By Tunde Shamsudeen
Osun United Football Club lost further ground in the Southern Conference Nigeria National League as they lost 2-0 to Heartland Football Club on Sunday evening.
The Omoluabi Giants let go of a chance to boost their chances for promotion at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Moses Akinade fired home the first goal from the spot in the 29th minute after Ikenna Ibezim carelessly handled the ball off Ali Buhari cross to earn the Naze Millionaires a penalty.
The goal initially destabilised the Duke Udi-led Osun United team, but they later regained balance and took fair control of the game when Adeyemi Adeyeye replaced Sunday Afolabi, but never converted any of their chances.
In the 40th minute, experienced Heartland goalkeeper Ebele Obi, pulled audacious save as he parried Tosin Omoyele one-on-one strike to corner.
As the match progressed, with Heartland showing they needed the win more, a counter-attacking play in saw Onyiri Odera, increased his side tally with a sublime finish after beating an offside trap, gets his foot to Julius Ubido pass and beats Samson Awomodu, in goal for Osun United.
Osun United had more firepower with the introduction of Mamud Akorede, and Hakeem Olalere, as the duo went into act of terrorizing Heartland defence.
In the 73rd minute, Obi pulled another yeoman effort in goal for Heartland to deny Dare Olatunji, off a well tailored cross from Chigozie Obasi.
The pace of Ali Buhari was too much for Osun United defence line as he set up Moses Akinade, in the 76th minute but was unable to convert from close range.
Omoyele in the 88th minute went so close off Obasi cross but his nodding hits the woodwork.
Osun United will now hope to bounce back immediately at home against Ikorodu United on Wednesday at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.
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