2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 19: Narrow Loss to Shooting Stars Painful, Says Kwara United Coach Tunde Sanni

Posted : 31 December 2024

Kwara United coach Tunde Sanni has insisted that his team’s narrow 1-0 loss to Shooting Stars on Sunday in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 19 was due to tough luck.

After the match ended in favor of the hosts, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Sanni praised his team's effort despite the slim defeat in the keenly contested encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasigba.

Coach Sanni expressed pride in his team’s resilience and determination, stating, "The type of goal that scored us was not planned; it was a reflection—it can score anybody. We lost the game due to bad luck. You can see our boys were all over the pitch."

The match, a renewal of a historic rivalry, saw Kwara United deliver an impressive performance despite the result. The Harmony Boys fielded Abubakar Adamu in goal, with Ismaila Gatta leading the attack for the first time this season due to the late arrival of Emmanuel Ogbole and Nurudeen Badmus, who had been on international duty for CHAN qualifiers.

Despite Shooting Stars’ aggressive start, Kwara United maintained control of the game with youthful energy and composure. However, a 42nd-minute free-kick from Mustapha Adamu found the back of the net, giving 3SC the lead before halftime.

Coach Sanni introduced Emmanuel Ogbole at the start of the second half, replacing Gatta. Ogbole’s presence instantly transformed Kwara United’s attack as they dominated play in search of an equalizer. Akanni Akeem, with his exceptional ball control and distribution, combined well with Shola AbdulRaheem, earning applause from fans for their efforts.

Ogbole came close to scoring twice in the 63rd and 94th minutes, but his attempts were thwarted. Kwara United’s defense, led by goalkeeper Abubakar Adamu, stood firm against Shooting Stars’ attempts to extend their lead. Segun Adekunle, Ibrahim Yahaya, Kabir Mohammed, and substitute Abayomi Lawal provided solid support, with Adamu making key saves to keep the Harmony Boys in the match.

Despite late efforts, Kwara United couldn’t find the equalizer, as Shooting Stars ensured they kept another clean sheet in December. Kwara United will now shift focus to their outstanding match against Enyimba FC as they take a two-week break before the second stanza, which will begin in the second weekend of 2025.

The result placed the Afonja Warriors in 12th position after 18 matches with 23 points.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 19: Narrow Loss to Shooting Stars Painful, Says Kwara United Coach Tunde Sanni

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics