TUFA DIVISION ONE SIDE DEALT A HEAVY BLOW IN THEIR BID TO QUALIFY TO THE PROMOTIONAL PLAYOFFS

1st February, 2014

Tamale Utrecht Football Academy division one side had their hopes of qualifying to the middle dealt a severe blow as they lost their first encounter in the second round of the Division One league to Galaxy FC at the Tamale sports stadium Annex on Saturday. Dawuni Robert’s goal on the 28th minutes was enough for Galaxy FC as they stay in contention for a place in the middle league.

The result leaves Mumuni Gamels' men still third on 11 points ahead of Galaxy FC with superior goal difference in the Zone 1A, but second -placed Wa A frica United will open up a five-point gap over them if they beat Guan United on Sunday at the Tamale sports stadium .
 

On a day where leaders RTU  dropped points, Utrecht failed to take advantage, going down to an organized Galaxy side at the stadium Annex.

In a first half largely dominated by Utrecht, Galaxy went ahead after 28 minutes thanks to a tab in by Dawuni after a loose ball at the right back of Utrecht .

Utrecht coach Mumuni Gamel  started the attacking trio of Razak Patricks, Salifu Nuhu and Baba Mubarak together for the first time as they looked to claim a second  victory over Galaxy after beating them 2-0 in the first round this season. But his gamble never materialized as they were woeful upfront and Galaxy taking advantage to open the floodgate though looked sluggish in defense.

And from there, Utrecht began to pile on the pressure, Razak Patricks being next to go close with an effort that deflected wide past Mohammed Ganiu's right-hand post.

However, Galaxy FC survived the strong Utrecht spell and perhaps should have engineered a shot on goal when Abu Abdallah was slow to react to a loose ball on the edge of the box – Abdulai M Song producing a well-timed tackle.

And Stoke, who were in the relegation zone prior to kick-off, held on to move 4th leveled with Utrecht on the table with their first league win in 2014.

Meanwhile, leaders RTU’s poor away form continued as they failed to pick all three points against bottom side Bazooka at the Wa Park.