Chibundu Amah’s late hat-trick in quick succession powered Sunshine Stars to a resounding 3-0 win over Lobi Stars in an exhilarating rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League week two game in Akure Thursday, sports247.ng gathers.
Media officer Sunshine Stars FC, Chris Okunnuwa who made the news available to newsmen said the hosts, who needed a win to ease relegation worries started the heated contest on the front foot, though their territorial dominance failed to yield a goal in period that saw a few chances in front of goal.
In the 12th minute bullish striker, Franklin Sasere went close with a well struck effort that dropped wide from distance, while Sikiru Alimi caused a scare for his former side at the other end with a lob that was eventually dealt with by Ayo Ojo.
Anthony Omaka was next to go close with a brilliant move that saw him cut in superbly before drawing a save from John Lawrence with a low drive on the hour mark.
And a minute later, Dayo Ojo showed skills to lose his markers at the edge before drilling inches away from the bottom corner, minutes before a clearing header denied Abiodun Joseph a chance at goal from Sasere’s flick at the stroke of halftime.
The Owena Whales continued with their urgent and purpose driven play after the break with Sasere first to ask question again in the period; the striker was denied with a decisive block during a spell the hosts had two penalty appeals waved away.
Nonetheless the Kabiru Dogo’s charges broke the deadlock 11 minutes from time through substitute, Amah who powered home from a tight space in the visitors’ area for his first of the game to send the Ondo State Sports Complex into ecstasy with jubilation.
Amah made it 2-0 in the 83rd by pacing out his marker and slotted in calmly past Lawrence into the bottom right, before completing his hatttrick three minutes from time through a well timed Fuad Ekelojuoti’s cross in front of goal.
The Akure Landlords were denied a 4th with Ekene Olisema foul on Sasere who was moving through on goal in stoppage time. The defender got his second booking for the offense and was sent off consequently just before the contest was brought to an end.
*Sunshine XI:* Ayo Ojo; Abe (Adeniji 65′), Gabriel, Adeyemi, Olulayo, Fatokun, Omaka, Dayo Ojo, Adeniji (Amah 52′) Sasere Joseph (Ekelojuoti 41′)
*Unused Subs:* Ayodele, Akande, Egbeta, Audu
*Cautions:* Gabriel 35′, Adeyemi45′
