Head coach of Gombe United Manu Garba is of the opinion that his side could have defeated FC IfeanyiUbah in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 31 clash in Nnewi on Sunday, save for the antics of the center referee.

Isaac Loute’s brace for the ‘Anambra Warriors’ was cancelled out by second half goals from Sani Abbani and Austine Oladapo as the ‘Desert Scorpions’ came from behind to draw 2-2 against the Federation Cup (now Aiteo Cup) holders.

Speaking after the match, the former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles handler stated that Gombe United could have won the match in additional time if not for the intervention of the referee who stopped the encounter when his team was on the verge of clinching the maximum points.

“Honestly speaking, we left home not to come and see Nnewi City but to return home with a positive point,” he said.

“We came here (Nnewi) to try and pick the three maximum points but it is said that ‘man proposes, God disposes’.

“Although, If I were the referee, the match could have ended 3-2 (in our favour) because after the 90 minutes, there was 5 minutes stoppage time raised by the referee (fourth official).

“So on the 4th minute of additional time with some seconds remaining, we started a build up and the ball was crossed into the penalty area. Somebody (my player) was about to tap the ball inside the net and the referee just blew the match off,” a disappointed Garba explained.

Gombe United remain in the relegation zone despite the draw, with 36 points from 31 matches.

They will return home to face Lobi Stars in a Match Day 32 tie on Sunday as they continue their battle to escape the dreaded drop.