NPFL: Abubakar Bala starts life as Katsina United TA with win over Bendel Insurance

Katsina United recorded a slim victory over Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Changi Boys defeated the Benin Arsenals 1-0 courtesy of a second half goal by Chidera Ezeh at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Coach Abubakar Bala in his first game as the new Coach following his appointment some days ago after he replaced Coach Tony Bolus.

Abubakar in making three changes,  welcomed back captain Usman Barau for the crucial game with Alladoum Kolimba in the goal post and Lukman Bello leading the attack.

With victory in mind after 4 matches without a win, the Northern team raised the first dust as Chidera Ezeh's attempt was saved by the goalkeeper Amas 10 minutes into the encounter.

The push for a goal continued for the host, but all to no avail as the tie ended in stalemate in the first 45.

Efforts continued for the home side in the second phase and the reward finally came in the 71st minute when the centre referee pointed at the spot after an infringement on Idoko in the 18 yard box.

Ezeh steeped up and scored from the spot to give Katsina United the lead.

The momentum to score remained with the Changi Boys who could have doubled their lead, but the score remained the same after 90 minutes as they achieved a win that takes them 9th on the log.

Uche Dozie