Bayelsa United battled back with a strong performance at their adopted home ground at the Oghara Township Stadium in Delta State to share the spoils with leaders Enyimba on Match Day 23 in the Glo Premier League on Saturday.
Coming on the back of three straight home draws to Rangers, Akwa United and defending champions, Kano Pillars, the Restoration Boys were condemned to win this game to put life into battle for survival against relegation but were soon stunned by a vintage Enyimba side motivated to remain on top of the league.
Bayelsa United last won a game in the league on Match Day 16 when they beat Warri Wolves 2-0 but have failed to repeat such feat, languishing in 19th place on the log and desperately fighting relegation.
There were no major talking points in the opening moments, but Enyimba had the edge, dominating the game with short passes to the admiration of the spectators that came out in their hundreds to watch the game.
Bayelsa United refused to be intimidated on their adopted turf as they also made their way into the opponents third and aiming long range shots.
Bernard Ovoko Chopper twice tried his luck.
The first, blocked by Chinedu Udoji, and the second, bubbled in front of Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Femi Thomas, but he was unlucky as the keeper redirected the ball to a corner kick.
Sikiru Kamal also tested Gideon Gambo at the other end but he saved comfortably in the 19th minute.
The game came alive 10 minutes later as Musa Najare, playing against his former club, robbed Gabriel Adeboye of the ball in Bayelsa United’s vital area before setting up Kamal. Kamal still had much to do as he neatly beat his marker into the box before firing a thunderous shot into the roof of the net to give the Aba Elephant the lead.
Bayelsa United straightaway took the game to the visitors and soon got some respite as they levelled with a beautiful goal from a team effort on 43 minutes, with four players combining to give Raphael Onwurebe the opportunity with a beautiful tap in.
Chinedu John Paul provided the assist.
The second half got livelier with lots of goalscoring opportunities created but both teams were either wasteful or unfortunate.
Changes were made by both coaches and more chances created in the closing moments, but good saves from Thomas kept Enyimba alive.
A spectacular save from a Frimpong header in the six yard box in the 83rd minute and a goal-line clearance by Udoji were some of the few desperate moments for Enyimba.
The last chance though fell to Enyimba as substitute Kingsley Sokari made a good dribbling run before setting up fellow substitute, Ahmed Kone, but the striker fired directly at Gambo who hit the ball out of danger.
Enyimba last tasted defeat in a Match Day 17 fixture against Warri Wolves and with two straight home games up next, the former champions will be looking to increase their lead at the top of the log.