- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
In a way that looks dramatic to the spectators, Ekiti United Football Club was on Saturday afternoon held Osun United to a 1-1 draw in a Grade A friendly game as preparatory for 2023-24 Nigeria National League season.
The test game was played at the popular Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Both side showed some early flashes and intent but the home side failed to breakdown Osun United who’s defense made life difficult for the home side.
Osun United came closed to taking the lead on the hour mark but captain Makanjuola Adewale in goal for Ekiti United ensured the interval ended goalless with a brilliant save.
On resumption of the interval, Osun United took the lead on the 49th minute through Mujeeb a fine finish off a header from a set piece by Chilka Kevlin.
The home side went in search for the equalizer but almost gifted Osun United a two goal lead when second half substitute, Temitope Bankole in goal was quick to react inside the box to safely catch a breakthrough ball by an Osun United attacker.
But the moment the home fans waited for came in the 81 minutes when Ekiti United restored parity when Ishola Oluwole tapped in a rebound from the wood work to level score at 1-1.
In the closing stages, Wadulu Ofoni thought he has given the Kehinde Anjorin led side the winner but his header was denied by the cross bar to keep score at 1-1.
Ekiti United will on Tuesday engaged in another friendly games against Sunshine Stars Fc in Ile Ife in the morning and Osun United FC in Osogbo in the evening and on Wednesday will host Kwara United FC at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.
