A night of high drama unfolded at the Dan Anyiam Stadium as Gateway United snatched a thrilling 2-2 draw against Kun Khalifat, with Olufemi Famuyiwa playing the hero in the dying moments. Despite the spirited comeback, Gateway United remain locked in a relegation battle, but their fighting spirit was clear for all to see.
The visitors began brightly, with Olanese Saburi, Odusina Sunkanmi, and Christian Samuel creating a host of chances, yet they found themselves trailing after Kun Khalifat converted a penalty in the 62nd minute following a handball incident. Moments later, goalkeeper Olamilekan Balogun kept hope alive by saving a second penalty, a crucial moment that galvanised the team.
Babatunde Taofeek provided a moment of magic with a stunning 45-metre lob to level the scoreline. However, heartbreak seemed inevitable when Kun Khalifat scored again in stoppage time.
Refusing to accept defeat, Famuyiwa delivered a moment of pure determination, weaving past two defenders before calmly slotting the ball home deep into added time to earn Gateway United a valuable point.
Coach Festus Allen praised the team’s tenacity afterwards, stating, “We aimed for victory, but a point away from home is very rewarding. The boys showed real composure.” Gateway United now turn its focus to its upcoming clash against First Bank FC, buoyed by the belief that it will not go down without a fight.
Editorial
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There are matches where results feel almost secondary to the spirit shown on the pitch. Gateway United’s dramatic draw against Kun Khalifat was one of those matches that remind us why football is such a compelling spectacle.
We applaud Olufemi Famuyiwa and his teammates for embodying the kind of resilience that defines true competitors. Fighting back once, and then refusing to stay down after a second blow, speaks volumes about their collective character.
Too often, teams near the bottom lose their nerve, their unity dissolving under the weight of pressure. Gateway United have shown that no matter the odds, belief can forge miracles. In those dying moments, when legs are heavy and minds are tired, it takes immense courage to drive forward one last time and change a club’s fate, even temporarily.
We must rally behind teams that fight like this. Survival is not gifted, it is earned through grit, passion, and relentless determination. Every point matters, and Gateway United’s refusal to lie down should serve as an inspiration to other struggling sides.
In the battle for survival, it is the teams that truly believe who often script the most remarkable stories.
Did You Know?
- Dan Anyiam Stadium, where the match took place, is located in Owerri and named after Nigeria’s first national football team captain.
- Gateway United FC is based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and was originally founded in 1998.
- Kun Khalifat FC is a relatively new club, gaining prominence through grassroots development tournaments.
- Olamilekan Balogun, Gateway’s goalkeeper, started his career as an outfield player before switching to goalkeeping.
- Babatunde Taofeek’s 45-metre goal was one of the longest-range strikes recorded in Nigeria’s second-tier league this season.
