Newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Katsina United, held league runner-up, Remo Stars of Ikenne to a 1-1 draw in their Naija Super 8 group A encounter, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Sunday.
The close contest produced two first half goals, which proved decisive. Remo Stars took the lead through Fabian Iworie in the 21st minute. Katsina United responded with an equaliser five minutes later, after Somson Olasupo, beat the offside trap to tap home his own rebound shot.
Remo Stars goalkeeper, Tambe Charles, produced two quick-fire saves to deny Katsina United the lead late in the half, to ensure both side are level at the break.
The two teams canceled each other out in the second half, with chances few and far between. The Ikenne boys desperately pushed for the winner late in the game, but were denied by a resolute Katsina United defense.
Reacting to the result, Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, said his team played a side who had a point to prove. “Katsina United are no underdogs in this match. This is a team that just got promoted to the NPFL. They had a point to prove. They wanted to show that their promotion is not a fluke and they did the job well.”
“I’m not disappointed, we started nine fresh players. We are gardually achieving our objectives. I’m actually impressed with this performance. Our aim here is to win games. Our goal is to win the tournament. We drew today, no excuses.”
The result put Remo Stars top of group A with four points from two matches, while Katsina has one point from one game.
