Christian Pyagbara's Late Goal Nails Dolphins

[Folami David]

Christian Pyagbara's injury time winner settled one of the most competitive Port Harcourt derbies in recent times, as Sharks came from behind to beat ten-man Dolphins 2-1 at the Liberation Stadium on Wednesday.
.
The game started slowly and the goalkeepers - Austin Brown for Dolphins and Isah Danladi for Sharks - did not have much work to do initially.
.
The highlight of the first half was probably the dismissal of Dolphins left-back Chidiebere Okolie for a second booking after a reckless tackle on Brown Braye in the 20th minute, though Sharks failed to make the most of their numerical advantage.
.
Dolphins were still by far the more attack-minded side, with Isiaka Olawale and Emem Eduok looking lively. Sharks, on the other hand, looked clueless going forward as Tayo Fabiyi and Pyagbara were well taken care of by Dolphins central defensive duo of Festus Austin and Ebiamobowei Baker.
.
Dolphins continued to have a slight edge in the second period, and in the 59th minute, Stephen Erewa was adjudged to have drought down Eduok in the box.
.
Olawale coolly converted from the spot to give Dolphins the lead.
.
The goal appeared to wake Sharks up from their slumber, as they added more urgency to their game and were rewarded on 76 minutes when Jonah Abutu powerfully nodded home Thompson Stowe's free kick from the right flank after Baker had fouled Pyagbara.
.
A minute later, Pyagbara nearly put Sharks ahead when he hit the post from a tight angle.
.
And when the match seemed to be heading for a draw, Pyagbara popped up at the right place in a penalty box to score the winner in the second minute of added time.
.
Sharks coach Gbenga Ogunbote told supersport.com that his players were determined to win, knowing this was their best chance to move out of the relegation zone.
.
"Everybody in the team was aware of the importance of this game. I had told them to go in there to commit suicide and still come out alive," he said.
.
"We're all aware this match could be the turning point of our season and a draw would not have helped our cause.
.
"We have been looking for an away victory, and we're happy it has finally come."
.
Dolphins manager Stanley Eguma said his team played well despite the defeat.
.
"We lost the match, but I'm satisfied with the performance of my players. They played well despite being a man down for most of the match," he said.
.
"Sharks may have won and I congratulate them, but the goals we conceded were against the run of play."
.
Sharks have risen to 12th position in the Glo Premier League with 33 points from 25 matches, while Dolphins have dropped to ninth place with 36 points from the same number of matches played.

[Shola Sholaz]

When goals come late in a game it's always a very sweet victory.  I must commend the goal-scorer for a job well done.