Despite fielding several new players, Remo-Stars were able to hold out for a draw against Katsina United and remain top of Group A.
Remo-Stars are on course to qualify for the Naija Super 8 semi-finals after their stalemate against Katsina United, Soccernet.ng reports.
Katsina United, who just gained promotion to the NPFL, did just enough to keep the Ogun-State side level in an impressive performance from a team just coming back from lower-division football.
Remo Stars wasted no time in getting the party started, as they made their intent clear from their intensity of play in the first two minutes and it took Katsina United's goalkeeper, Kokumbo Alladoun to clear the lines after a through ball nearly caused chaos in the heart of the Katsina defence.
Remo stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, started nine new players for his side but had to pull out one of his debutants, Achi Nnamaeka, after the layer got injured, just eleven minutes into the game.
This didn't deter them though, in the twenty-third minute, another debutant, Fabian Nworie, scored after lurking at the far post as the corner-kick was flicked on at the near post, leaving him free to slot the ball in from close range and send Remo top of Group A.
The fans turned up in style and the Naija Super 8 organizers decided to open the gates of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena for free, welcoming everyone from now till Wednesday to watch all the games for free, and five minutes after Remo broke the deadlock, Katsina equalized in style, a Kevin De Bruyne esque pass from Falolu Azeez' pass saw Samson Olasupo's effort tipped unto the cross-bar by Remo Stars goalkeeper, Tambe Charles, but the striker wasted no chance in turning the rebound home to make it all square.
The second half, however, winded down quickly, with both teams sizing each other up. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede, speaking to Soccernet.ng after the match, said;
“As a coach, I don't want to be selfish. I want to win, but I also want my players to play as well. I'm proud of my players today. We fielded nine new players who are not used to our style of play, yet, and they got a decent result.”
Katsina United's coach, Usman Sherrif Abdullah, in his post-match presser, also mentioned;
“I'm very impressed with my team, and I think many of my players can match up to the standard of the NPFL with time and guidance.”
Remo Stars could be one of the first teams to secure a semi-final spot if they can avoid defeat on Tuesday against Onikan faithful, Sporting Lagos F.C., meanwhile Katsina take on Enyimba International later on Tuesday as well.
