Akwa United head coach Paul Offor has expressed disappointment with the playing conditions at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, blaming the poor state of the pitch for his side’s inability to secure victory against Abakaliki FC.
The Promise Keepers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in their Nigeria National League, NNL, Matchday Two fixture played in Abakaliki on Saturday.
Akwa United appeared destined for defeat after conceding, but Ivorian forward Franck Damodou came to their rescue with an 85th-minute equaliser to earn the visitors a share of the points.
Offor Reflects On Away Draw
Offor acknowledged that his team had travelled to Abakaliki in search of maximum points but was pleased with the players’ response after going behind.
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“Though we came here for the three points, we conceded a goal we were not supposed to concede. I love the reaction of my players. It’s a massive point for us, and we will go home and build from there,” he told the club’s media.
Playing Surface Hinder Play
The tactician also lamented the condition of the playing surface, explaining that it disrupted his team’s approach and forced them to adjust their style of play to cope with the conditions.
“The field was a major factor in the game, as you could see. We couldn’t play, although we found a way, a system and a player to adapt just to ensure we got a point from the game,” Offor stated.
“We are disappointed that it is just a point, but we are happy, and we will celebrate it.”
The draw takes Akwa United’s tally to four points from their opening two matches of the NNL campaign.
