Abia Warriors threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against league leaders, Remo Stars, in the matchday 21 of the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League season decided in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State.
Coach Imama Amapakabo kept faith with the same squad that defeated Bayelsa United over the weekend, and the lads made a flying start with two goals in two minutes.
Ayodele Ezekiel headed the visitors in front from a Paul Samson well executed corner kick in the 25th minute for his first goal of the season and Anthony Ijoma doubled the lead for the Warriors two minutes later, after Sunday Megwo controlled a square play from skipper Augustine Njoku before laying a simple pass for the Abia Warriors number nine to blast home.
But the Warriors failed to keep the lead as the hosts scored two goals inside eight minutes to get on level terms, after a double substitution.
Adedayo Olamilekan’s shot from 24 yards in the 38th minute beat Sharp Uzoigwe in goal for the Umuahia boys for their first goal, and Malik Jabaar made it 2-2 in first half injury time to send the home fans into frenzy.
On resumption of play, Coach Imama brought on Nmecha Johnson for Sharp Uzoigwe in goal, and the former was quickly called to duty as he made some breathtaking saves in the early stages of the second half.
But there was nothing he could do in the 53rd minute as Frank Mawuena headed the hosts in front off a corner kick for what later proved to be the winner.
The Warriors bench threw in Innocent Godwin and Sheddy Kenneth for Wilson Elu and Paul Samson, and later Emmanuel Onu for Ayodele Ezekiel in order to salvage the situation and the substitutes spurred Umu Chineke for a late fight back but the hosts defended with their lives to see off the game.
Up next for Abia Warriors is a home tie against Akwa United at the Umuahia Township Stadium.