After showing some promise with a respectable 9th position placing on the log after Match Day 18, Bayelsa United FC on Saturday, December 28, 2024 slumped to a 0-1 loss to visiting Abia Warriors at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Showing intent to run away with all three points at stake to boost their position on the league table, Bayelsa United started the game on a note of urgency with Issah Yusuf trying an audacious shot but it went way wide, off target.
Both sides had chances but could not capitalize on them. In the 26th minute of play, No. 8 jersey for Abia Warriors, Adejoh Ojonugwa was given a yellow card for rough tackle.
Against every expectation, it was the visiting team that drew first blood in the 35th minute with a brilliant volley by No. 27, Sheddy Kenneth. The goal silenced Bayelsa United's vociferous supporters, who for some time lost their singing and drumming rhythm.
Despite starting the game on a note of urgency, Bayelsa United players struggled all through the game to create clear-cut chances without success and could also not convert the few half chances that came their way. Their few attempts at goal all went harmlessly off target.
Bayelsa United pressed hard, looking for the equalizer, giving their supporters hope that their darling team would rally and stage a come back as they have done on one or two occasions but it was not to be. Not even the presence of the state governor, Senator Douye Diri could galvanize the home lads to get the elusive equalizer, talk more of victory.
In his bid to inject fresh legs and increase the tempo of the game, Bayelsa United coach, Ladan Bosso made two changes in the 59th minute of play, bringing in Rabiu Abdullahi and Adamu Yazid to replace Wisdom Magbisa and Tarabina Biweribo.
The disciplined defence line of Abia Warriors were resolute and held on firmly, stoically thwarting every effort of the home side. They managed to hold on and at the end, the solitary 35th minute goal by Sheddy Kenneth was enough to secure all three points for the visitors.
The victory takes Abia Warriors up to 5th on the log while Bayelsa United drops by one slot to 10th place, pending the outcome of other matches.
Reacting to the result, a Bayelsa United supporter, Ebitimi Julius said "the outcome of the match is very disappointing. How can they lose at home in a league where every team is aiming to win all their home matches and hoping to pick up draws and possibly victories on the road? This is not good at all".
