PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND — Nigerian forward Muhamed Tijani emerged as the match-winner for Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon, netting a dramatic late goal to seal a vital 2-1 comeback victory over Sheffield United at Home Park and breathe new life into the club’s Championship survival campaign.
The 24-year-old striker, who came on as a second-half substitute, found the net in the 88th minute to complete a stunning turnaround after Argyle had trailed for much of the contest. It was only Tijani’s second goal of the season, but arguably his most important yet, as it lifted the mood at Home Park and gave Plymouth a much-needed three points in their fight to avoid relegation.
The victory halts a frustrating run of form for the Greens and could mark a turning point as they push to remain in England’s second tier beyond this season.
A First-Half Blow for Plymouth
The match began with intensity and purpose, as both sides showed urgency in a fixture that held significant implications for their respective seasons. Plymouth, still lingering near the bottom three, looked determined to seize control early, while Sheffield United — themselves battling inconsistency — were eager to exploit the hosts’ fragile form.
Despite creating a few early chances, the Greens were stunned just one minute before halftime. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who had been a threat on the right wing throughout the opening period, broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. The Crystal Palace loanee latched onto a clever pass on the edge of the area and curled a superb finish past the outstretched arms of Michael Cooper.
The goal was a gut punch for Plymouth, who had looked the more likely to score in the first half but went into the break trailing.
Hardie Levels the Score with Time Running Out
Plymouth responded positively after the interval, driven on by a vocal Home Park crowd. Manager Neil Dewsnip made adjustments to increase the team’s attacking impetus, and their efforts gradually wore down a Sheffield United side that appeared content to sit back and protect their lead.
As time ticked down, frustration threatened to boil over — until Ryan Hardie, one of Plymouth’s most consistent performers this season, found the crucial equaliser in the 81st minute. After a scrappy passage of play in the penalty box, the Scottish striker reacted fastest, pouncing on a loose ball and slotting it calmly into the bottom corner.
The goal ignited the stadium and gave the hosts renewed hope of snatching all three points.
Tijani Delivers Late Drama
With the match finely poised at 1-1, it was Muhamed Tijani who would prove to be the hero. Introduced in the 74th minute to inject fresh legs into the attack, the Nigerian forward rose to the occasion with a moment of magic just before the end of regular time.
In the 88th minute, Tijani latched onto a lofted pass from Bali Mumba, shrugged off his marker, and fired a clinical low shot past the Sheffield United goalkeeper to send Home Park into raptures.
The dramatic winner capped a memorable comeback and underlined Tijani’s growing importance to the squad, even in a limited role.
“It’s an incredible feeling to score such an important goal,” Tijani told reporters after the game. “We showed character today, and I’m proud of the team. We needed this win, and now we must build on it.”
A Massive Result in the Relegation Scrap
The win lifts Plymouth Argyle to [insert current position] on the Championship table, edging them closer to safety with only a handful of games remaining. More importantly, it breaks a concerning run of poor results and injects fresh momentum into the team at a critical juncture.
With just weeks left in the 2024/25 campaign, every point is vital, and Saturday’s victory could prove to be a season-defining moment for the Greens.
Sheffield United, on the other hand, will be left to rue missed chances and a conservative approach in the second half. Their inability to press their advantage after taking the lead allowed Plymouth back into the match, and they now face their own uphill battle to avoid slipping down the table.
Spotlight on Tijani’s Contribution
Tijani, who joined Plymouth last summer, has largely played a supporting role this season, often coming off the bench. However, his composure and eye for goal against Sheffield United showcased the qualities that made him a promising signing from Czech club Slavia Prague.
Though his game time has been limited, the Nigerian forward has remained patient and professional — and his reward came in the form of a match-winning contribution when it mattered most.
Plymouth manager Neil Dewsnip was full of praise for Tijani after the final whistle:
“Muhamed has trained hard all season and waited for his chance. Today, he showed us exactly what he’s capable of — a top-class finish under pressure. We’re going to need every player in the squad down this final stretch.”
What’s Next for Plymouth?
The Greens will now look to carry this momentum into their next fixture, a challenging away trip to [insert upcoming opponent]. With renewed belief and a fighting spirit on display, Plymouth fans will hope Saturday’s thrilling win becomes a catalyst for a successful push to secure safety.
For now, though, it’s celebration at Home Park — thanks to a late winner from a previously unsung hero.
