Match Review: Sunshine Stars FC secures fourth consecutive win, Edith Agoye vows to address lapses

Posted : 28 November 2023

The gaffer of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Edith Agoye, has promised to fix the loopholes in the team as they extend their unbeaten streak to three games by defeating Sporting Lagos FC at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure for Match Day 10 of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Recall that Moses Omodumueke's 26th-minute goal was all Sunshine Stars FC needed to pick up the maximum 3 points at home against visiting Sporting Lagos.

Agoye's tutored side fielded familiar wards against the visitors, with Ishola Abdulateef in goal for Stars.

As expected, Sunshine Stars dominated early possession of the tie in search of an opener.

Stars' first chance came in the 4th minute, with "Animal striker" Yusuf Ibrahim's effort being handled.

Sunshine Stars' dominance continued with the exhibition of good football artistry to the admiration of numerous fans at the venue.

Moses Omodumueke, however, threw the entire stadium into jubilation in the 26th minute as he slotted home for Sunshine Stars' opener.

Michael Olalusi, Duke Osimaga, and Emmanuel Ogbuagbu combined well at the center, defending and supplying the needed passes upfront.

Sunshine Stars did not relent as the team pushed forward to increase the scoreline, but the visitors' defenders resisted.

The first half, however, ended 1-nil in favor of Sunshine Stars.

Actions resumed in the second half with high expectations from the fans who had cheered the team in the first half.

Sunshine Stars' duo of Yusuf Ibrahim and Moses Omodumueke combined upfront in a bid to increase the tally, but the former Enyimba attacker was substituted 17 minutes into the second half, and this time, Lucky Nwafor stepped into the pitch.

In the 70th minute, Edith Agoye introduced Nelson Osahon and Emmanuel Oge; the two players replaced Michael Olalusi and Yusuf Ibrahim.

Three minutes later, Duke Osimaga thought his well-taken free kick was heading home, but the man between the sticks for Sporting Lagos tipped it for a goal kick.

Pressure mounted by Sunshine Stars in the dying moments could have led to another goal as Lucky Nwafor's effort was calmly saved by the visiting goalkeeper despite having only him to beat.

Chidozie Iwundu was introduced in the 87th minute to replace Emmanuel Ogbuagbu.

The visitors threatened moments later, but Ekerette Udom, Taiwo Abdulrafiu, and Isaac Emmanuel showed class in defense.

The match, however, ended 1-0 in favor of Sunshine Stars as all efforts by Sunshine Stars to extend their lead were met with stiff resistance by the defenders of Sporting Lagos.

Agoye, in his post-match review, rued missed chances but vowed to fix a few lapses discovered.

"Thank God for today's victory; it wasn't an easy tie, but I must commend the spirit of my boys. Of course, the better side won. We will keep pushing until we get there."

Sunshine Stars stretched their unbeaten record to four in a row with the one-nil victory over Sporting Lagos.

With the result, Sunshine Stars moved to the 11th position on the league table.

Sporting Lagos FC’s head coach, Paul Offor, said the referees’ performance was great.

He added that the injuries sustained by his team in the course of the league so far did not affect the outcome of the game.

“The league is a marathon, and teams have to fight for points every time out. So, we will, in our next game, fight to have the maximum points,” the coach said.

Match Review: Sunshine Stars FC secures fourth consecutive win, Edith Agoye vows to address lapses

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