Mahanaim forced to 2-2 draw by AIB
The Hot Boys were forced to a 2-2 draw at the Sunrise Arena on Sunday evening by familiar foes AIB FC.
The match was the first time AIB FC have managed to get a positive result against Mahanaim FC in four attempts, after the earlier three matches had ended in a defeat for them.
Sunday's match was also the first meeting between the two sides in 2 years, with the last match in summer of 2024 ending in a 2-1 win for Mahanaim's Hot Boys at the FIFA goal project pitch.
Both teams went into Sunday's match in high spirit, particularly for the Hot Boys who were playing on the turf of the Sunrise Arena for the first time. Mahanaim started the game on the front foot, controlling the tempo of the game while pressuring AIB from both wings. The Hot Boys created a number of chances but failed to find the back of the net despite the sustained pressure, which was partly credit to the opposition goalkeeper, who made outstanding saves.
In the 20th minute however, full-back Otega Aburoh cut inside and delivered a line breaking pass to striker Emmanuel Odenigbo who comfortably finenessed the goalkeeper, before comfortably tucking the ball into an empty net; as Mahanaim went 1 goal up.
14 minutes after, AIB put a perfect long ball behind the Mahanaim defense, as player No. 11 was right on time to knock it in from the back post for AIB to draw level.
After a few other chances had been spurned, Mahanaim went ahead again through a good combination from Emmanuel Odenigbo, who while in-between the center-backs of AIB, flicked the ball to Yusuf Adigun who found the back of the net with just two touches of the ball- the control and the finish, on the stroke of halftime.
Mahanaim went into the break 2-1 up but failed to score the much needed security goal as the opponents scored a deflected free-kick through No. 7 to tie the game at 2-2 in the 57th minute.
Mubarak Dayyabu and Otega Aburoh both hit the cross bar with a free-kick and a rebound as Mahanaim tried fruitlessly to find the winning goal. Both players exchanged warm pleasantries after the final whistle and departed the stadium.
The Hot Boys will now play four times Nigeria Premier League champions Kano Pillars in a friendly match at the Turf Arena on Tuesday, as the Sai Masu Gida boys look to put finishing touches to the preparation ahead of the start of the Nigerian league this weekend.
