Sunshine Stars FC on Wednesday returned to winning ways following a convincing 2-1 victory over visiting warriors of Abia at the Ondo State Sports Complex.
The Matchday 6 tie started with the home team dominating possession in search of an early goal with good football artistry in the midfield leading to threats upfront in the visitor’s vital area.
Yusuf Ibrahim had Sunshine Stars’ first chance in the 7th minute but the pass he got from the left flank was immediately intercepted slightly which didn’t allow the Animal Striker to connect well.
Moments later Moses Omodumueke drew a low drive which was not a threat to the visitor’s goalkeeper.
In the 13th minute, Abdulazeez Ajagbe was pulled off following a knock and was replaced by Nelson Osahon
Sunshine Stars gained confidence and maintained good control of the game until the 13th minute when a clear communication breach between Sunshine Stars goalkeeper and defenders gifted Abia Warriors the opener.
Ojonugwa Adejoh with a lob.
The home team never showed any sign of disappointment, instead pushing harder.
Sunshine Stars Equalizer eventually came in the 37th minute, Udom Ekerette rose highest in the box to nod home from a corner kick.
Johnson Nmecha in goal for Abia warriors was helpless.
The first half however ended 1-1
On resumption into the second half Abia Warriors pushed harder having made substitutions but Sunshine Stars defenders were disciplined enough to stop the attackers.
In the 56th minute, Pascal Nwabueze was shown a red card for time-wasting as he made his way off the pitch.
Pascal already got a yellow card 12 minutes before his substitution.
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In the 65th minute Edith Agoye introduced Promise Awosanmi and Lucky Nwafor, the duo replaced Nelson Osahon and Nwani Ikechukwu.
In the 76th minute, Taiwo Rafiu’s thunderous shot from a free kick sailed inches wide
In the 84th minute, Sunshine Stars attackers missed chances in quick successions and the expected winning goal never came until the 93rd minute.
The club’s leading goal scorer Michael Olalusi confidently slotted home from the spot following a handball in the box by Abia Warriors defender sending the Abia Warriors goalkeeper to another direction.
With the goal, Michael Olalusi increased his goal tally this season to Five in six matches.
Edith Agoye in his post-match interview, hailed the spirit of his players who never gave up until the final whistle was blown
” it was indeed a tough game, the visitors defended so deep and they were disciplined, more so they relied on counter-attacks, it was a tough and a good game ”
Sunshine Stars’ next match comes up this weekend against Rivers United in Port Harcourt.
