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The game between Sporting Lagos and Niger Tornadoes ended in controversy as the away side put up a fight in Lagos.
Newly promoted Sporting Lagos managed to secure a hard-fought victory over Niger Tornadoes at their home ground on Sunday in the NPFL.
Sporting defeated Tornadoes 2-1 thanks to a controversial offside decision that turned the tide of the match late on at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
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Sporting Lagos survive Tornadoes
The week five encounter was a highly anticipated showdown, especially for the home team that was looking to quickly return to winning ways after two poor results.
It turned out to be a game of two halves as Sporting dominated the first half while the visitors gave the Noisy Lagosians a scare in the second half.
Sporting started the strongest and quickly took the lead when fan favourite, Jonathan Alukwu, reacted quickest to tuck home from close range to give the host the lead in the 30th minute.
Veteran striker, Junior Lokosa, doubled their advantage just before the break to give Sporting what looked a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time.
Tornadoes fight back
After the break, however, the match took a dramatic turn as the Ikom Allah came out blazing hot in search of an elusive goal.
The goal finally came through super-sub Yahuza Bala, who evaded a parked defense to half the deficit in the 67th minute.
Re-energised by that goal, the visitors pushed for an equaliser which finally came or so they thought, in the 80th minute through that man again, Bala.
A brilliant play from Tornadoes set the forward free on goal and with just Christian Nwoke at his mercy, Bala kept his calm to loop the goalkeeper to send the away bench into a frenzy.
However, their joy was short-lived when the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside and the goal was chalked off.
Sporting Lagos held on and when the final blew, it was a relief for coach Paul, his players and fans while Niger Tornadoes were in despair.
The controversial offside decision became the key talking point from the game for fans and pundits alike, who are debating the fairness and impact on the final result.
What the result means
Sporting Lagos return to winning ways after two winless matches, with the Noisy Lagosians now seventh on the log while Niger are five spots behind in 12th.
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