Gold Cup: Kwara United in another draw

Stephen Alfred's 60th minute strike denied Rivers United their  second victory at the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament decided at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin on Friday afternoon.

The two teams started the match like a house on fire, firing from all cylinders. Rivers United created the first attempt on goal in the fifth minute of the entertaining encounter when Samuel Akinubi tested the Afonja Warriors goalkeeper, Eze Chidiebere with a ferocious shot.

Kwara United's last season top scorer in the Nigeria National League, Micheal Ohanu had a chance to get the opener for his team but his flick header couldn't beat Rivers United goalkeeper, Cole Roberi.

The remaining minutes of the first half turned out to be a cagey affair as both teams struggled to find a breakthrough.

The second 45 minutes of the game saw both teams scoring a goal each.

Stanley Eguma's men were awarded a penalty after a foul on Martins Usule by Lanre Shuaibu and Ali Chiwendu nicely converted the spot kick following a beautiful effort.

Few minutes after the first goal of the match, John Obuh's men upped their game, went forward in search of the equaliser but the Port Harcourt based team defenders stood their ground frustrating all their attempts with great defending.

Kwara United's got their equaliser in the 60th minute through Stephen Alfred when he dribbled Semiu Laidi minutes after his effort narrowly missed the target.

The game ended in another draw for Kwara United as they claimed their third point of the tourney from three matches while Rivers United recorded their fourth point of the Gold Cup from two games.