A positive second-half display was not enough for Sunshine Stars to salvage a point against Warri Wolves in an NPFL relegation six-pointer at the Delta State Polytechnic’s Sports Complex, Ozoro, Sunday.
The hosts had their noses in front at the stroke of halftime through Mark Daniel’s low drive, to hand the visitors a recovery task ahead of an exhilarating second period.
Sunshine Stars put up an improved show in the second half and were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty for a challenge on Nasiru Akindoye in the area while dominating a large swath of the contest.
However, Walter Igho doubled the advantage for Wolves with a disputed goal that dampened the Owena Whales morale 11 minutes from time.
Fuad Ekelojuoti halved the deficit from Kehinde Adeyemi’s assist after 90 minutes, but time ran out before the Akure landlords could regroup and try to complete the comeback.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS🎙
It was Deji Ayeni first game in charge of Sunshine Stars and the young coach expressed optimism his side will get it right in no time in a post-match session with the Club’s media.
“It’s a gradual process there is room for improvement; I saw a lot of positives from some of the players’ responses and I believe by the time we work together for some time things will gel. My belief is that It is not over; we still have about 13 matches.
“Most important thing now is to go back and prepare to win our next game at home. All hands are on deck, but I can understand the apprehension, I want to advise the stakeholders that they should keep the belief. From the next home match, we will get it right.”
Sunshine Stars host Dakkada FC on Wednesday.
