Rotshak’s lone strike earns Plateau United Federation Cup semi-final spot

By Victor Okoye

John Rotshak on Sunday in Abuja scored the only goal for Plateau United to knock out Kwara United and book a semi-final berth in the men’s version of the 2023 Federation Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibrahim Mustapha’s lovely cross from a corner-kick found its way into the opponents’ penalty area for a goal-mouth scramble.

Rotshak then stabbed the ball home from close range to beat goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka in the 44th minute.

Plateau United thereafter sat back to defend their slim lead for a large part of the second half, even as Kwara United created a lot of goal-scoring opportunities in search of an equaliser.

An energetic Kadiri Samad was a thorn in the flesh for Plateau United’s defence as he combined well with captain Jide Fatokun.

The duo did bring up some lovely moves which breached the defensive line of their opponents on several occasions.

But Plateau United goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso produced a man-of-the-match performance as he stepped up when it mattered the most to save his team.

Ayeleso’s best save of the match came in the 90th minute when he prevented Yahaya Ibrahim’s a point-blank shot from going in.

His effort came with a price though as he picked up a serious injury and had to be substituted.

The defensive pair of Jimmy Iteji and Adam Yakubu saw the game out as Plateau United held on to the lone goal in spite of a lengthy injury time period.

They have now advanced to the Cup competition’s semi-finals, with an opportunity to make up for the missed chance to qualify for the 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super Six.

(NAN)