Jonathan Zikiye scored a stoppage-time header as Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries football club, MFM FC, sealed a 2-1 win over Katsina United Monday.
In a slightly waterlogged pitch at the Soccer Temple, a very wasteful MFM left it late to see off the stubborn Katsina United to keep their chances of making the Super Six alive.
Kabiru Adeniji got the ball rolling when he put the Olukoya Boys ahead with an excellent effort in the first half.
United equalised through their captain who headed home from a corner in the second half before Zikiye sealed a deserved win for the hosts with another lovely header in stoppage time.
MFM went into the game well aware that only a win can keep their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive having found themselves fourth on the log.
It was no surprise therefore that the Olukoya Boys started on the front foot in search of an early goal but were made to wait until the 11th minute when Adeniji finally broke the deadlock.
The NPFL rookie superbly controlled a floated pass from midfield with his chest before slotting home with a well-struck shot.
Despite the home side dominating proceedings in the first half, Adeniji’s goal was the difference at the break.
After the break, the away side started on a positive note and five minutes into the second half, they were level when their captain, Timothy Danladi, out-jumped everyone to head in the equaliser.
That United goal seemed to spur their hosts on, as MFM turned on the heat with a barrage of attacks but were let down by their profligate forwards led by Chijioke Akuneto.
Akuneto was guilty of missing three clear chances, one of which was a sitter following brilliant work from Balogun Alade.
Two other efforts from Akuneto came off the post before Zikiye finally saved his blushes with the winner in stoppage time.
However with time running out on them, MFM were just two minutes away from heartbreak before substitute, Michael Ohanu and Zikiye came to their rescue.
Ohanu found himself free on the right and put in a peach of a cross which found the onrushing Zikiye, who made no mistakes to head home from close range, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
A deserved goal and win for MFM whose persistence was rewarded.
With the victory, MFM remains unbeaten at home this season and go into last game in Akure with a chance of making the top six.
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side remains fourth on 32 points, one behind Enyimba who occupy the last playoffs spot in Group A.
For Katsina United, they remain in the relegation dog fight with just one point above Sunshine Stars in ninth.
Full Results In Group A
Insurance 1-0 Sunshine Stars
MFM 2-1 Katsina Utd
Rangers 1-0 Rivers Utd
Enyimba 2-0 Tornadoes
Lobi Stars 2-1 Wikki Tourists
Kara Utd 2-1 Remo Stars
