NPFL: Barau FC humble Rivers United in rearranged clash
Barau FC recorded a famous comeback victory over league leaders Rivers United in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 5 encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Kano State-based club stunned the multiple-time champions with an emphatic 4–1 win to end Rivers United’s nine-match unbeaten run at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Friday.
The Pride of Rivers started brightly and took an early lead when Duke Osimaga fired the visitors ahead in the 5th minute of the encounter.
However, the Maliya Boys responded 20 minutes later as Usman Maidubji confidently converted from the penalty spot, scoring his second goal of the season to draw the hosts level.
The home side completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Jimmy Ambrose struck in the 45+2 minute, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Nura Ibrahim. It was Ambrose’s first goal of the campaign and sent the home supporters into celebration at the break.
Barau continued to dominate after the restart and extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Kabir Abdullahi capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the Rivers United backline to score his first goal of the season and make it 3–1.
The forward was not done yet, as he added his second of the night in the 77th minute—his second goal of the season—after a precise assist from Muhd Umar, sealing an emphatic victory for the hosts.
The result lifts Barau FC out of the relegation zone and up to 16th position on the NPFL table with 20 points from 17 matches. Rivers United, despite the heavy defeat, remain top of the standings with 33 points.
Uche Dozie
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