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Lobi Stars Football Club showcased their resilience and fighting spirit on Thursday evening, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Unity FA in a pulsating friendly encounter at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi. The match, a testament to the Alia Boys’ determination, saw a dramatic turnaround orchestrated by Technical Adviser Abubakar Bala’s tactical brilliance.
The game began with intensity, as Lobi Stars dominated proceedings, dictating play and creating multiple scoring chances, bolstered by several corner kicks and free kicks. However, Unity FA’s goalkeeper proved impenetrable, pulling off stunning saves to ensure a goalless first half.
At the restart, Bala introduced a completely new outfield lineup, retaining only goalkeeper Itodo Akor. Despite the tactical shift, it was Unity FA who struck first, with Unite Ahmadu tapping home from close range to break the deadlock and take a 1-0 lead. The setback, however, only fueled Lobi Stars’ resolve.
Moments later, Emmanuel Ofem unleashed a thunderous free kick that tore through the air, nearly restoring parity in breathtaking fashion. The pressure mounted, and Valentine Egiga eventually completed the comeback with a perfectly timed throw-in header for Lobi’s second goal. Despite further attacking attempts, no more goals came before the referee’s final whistle confirmed a 2-1 win for the Pride of Benue.
Post-match, Coach Abubakar Bala praised his players’ performance and fighting spirit, noting that there is still room for improvement as the team fine-tunes preparations ahead of the new season. The victory underscores Lobi Stars’ strength and sets a promising tone for their upcoming challenges.
Report by Lobi Stars Media Team
