By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Akwa Utd’s 1-0 win over Enyimba International on Sunday at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, has extended the Promise Keepers’ unbeaten run in the league to seven games.
The victory has propelled them to the second position in Group A with 22 points from 12 games, just four points behind leaders, Bendel Insurance, who stay top with 26 points.
Akwa Utd went into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Group A leaders, Bendel Insurance in Benin, while Enyimba arrived Uyo after picking just two points from a possible six at home against Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United.
In a post match interview, Coach Deji Ayeni, said he was aware that Enyimba being a team neighbour to Akwa United, would come out in full force against Akwa United, having drawn two matches at home.
Ayeni stated that the only option left for his technical crew was to prepare his team mentally, psychologically, tactically and physically to avoid unnecessary mistakes on the field of play.
He said that to beat Enyimba, he had to maintain the selection that played against Insurance of Benin with a change in the tactical approach to the game.
Ayeni told journalists that he had spied on the last game the Enyimba played at home against Nasarawa United and discovered what he needed to dislodge his opponent, as the plan paid well for Akwa United for the victory.
On being presented on the second position on the log and quest for Akwa to compete in the super 6, Coach Ayeni noted that being on the second position was not yet ahuru, adding that when the league started, he was aware of the fact that the abridged league was a marathon and dynamic and anything could happen, he would continue to work hard and remained focused until the super 6 begins before the end of the season.
“Yes, like I said, when the league started, I told my players that the league is marathon and football is very dynamic, nobody can tell what would happen until the last minutes of the game. So being on the second position is not ahuru, we are going to still work, cool headed and focused on the league and at the end of the season when we get to the super 6, we will know how to cross the bar”. Ayeni said.
Coach Ayeni said he was happy that his team was gradually improving to compete in the league and thanked the players for leaving up to their bidding.
Enyimba head coach, Finidi George, said when the corner kick came, his team did not defend well and that was what gave Akwa United the win. He said it was a balanced game, his boys did well and that if they had push a little bid more in the first half, Enyimba could have gotten a goal.
George stated that having two points in three matches, was part of the game. He noted that football was about getting the results, but if the results does not come, it would appear as if nothing was done.
He said he was aware that Enyimba’s match with Akwa, was going to be a difficult one, but his boys gave a good fight that could earn them something.
George assured that he would get back and work towards the next match, stressing that his team will win
