A late strike from Aliu Salawudeen rescued a point for Sporting Lagos against 10-man Bayelsa United, as they settled for a 1-1 stalemate in a Nigeria Premier Football League match-day 15 game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Salawudeen came on as a second-half substitute and denied Bayelsa United a priceless away victory with a fierce shot in stoppage time after Robert Mizo had put the visitors in front with his 10th goal of the season in the first half.
The hosts started on the front foot but they paid dearly for Jonathan Alukwu and Junior Lokosa’s missed early chances when Mizo slotted beyond Christian Nwoke in the 23rd minute.
Coach Paul Offor rang a few changes in the second half in search of an equaliser but it was the visitors again who had better chances to put the game to bed.
Mizo saw his left-footed effort miss the target by inches after Emo James was denied by the woodwork.
With 27 minutes left to play, Bayelsa United were reduced to 10 men after Kehinde Lawal was sent off for a second bookable offence.
The hosts turned on the heat until they got the equaliser in stoppage time, leaving Bayelsa United swimming in the relegation waters with just 14 points after 15 matches.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars fired themselves clear on top of the table thanks to two late goals which earned them a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
Sikiru Alimi also scored his 10th goal of the campaign with a header off Adams Olamilekan’s corner kick before the provider slotted home the second within two minutes.
Remo Stars now have 27 points and will go into Christmas with a one-point lead above second-placed Doma United.
