Sporting Lagos fight back to beat Plateau United in five-goal thriller

Sporting Lagos came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory away to Plateau United in the Nigeria Premier Football League, with coach Jeffrey Buter crediting a tactical change for the result.

The Tech Boys recorded their third away win of the league season after a fiercely contested match at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.

Sporting Lagos took the lead after 10 minutes when Aliyu Baba collected Solomon Uloko’s pass, went around Plateau United goalkeeper Okiemute Odah and calmly finished.

The hosts responded with sustained pressure and levelled 10 minutes before half-time. Victor Dawa found space outside the penalty area and beat Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Clinton Lawani with a powerful strike.

Dawa then scored again in first-half stoppage time. Lawani had made a series of saves, but Plateau United eventually found a way through from close range to take a 2-1 lead into the interval.

Sporting Lagos responded positively after the break and equalised eight minutes into the second half. Baba turned provider, sending the ball into the path of Victor Samuel, who finished from close range.

The balance of the match shifted again in the 80th minute when Plateau United defender Alex Aghahowa was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Sporting Lagos midfielder Hadi Haruna.

With a numerical advantage, Sporting Lagos pushed for a winner and found it three minutes later. Jacob Aondona scored in the 83rd minute to complete the comeback and secure all three points.

Buter praises tactical switch

Buter said his team’s preparation and change in pressing structure helped them deal with Plateau United’s approach.

“First of all, thanks to God. It wasn’t an easy victory. I think we started the first 20 minutes very well. We did our analysis and prepared on how to overcome their first line of press,” he said.

“We switched our press to a 4-5-1, which limited their wingers and fullbacks from having time and space. I think we played a very good second half. We dominated the game, found the early equaliser and went on to finish the game.”

The Sporting Lagos manager also said the team needed to show the same level of confidence and consistency in every match, regardless of the opposition or location.

“Regardless of where we go or where we play, we have to show that we are capable of performances like this. To be able to do it in this stadium against a team like Plateau United is incredible,” Buter added.

The win moved Sporting Lagos to within two points of league leaders Rivers United and second-placed defending champions Rangers International in the NPFL standings.