Dakkada of Uyo kept hope alive in their quest to beat the drop by the end of the season after a spirited display that earned them a 2-0 win at home to Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the GodswillAkpabio Stadium on Sunday in a matchday 32 fixture.
With two games postponed against Abia Warriors (home) and Kano Pillars (away), Dakkada was bottom of the log going into the fixture after three consecutive defeats.
They knew a win could see them move a place better on the table, depending on the game between MFM and Lobi Stars in Ijebu Ode.
The home side was without their head coach, Umar Danlamni, suspended after being sent off in the fixture against Kano Pillars.
Dakkada got the opening goal of the fixture in 27 minutes.
Emmanuel Ayaosi rose to the occasion, heading EdidiongEzekiel’s flick off Unwana Asuquo’s corner past goalkeeper Udo Okechukwu.
Loveday Anuigbuo turned saviour for the home side just at the stroke of halftime when he produced a breathtaking save off Olafimihan Gafar’s blistering strike.
Aniekan Ekpe rounded off an extraordinary afternoon for the Uyo-based side when he positioned himself outside the box to expertly drill Emmanuel Ayaosi’s low cross beyond Okechukwuin the 56th minute.
Okechukwu denied Ayaosi and Israel Emmanuel from increasing the advantage as he produced a succession of stunning saves on 67 minutes.
Shooting thought they would reduce the tally twelve minutes to time when they earned a penalty after Emmanuel Charles had handled the ball inside the penalty area. Goalkeeper Lovedayguessed the right way to deny substitute Elum Sochima from reducing the deficit and further blocked Malomo Taofeeq from making it count from the rebound.
The result is a booster to Dakkada’s quest to maintain its top-flight status next season. Danlami’s men are five points adrift of safety and will host Abia Warriors in a rescheduled fixture on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Shooting Stars drop to 13th place, two points above the drop zone, going into matchday 33, when they host second-placed Plateau United.
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