Battle of Stars in Akure ended in Sunshine's favour

Posted : 07 December 2023

A 73rd-minute goal by Moses Omodumueke was all Sunshine Stars needed to defeat the visiting Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan at the Ondo State Sports Complex in a Week 12 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match.

Edith Agoye's tutored side started the encounter with a different approach, fielding Opeoluwa Olufemi and Nelson Osahon on both flanks of the attack, with the in-form Moses Omodumueke spearheading the central attack.

Sunshine Stars' first chance came in the 7th minute when the energetic left full-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu attempted a shot from the edge after receiving a square pass from Michael Olalusi, but his effort was off target.

In the 14th minute, another chance arose, following a fantastic move in the midfield, this time with Michael Olalusi and Opeoluwa Olufemi combining well at the edge of the vital area, but an offside was spotted.

In the 19th minute, Nelson Osahon's header hit the crossbar, dropped on the line, but no one could ascertain if it crossed the line or not; Shooting Stars defenders immediately cleared it off.

Shooting Stars' defenders were nearly punished in the 26th minute when Moses Omodumueke, left unmarked in the box, volleyed, but the visitors' goalkeeper was vigilant.

Both sides were a bit tactical moments later as there were few clear-cut chances for both teams.

In the 40th minute, Moses Omodumueke again struck from the edge of the visitor's box, but his effort hit the side net, and the first half ended goalless.

Upon resumption in the second half, Edith Agoye pulled out the injured Michael Olalusi and introduced Lucky Nwafor. The attacker supported overlapping Isaac Emmanuel and Taiwo Abdulrafiu upfront and complemented Moses Omodumueke, but the goal never arrived.

In the 73rd minute, Sunshine Stars fans were thrown into jubilation when Moses Omodumueke wasted no time in picking his angle to score the opener for the Akure Gunners.

His goal became the only one that separated Sunshine Stars FC and Shooting Stars SC, thus giving the Ondo state-based team the maximum three points.

In his post-match interview, Edith Agoye described the tie as a tactical one that lived up to its billing.

"A goal in a derby and three points in the kitty isn't a bad one; the players gave their all, and the support from our fans was very massive. This is gone, and we look forward to the next match with high hopes."

Battle of Stars in Akure ended in Sunshine's favour

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics