Kyoto Sanga of Japan striker, Peter Utaka (aka Manpo) has attributed his successful outing in what was his 200th match in the J2-League to God’s guidance in his life, adding that it was divine favour that helped him notch a brace of goals to celebrate his milestone in grand style.
Megasportsarena.com report that, still going strong at 37, the well-traveled Utaka is enjoying a glorious stint in Japan, where he has already taken home two top scorer’s award, a record for an African player and emerging one of only four players in the world to achieve the feat.
The former Super Eagles’ invitee, who had previously emerged top scorer in Belgium, Denmark and in the Chinese FA Cup, was, however, sad that his goals on Sunday could not yield victory for his J2-League side, who remain second placed on the log.
They ended up sharing points with visiting Thespakusatsu Gunma in an exciting clash that ended 2-2, despite Utaka having put his side ahead as early as the 12th minute, only for the visitors to level scores just before the break.
He doubled his effort and Kyoto’s lead in the 64th minute before was denied full marks after the visiting team equalised in the 77th minute and that was enough for the spoils to be shared, thereby taking his side level on 38 points with Jubilo Iwata, but on superior goals’ difference.
Utaka told SCORENigeria after the game that he was ecstatic hitting a double in his historic milestone but admitted he was disappointed at their visitors’ other plans, adding: “Playing 200 games in the J-League isn’t a mean feat and I thank God for it.
“A mixed feeling it was for me though because it would’ve been sweeter if it was a victory for us. But nevertheless, I’m very elated too because God has made it possible for me to achieve that.”
