The Match Day 25 of the NPFL was a make or mar for Shooting Stars Sports Club Ibadan, bearing their position on the log which indicates that any further slip would be disastrous for the team. The team rose to the occasion and secured the maximum points available from the fixture.
Also worthy of note was that the Technical Adviser Fatai Amoo started match against the Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC(ABS) with the aim of improving the team’s performance and standing on the log after the management’s riot act.
The game kicked off with a purposeful 3SC formation as Abu Azeez and Ajani Ibrahim paired at the center forward positions. ABS’s Gata drove towards Shooting Stars goal area in the 2nd minute but the defence line marshalled by Alaba Osawe blocked the move to safety. Ajani Ibrahim got a corner kick as early as the 3rd minute which was played wide.
From then on, Shooting Stars were effective at creating goal scoring opportunities from the flanks. Moses James, Wasiu Jimoh and Abayomi Junior combined well in the midfield but their efforts were not futile.
Though, ABS played at the back feet most part of the half but they had goalkeeper Mudashir, defenders Ajanah and Omolayo to thank for a good defensive displays thus preventing the hosts from getting a goal in the first half.
The half was just a tale of one team attacking and one team defending. The home team was the attacking team. The first half ended in a goaless draw.
Second half resumes with quick corner kicks in succession but wasted by the Shooting Stars attackers. On the 55th mins, ABS’s Akinbo Oluwasegun was booked for an infringement on Ayobami Junior.
However, the first goal of the game came on the 58th mins when Ibrahim Adewale Shile headed home Wasiu Jomoh’s free kick to send the home crowd into frenzy. Afterwards, Abu Azeez was withdrawn for Sunday Faleye while ABS’ Gata Adeshina made way for Wasiu Alalade.
Abayomi Junior was instrumental to every build up the Oluyole Warriors had in the game as he really won the hearts of the teeming fans with his deft touches and good use of the ball.
On the 62nd min, Junior fired wide a chance to make it two for the home team. Also, ABS’s Oyedeji had a good possession in the 72nd min with a pass to Alalade but Samuelson Owono was rock solid and intercepted the attacking move. Shooting Stars again brought on Tayo Adebogun for Wasiu in the 79th mins.
Time was fast ticking and Sunday Faleye made it two at the 86 mins when he drove past ABS defenders to slot home a sleek effort which sealed the win for the Oluyole Warriors.
A lovely pass had come from enterprising Ayobami Junior before Sunday shot hit post and strolled into the net.
Abayomi Junior was however stretched out for Sodiq Suraj at the 89th minute after an injury with a standing ovation from the crowd. He undisputedly got the Man of The Match award for his efforts in the match.
It ended 2-0 win for Shooting Stars. The team now sits on the 18th position and will look forward for more improved performance in its bid to avoid the drop.
In the post match reactions with www.3sc.com.ng Head Coach Edith Agoye admitted it was a tough duel but his boys gave it all. “It was tough, it was difficult but the players gave it all and the result justified the hard work.”
For ABS’ Henry Makinwa, “it was a disappoint outing for us and I wouldn’t want to say anything more.”
