The first match of the 2022 Nigeria National League Super Four between Bayelsa United football club of Yenagoa and Doma United of Gombe ended in a barren draw in a rain-soaked encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The opener kicked off at 4 pm between the two sides who already have the Nigeria Professional Football League promotion tickets in their bag with so many expectations from the teeming supporters at the stadium.
Bayelsa United started the game on a bright note with promising attacks and had a couple of fine runs in the first fifteen minutes.
Bayelsa United got the early brag when they came close to getting the opener in the 7th minute, but Doma’s defence held their own to wade off the threat.
Bayelsa United kept the pressure and got two attacks in quick succession. First, a well-taken free-kick was launched into the box from the left corner of Bayelsa’s attack, Garando Tekena rose above others and powered in a strong header which flew inches above the upright.
Another attack was immediately launched and this time, it was the team’s talisman, Daniel Ekpo who drove in a ball from his half and released a shot, Doma goalkeeper was swift enough to parry the goal-bound ball for another corner.
Flurries of chances fell the pathway of the ‘Restoration Boys’ but the frontline comprising of Daniel Ekpo, Stephen Wisdom, Robert Mizo and Garando Tekena fluffed the opportunities.
Bayelsa United could have put one past a stubborn Doma United, but Stephen Wisdom’s rocket in the 43rd minute was denied by the crossbar to keep the scoreline at per in the first half.
Doma resumed the second half with quick attacks, but the home side’s goal tender, Kelvin Ogunga was alerted enough to keep it off the goal.
Daniel Ekpo came close to scoring again, yet was denied by the opponents’ goalkeeper.
The AITEO CUP defending champions made four changes in 10 minutes to force a goal, but Doma being determined kept them at bay.
After so much delay in play due to treatment administered to the Doma goalkeeper, the fourth official raised six minutes of added time, but the game ended on a barren note.
Up next for Doma United is a match against El-Kanemi Warriors by 2 pm as Bayelsa United will take on Bendel Insurance by 4 pm in the second match of matchday two.