Rivers United Academy pegged at home by SKE FC.

It was an enthraling fiesta of football at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt between Rivers United Academy and visiting SKE FC.

As part of their pre-season preparations ahead of the upcoming season, Port Harcourt's finest side, SKE FC held their host in a stalemate that witnessed seven yellow cards and a red card being dished out to both sides.

Rivers United Academy gifted from a defensive shambles by their visitors to get the early goal in the 5th minute following a poor clearance by defender Alex Anameze.

SKE FC upped their game in search of the equaliser. The duo of Kimi Jeremiah and Chibuike Obiekwe were pivotal for the away side as they unleashed their dribbling skills in the game.

Eddy Clement made his presence felt in the game in the 16th minute when his flying header was palmed out the goal keeper.

Moments later, Rivers United Academy went on a counter attack but the solid defending by Nelson Eruteyan denied them the opportunity to get the double.

Marauding midfielder, Ebere Akaka powerful driven shot from 25 yards was palmed out by the goal keeper of Rivers United Academy in the 32nd minute. The host went into the half time break courtesy of the solitary strike.

Coach John Nyamali effected double substitutions upon the restart when goal keeper Elijah Onyekwere replaced Uloneme Ozioma who picked-up a knock while Emmanuel Ambakederemo came in for debutant Kesina Noah.

The second half was marred by incessant tackles by the host who were very physical in  their approach thus earning them some couple of bookings.

The equaliser for SKE FC  came in the 70th minute when mercurial winger, Eddy Clement made a darting run from the flanks to whip-in a delightful cross for substitute Emmanuel Ambakederemo to head home the deserve equaliser.

The visitors didn't relent in their quest for the winner when Ebere Akaka's exquisite free kick in the 84th minute was punched out by the Rivers United Academy goal keeper.

Towards the final minutes of the game, the host had an opportunity to seal the winner in the game but the brilliance of goal keeper Elijah Onyekwere in the between the sticks denied them what would have being the clincher.

However, SKE FC midfielder Ebere Akaka was shown the marching order in the 90th minute for a second bookable offence. After the blast of the full time whistle, SKE FC held their host in draw as it ended 1-1 apiece.

Meanwhile, Eddy Clement bagged the man of the match award for his tremendous contributions in the game.

SKE FC Starting Eleven vs Rivers United Academy

Uloneme Ozioma (Elijah Onyekwere 45')
Francis Akpan
Alex Anameze
Nelson Eruteyan
Samuel Monday
Ebere Akaka
Joe Chris
Chibuike Obiekwe (Leke Thomas 52')
Kimi Jeremiah (Chinonso Obasi 85')
Eddy Clement
Kesina Noah (Emmanuel Ambakederemo 45')