Katsina United fought back from two goals down to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Plateau United in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 10 encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Plateau United looked set for victory after doubling their lead in the 80th minute, but Yusha’u Armiya’u pulled one back two minutes later before Umar Rabi’u struck in stoppage time to rescue a point for the hosts.
Plateau United took the lead in the 30th minute through an own goal by a Katsina United player, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage at the break.
The Peace Boys threatened to extend their lead early in the second half when Innocent Arigu unleashed a powerful long-range effort in the 47th minute, forcing an impressive save from the Katsina goalkeeper.
The visitors eventually doubled their advantage in the 80th minute through Ibrahim, putting them in a commanding position with 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
However, Katsina United responded almost immediately, with Armiya’u scoring in the 82nd minute to reduce the deficit and revive the hosts’ hopes of salvaging a result.
The comeback was completed in the third minute of added time when Rabi’u finished from close range to make it 2-2, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
The draw earned Katsina United a valuable point after trailing by two goals, while Plateau United missed the opportunity to recover from their recent setbacks.
Before the match, Plateau United occupied fourth place in the table with 14 points, two ahead of Katsina United in 12th position.
Gbenga Ogunbote’s Plateau United were seeking a response after consecutive defeats to Sporting Lagos and Enyimba, while Katsina United hoped to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Kano Pillars. The hosts had won three of their previous four home matches across all competitions, including victories over Enyimba and Doma United.
Katsina United had also won three of their previous six meetings with Plateau United, who had recorded two victories, while the other encounter ended in a draw. Their last meeting at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium finished goalless in January.