Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman has blamed a late loss of concentration for his side’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Plateau United in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 25 clash in Jos.
The Harmony Boys were edged out at the new Jos Stadium on Sunday after conceding in the 89th minute, despite producing a disciplined display for much of the contest.
Kwara United approached the game with clear intent and remained organised at the back, with Hannafi Babatunde marshalling the defence effectively alongside Ogbonna Arinze, Saheed Olaniyi, Yahaya Ibrahim and Seun Ogunribide.
The visitors had a decent opportunity to go ahead before the break when Johnmark Aule and Mustapha Salisu threatened inside the Plateau United penalty area, but the chance was not taken.
Plateau United stepped up the pressure after the interval, and Kwara United’s task became harder when Salisu Mustapha was sent off after picking up a second yellow card, leaving the visitors with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Kwara United continued to press forward and nearly broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. Aule connected well with a pass from Samsudeen Mohammed, but his effort was kept out by the Plateau United goalkeeper.
The decisive moment arrived late on when Plateau United capitalised on a set piece, with Sadiq Yusuf heading home from a free kick to seal victory for the hosts.
Speaking after the match, Suleiman admitted his side fell short due to a brief lapse late in the game.
“We came here for at least a point, but we lost concentration at the end. We move on to the next game in Ilorin next Sunday,” he said.
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