SUNSHINE STARS, TAME BAUCHI ELEPHANTS
In a rescheduled NPFL Matchday One encounter, Sunshine Stars defeated Wikki Tourists in a rescheduled NPFL Matchday One encounter at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
Two second-half goals by the forward were enough to grab maximum points for the Sunshine Stars in the much anticipated game, edging out the Elephants 2 – 1.
The game didn’t have many key moments in the opening period, but the Sunshine Stars were forced to make a change at the half-hour mark, with Mustapha Lawal taking the place of the injured Japhet Opubo, who started in goal.
The boys went close before the break. First, Ejike Uzoechi headed over the bar from a corner, while Adebari failed to take advantage of a rebound before the break.
The breakthrough came as soon as the game resumed, with Ugochukwu making no mistake from a rebound to give Sunshine Stars the lead.
The encounter came to life after the goal, as the Owena Whales attempted to double their advantage with sustained pressure on the visitors.
Ugochukwu was on hand again to double Sunshine Stars’ lead in the 72nd, guiding home from a Dauda assist to complete his brace and take his tally for the season to four.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, former Sunshine Stars man, Fu’ad Ekelojuoti, came close to pulling one back for the visitors, but Mustapha Lawal gathered from the wingers’ miscued effort.
The Kabiru Dogo’s tutored boys eventually got one back in the 86th minute, but there was no denying the Deji Ayeni tinkered side maximum points as Sunshine Stars closed out the contest for a second home win on the bounce.
The Akure landlords next visit Lagos for a derby date with MFM.
Kayode, aka “Important,” who spoke with the newsmen in Ayeni’s place, stated that “We are satisfied with the performance of the boys; they played to instructions.”
Though one or two of them were a little tired because of too many games, we immediately made the changes till they picked up. “In our next game with MFM, we believed in ourselves and God’s wonder.”
“Sunshine Team”
Opubo, Yakub, Uzoechi, Sholumade, Dauda; Bello (Adeyemi 90′), Cooper (Olalusi 49′), Ajagbe, Ugochukwu, Taofeek (Nwogbaga 49′), Adebari (Awosanmi 90′)
“Substitutions”
Lawal, James, Chilekwu, Abe, Omowanle
“Caution”
Bello 15 ‘
