's control of the game paid off with ten minutes end the game and got a deserved equalizer.
Samson Pius took a solo run down the left, he teed Femi Adewumi whose cross to Wikki's defense was not cleared perfectly by Peter Ambrose and John Jerome was on hand to released a bullet shot that finally broken Nwabulu's record of clean sheets after so many games.
It would have been 2-1 for Kogi United with just four minutes to go but Nwabulu denied Michael Bolaji, whose rasping shot was saved by his underarm.
And when it almost look like the game would be decided by shootouts, Kogi United found themselves pegged back again after they failed to make a perfect clearance and allows right back Festus Umanah to score the eventual winner for Wikki Tourists off a goal mouth scramble.
Technical Adviser of Wikki Tourists, Abdu Maikaba said his side were prepared for Kogi United's tough challenge adding that the Coach Ishaya Jatau would do better in the NNL if they maintain their performance.
Coach Ishaya Jatau is also optimistic United will bounce back quickly for the NNL home game against Kaduna United on Saturday.
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