It was jubilation galore at the Ahmadu Bello stadium after Yoca Crocodiles pipped Standard FC 1-0 to qualify for the final promotion playoff of the ongoing Nation-wide League One (NLO).
The first half didn’t produce much scoring chances but Yoca Crocodiles still opened up the defense line of their opponent in the 23rd and 36th minute respectively.
First, it was an unmarked Nasiru Abdullahi who jabbed wide with an empty net at his mercy then followed by Suleiman Ayuba who headed slightly wide after Aliyu Sugau’s beautiful cross found him unmarked.
The introduction of Lukman Ibrahim immediately after the break ignited the attack of Yoca Crocodiles as the striker’s left footed effort in the 53rd minute narrowly missed target.
Standard would have taken the lead in the 70th minute from the spot after Godwin Simon fouled a Standard striker, but the resultant penalty was blasted wide.
Ten minutes later, Lukman Ibrahim was fouled in the opposite area and Aliyu Sugau made no mistake from the penalty spot to give Yoca Crocodiles the victory that earned them the promotion playoff later this month.
“You can see it was the most difficult game we’ve played so far. Standard are one of the contenders for the playoff and they made things difficult for us. The boys did very well, just that fatigue affected their physical strength unlike our opponent who walked over their opponent yesterday and had a 24 hour rest.
“Kudos to our boys, the technical crew, management and our lovely fans that are always behind us as the number twelve player. You could see what this victory meant to them the way they drummed, sang and danced. We have already qualified with a match to spare, but we want to win it and maintain a 100 percent record before the final playoff on the 27th of this month at the Bwari Township stadium”. Coach Gambo Shanding said.
