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By Francis Achị

Nigeria youth international, Salim Fago Lawal was in terrific form for his club, Istra 1961, as he scored the opening goal in the 3-1 defeat of the home team.

Lawal, a former Mavlon FC striker, who featured for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria at the last FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina hit the back of the net in the 16th min to make a strong statement that Istra 1961 came for the three points at stake.

But the joy of Istra 1961 travelling fans was short-lived when Riad Masala restored parity for Rudes three minutes later.

It was a ding- dong affair for both teams going into the break with no goal recorded thereafter.

Second half completely belonged to Lawal and his teammates, as their efforts yielded fruits when substitutes Mario Cuic and Mateo Lisica scored in quick successions on the 73rd and 75th respectively to put the game beyond the reach of struggling Rudes.

Lawal played for 64 minutes before he was substituted. The victory took Istra to 6th position on the ten-team Croatia League with 37 points.

Istra will be home in their next match against Hajduk Split on Sunday, May 12.