Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could not hide his disappointment after Udinese conceded a late equalizer in Monday night’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, Footynaija.com reports.
Udinese started the game brightly and deservedly took the lead with 18 minutes on the clock when Kinglesy Ehizibue lashed home a powerful strike after a defensive lapse. The hosts responded after the break with renewed urgency and levelled through Luca Pellegrini, who fired in a fierce effort from Pedro’s deep corner.
Lazio then pushed for control but had to wait until the 80th minute for Pedro to complete the turnaround with a superb curling finish. Udinese equalized almost immediately through Arthur Atta, who later added a second to give the visitors the lead in stoppage time.
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However, just as Okoye and company looked set to claim all three points, Lazio snatched a dramatic late equaliser, with Daniel Maldini converting from close range after VAR confirmed the goal.
Speaking after the game, Okoye admitted that although Udinese got a vital point on the road, conceding that last gasp equaliser made the result a tough one to take.
“Now the feeling is more of a two-point drop, but tomorrow we’ll realize we’ve earned an important point away to Lazio, which isn’t easy. We’re disappointed now, but we have to move forward,” Okoye told the club’s official website.
“This is football; we were both behind and ahead, and it’s a shame about the goal conceded at the end. It was a good match for the spectators. In the coming days, we’ll see where we need to improve.”
With a share of the spoils, Udinese’s points tally for the season went up to 44, leaving them just outside the top half of the table in 11th place after 34 games so far.
