Heartland FC fought like Warriors but were undone by a late strike Mafeng Pam’s goal as they collapse to a 3-2 defeat to Plateau United on Sunday in one of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 16 clash played in Jos.
The Naze Millionaires were trailing 1-0 at halftime courtesy of Sunday Anthony’s goal off Daniel Itodo’s long throw in, in the fifth minute of the encounter but two quick goals inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half through Tobi Iyanda threatened to alter the result but Pam’s late effort nailed Heartland FC’s coffin and confirmed the club’s sixth defeat of the campaign.
Heartland Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke handed first starts of the season to Olanrewaju Molade and Emmanuel Charles while Itebu James got his second start of the season since the draw in Maiduguri against El Kanemi Warriors. Besides these few changes, the team has been almost the same in recent games.
The hosts made their intentions clear early, with Anthony finding the back of the net in the 5th minute to give Plateau United a dream start following a good long throw in from Itodo. Despite several attempts from the visitors, the first half ended with the home team clinging to the lone goal.
The second half, however, was a different story as Heartland came out determined to turn the game around. Iyanda emerged as the standout performer, leveling the score in the 53rd minute with a precise finish. The forward doubled his tally in the 57th minute, completing a brace and putting Heartland ahead for the first time in the match.
Desperation to find an equalizer saw Plateau United pile pressure on the Heartland defense, with the visitors’ goalkeeper, Nwokoecha after he collided with his teammate in his attempt to save a goal bound effort. He sustained injuries during the onslaught. However, Plateau United’s persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Anthony netted his second of the match to restore parity off another long Itodo’s throw in.
As the game headed towards a draw, Plateau United’s Mafeng Pam delivered a dramatic late winner in the 90th minute, securing a crucial victory for the hosts.
The win lifts Plateau United to 15th on the league table with 18 points, just outside the relegation zone, while Heartland drops to 13th with 20 points.
Heartland will now look to return to winning ways when they host Bendel Insurance at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, while Plateau United travel to Makurdi to face Lobi Stars FC in their next fixture.