Ishiaq Kayode Shine As River's United Advance To Dapo Abiodun Preseason Tournament Quarter Final

*Rivers United 2-0 Gateway FC - Match Report*

*ISHAQ KAYODE SHINES AS RIVERS UNITED ADVANCE TO QUARTER FINAL*

Rivers United Media | 20th November 2020

Rivers United made it two wins in a row with a well deserved 2-0 win over Gateway FC. Two goals from Ishaq Kayode, in the 18th and 67th minute settled an entertaining game.

On a fresh, sunny evening on the South West Nigeria's city of Ijebu Ode, Rivers United arrived at the Otunba Dipo Dino stadium looking to solidify top spot in Group A and seal qualification into the knock out stage of the tournament with one game to spare.

Coach Stanley Eguma made eleven changes from the side that beat Bendel Insurance 2-0, with Chigozie Ihunda handed the Captain's armband as Festus Austin sat out.

The team did the job - the revelation of matchday was the very impressive Solomon Ogberahwe.

WHAT HAPPENED?The match began at a frenetic pace - Rivers United boss Stanley Eguma had demanded his side show the same spirit that saw off Bendel Insurance in their first game.

Gateway FC chased down and pressed with energy and pace in the opening stages but the "Pride of Rivers" kept their cool and knocked the ball around sweetly.

Ishaq Kayode had United's first chance on two minutes, but the pacy wingers cross to forward Bobby Clement was timely intercepted for a corner

Then Cletus Emotan played a sublime pass over the Gateway defence only for Naziru Auwalu to control and see the ball hit the side net after a well taken shot.

With 13 minutes into the match, Rivers United went into the lead.

Ishaq Kayode drove towards the Gateway FC's goal after playing a neat one-two with Chigozie Ihunda off a quickly taken corner - his shot went straight into the net in what was a replica of a training ground routine.

Rivers United pressed for a second before the break, but Gateway FC were very much in what was turning out to be an absorbing contest.

Gateway FC flew out of the blocks after half-time and for long periods, United were forced back in their own final third.

It seemed that eventually the "Rock city boys' pressure would result in an equaliser, roared on by some passionate fans, and on 67 minutes, Gateway's attack was cut off as Bobby Clement benefitted from some sloppy passing in the centre circle, his long ball found Malachi Ohawume whose shot was spilled into the path of Ishaq Kayode who fired in from close range in what proved to be a pivotal moment of the game.

KEY MOMENTSUndoubtedly the excellent display of Solomon Ogberahwe. The left back who had his full debut for Rivers United used his playmaking skills to carry and distribute the ball upfield and his pace to mark forwards making runs around the defense.

On serveral occasions he placed himself in a convenient position for his teammates. When the play started from the back, he positioned himself in empty space to progress the ball, offering a numerical advantage in the team's buildup phase. He also quickly repositioned himself after passing the ball to an immediate option so that he is accessible in case his teammate wanted to pass the ball back.

STAR MANWith a brace, Ishaq was deservedly Rivers United star man. Confidence mixed with skill, pace and hard-work, Ishaq Kayode is in terrific form at the moment.

WHAT IT MEANSRivers United have qualified for the knock out stage with a game to spare as they maintained top spot on Group A with 6 points from 2 games, 3 points ahead of Bendel Insurance. There's still plenty of work ahead but United have now won two on the bounce with clean sheets.

WHAT'S NEXT?Rivers United will aim to maintain their 100% start to this competition as they confront Warri Wolves on Saturday 21st November 2020 in their last group match tie.

Mayuku CharlesMedia OfficerRivers United08064957212