NPFL Matchday 15: Shooting Stars 2: Abia Warriors Nill, 3SC now 6th on the log
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) put smiles on the faces of their teeming supporters and fans as they defeated Abia Warriors of Umuahia 2-0 in a Matchday 15 encounter, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium..
It took the Oluyole Warriors the first 45 minutes to secure the maximum points via goals from Anthony Okachi and Akpan Joshua.
Playing without key players, Alex Aghahowa, Muritala Taiye and Lawal Abdullahi who missed the game due to suspension and injury, the Ibadan soccer lords almost grabbed an early goal but had Samuel Ayanrinde’s second minutes effort hit the upright.
The coach Gbenga Ogunbote tutored side, who had the duo of Ikouwem Utin and Gideon Monday, back in action after recovering from injuries, scored twice in the spate of five minutes.
Anthony Okachi converted a spot kick awarded his side in the 39th minute, after overlapping skipper Gali Falke was hacked in the box, before Akpan Joshua finished off a pull out by Gideon Monday.
Abia Warriors almost reduced the tally before the break but were denied by astonishing reflexes of goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, who made two point blank saves within seconds to ensure the hosts returned to the locker room with their two goals advantage.
The coach Imama Amapakabo tutored visitors showed flashes in the second half, taking the game to the Ibadan soccer lords but met a stiff resistance from the 3SC rear, marshalled by Desmond Ojietefian, Ayodeji Bamidele, Ikouwem Utin and Gali Falke with Adebayo Abayomi complementing their efforts, in addition to goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal’s composure in between the sticks.
None of the two sides could find the back of the net in the half, as all their efforts proved abortive till referee Grema Mohammed, who had the game under control, blew the final whistle.
According to the Media Officer, Tosin Omojola, the win moved Shooting Stars to the sixth position on the log with 21 points from 15 matches and the Oluyole Warriors will next head for Ijebu-Ode for a Matchday 17 clash against Sunshine Stars, with the Southwest Derby holding on Sunday.
