Youngster Browne rescues Enyimba at Nest of Champions

Teenage striker Alloy Browne struck a fine debut goal to earn former Glo Premier League champions, Enyimba the share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Akwa United on Wednesday.

Hosts Akwa United went in front in the third minute through Aniekpeno Udoh who capitalized on a harsh clearance from a corner to head home. Enyimba levelled matters in the 34th minute through former Akwa United striker Musa Najare who came off injured at half time.

United went back in front before the hour mark when Aniekan Ekpe converted a spot kick after Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji had fouled Aniekpeno Udoh in the box. But youngster Browne came off the bench to ensure both teams go home with a point apiece after a composed finish that belied his age.

United were undoubtedly the better of the two sides but a combination of good saves by Femi Thomas, who turned a year older on match day and misses denied them the full marks against an Enyimba side that will be grateful to earn the point after dropping points at home to Rangers on Sunday.

The hosts came into the game after earning a last gasp point at Bayelsa United on Sunday and left no one in doubt as to their intentions to claim all points. Yusuf Adio made it a personal battle between him and Enyimba goalkeeper and birthday boy, Thomas, all through the game and he tested the former Akwa United goalkeeper inside a minute of the start.

Adio was also denied by Thomas in first half stoppage time, the former Flying Eagles goalkeeper producing a superb reflex save to tip his dinking effort over the bar.

Then 18-year-old Browne replaced Enyimba goalscorer Najare at half time and gave a real hint of his potentials with a well-taken equalizer. He controlled a loose aerial ball before going past a giant of a defender in Emmanuel Ariwa before slotting home through inside of the post.

United will now make the long trip to Jalingo while Enyimba host Lobi Stars on Match Day 22 this weekend.

-NPFLNG