Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter says a switch to a 4-5-1 press was the key to a 3-2 win at Plateau United. The Tech Boys now sit two points behind NPFL leaders Rivers United and Rangers.
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Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter has praised his tactical adjustments after a 3-2 away win over Plateau United at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday. It was the Tech Boys’ third away victory in the NPFL this season.
Buter said his team had studied Plateau’s first line of press and prepared a way to beat it, and that Sporting Lagos started the first 20 minutes very well. After a tough spell, they switched their press to a 4-5-1. New Bet9ja users can claim Bet9ja’s YOHAIG new-user code.
The change limited Plateau’s wingers and full backs, he explained, taking away their time and space. “We played a very good second half,” he said, adding that his team dominated and found an early equaliser.
Aliyu Baba put the visitors ahead in the 10th minute, taking Solomon Uloko’s pass, rounding goalkeeper Okiemute Odah and finishing calmly. Plateau hit back through Victor Dawa, whose powerful effort from outside the box levelled the game 10 minutes before half-time.
Dawa struck again in first-half stoppage time, finishing from close range after a series of saves by Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Clinton Lawani. That made it 2-1 to Plateau at the break.
Sporting Lagos equalised eight minutes after the restart. Baba set up Victor Samuel, who finished from close range. NPFL fans can try Super9ja football predictions alongside this week’s fixtures.
The game turned in the 80th minute when Plateau’s Alex Aghahowa was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Hadi Haruna. Three minutes later, Jacob Aondona scored the winner to seal the three points.
Buter said the win showed what his team can do anywhere. Regardless of venue or opponent, he said, Sporting Lagos must show they can play like this, and doing it at Plateau’s ground was an incredible achievement.
The victory leaves Sporting Lagos on 15 points from nine matches, two points behind leaders Rivers United and second placed Rangers International, the defending champions.
Sporting Lagos host Enugu Rangers on Saturday, October 24, at 4pm in a game that could shape the title race. Readers can see the Bet9ja promotion code explainer before the big game.
📌 Did You Know?
- Complete Sports reported that Buter was fined ₦500,000 for controversial remarks about a referee.
- In week eight, Sporting Lagos came from behind to beat Bendel Insurance 2-1 after conceding inside the opening minute.
- Sporting Lagos made their NPFL debut with a 2-0 win over Gombe United at the Onikan Stadium.
- A week before this game, Plateau United beat Kano Pillars 4-0 to climb to third on 14 points.
- It was Plateau United’s first home defeat of the season, after four straight home wins.
