Nasarawa United Coach Mangut Claims Three Penalties Were Denied Against Rivers United

Nasarawa United coach Mbwas Mangut says he's left unhappy with his team's performance in front of goal, even after they salvaged a 1-1 draw against Rivers United at home on Sunday.

The Solid Miners fell behind in the 68th minute after centre-back Harrison Ebah accidentally turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear the danger. Nasarawa United hit back with seven minutes remaining when Habibu Alakija was fouled inside the box, and substitute Musa Yakubu made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to rescue a point for the home side.

Speaking to the club's media afterwards, Mangut felt the game had been fairly even overall, but was clear that he wasn't fully satisfied with the outcome.

"It was a well-balanced game, and both sides expressed themselves. We conceded from a defensive error, but we were able to come back into the game," Mangut said. "I'm not happy with the scoreline, but I've seen a lot of improvement in my team. We kept pressing until the error came, and even after conceding, we continued to push forward."

Mangut also aired his frustration over the officiating, insisting his side should have been given more than one penalty during the match.

"As far as I'm concerned, there were three penalties in our favour in this match. One came in the first half when they pulled my player by the shoulder when he was clear on goal. The other was when our player was fouled from behind inside the box."