By Albert Akota
Substitute Yahaya Adamu rescued a point for the Dream Team VI in a Super Six 1-1 draw game against Kano Pillars yesterday.
It was a match that wasn’t lacking the flavour to excite fans that thronged the Abuja National Stadium to catch a glimpse of the two teams in action.
Pillars striker Adamu Hassan had a shooting chance which U-23 goalkeeper Jonah Usman was up to in the opening exchange.
The Dream Team VI goal tender was again called to action in the 14th minute as he dived to save a free kick from Azeez Shobowale.
In the 18th minute, Pillars had a penalty appeal ignored by the match referee. Shobowale went down in the 18-yard area.
Ichull Lordson delivered a long-range free kick which brought out the best from Lawrence John in goal for the reigning NPFL champions.
One minute after the half hour mark, new Pillars signing Christian Obiozor delivered the first goal of the highly explosive encounter.
The lanky striker reacted to a spilled save from Usman for his second goal of the tournament.
Austin Amutu should have equalised for the Dream Team VI. His header from a cross went straight to Pillars keeper Lawrence.
Pillars attacker Hassan also headed wide from an unmarked position from a corner kick, when he should done better.
Former Kwara United striker Yahaya Adamu was thrown into the fray to support lone striker Amutu and his introduction brought the needed change for the U23 team.
He went on an individual run down the Pillars, but his shot was blocked by the desperate Pillars defence line.
Twenty two minutes to the end of the match, the Dream Team VI were back in the game.
A foul on substitute Adamu in the box saw the referee pointed to the dreaded penalty spot.
Adamu took it upon himself and sent the ball into the waiting net and the game was set for a thrilling conclusion.
Another penalty appeal by Pillars didn’t impress the referee who ignored their calls for the second time in the game.
The U23 side had Usman to thank as he frustrated Pillars from netting the winner. The ex Flying Eagles custodian was reliable in goal.
Lawrence made a point blank catch in the dying moments of the encounter.
The two teams went home with a point apiece.
Dream Team VI has seven points from three matches, while Pillars have four points from the same number of games.
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