Abia Warriors were left to rue their failure to make their play count for victory after they lost by a lone goal to Kwara United in Ilorin in a game they dominated from start to finish.

The visitors started like a house on fire with a beautiful style of football, creating chances at will but couldn’t convert any of them.

Chisom Chikatara was a torn in the flesh of Kwara United throughout the encounter but the perfect finishing touch deserted him at the crucial moments of the game.

The Harmony Boys however, almost took the lead against the run of play when Abubakar Salman dribbled pass Anthony Okemiri and Valentine Nwabili but was denied by Akpan Bassey in goal for Abia Warriors.

The second half started with Abia Warriors starting from where they left off as they ran rings around Kwara United’s defence but Chikatara again was the culprit in squandering begging chances that would have put his side ahead.

Salman scored what turned out to be the winning goal for the home side with a weak shot from close range on the 52nd minute.

Despite the introduction of Sheriff Bashir, Nwanna Emeka by Coach Ladan Bosso, the hosts defended brilliantly and their goalkeeper, Kazeem Yekeen was in inspiring form as he made breathtaking saves off Bolaji Sarkin and Chikatara to ensure his team took home the maximum points.

In his post match reaction to npfl.ng at the end of the game, Abia Warriors Coach Bosso attributed their defeat to luck on the side of their opponents.

“I want to praise my boys for their great performance and congratulate Kwara United for the victory, they have a great team but they were lucky today. And credit to the match officials for the good job they did”