NPFL 22: Sunshine Hold Shooting to 2 all Draw in a Battle of Stars Western Derby

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 NPFL 22: Sunshine Hold Shooting to 2 all Draw in a Battle of Stars Western Derby



NPFL 22: Sunshine Hold Shooting to 2 all Draw in a Battle of Stars Western Derby

There was no stopping the momentum of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure on Matchday six of the NPFL, following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars of Ibadan. 


Being the first top-flight meeting between both clubs in five years, the Southwest rivalry was renewed and its old glory was rekindled in a frenetic end-to-end game inside a packed Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday.


After a lively start on both ends of the pitch, it was Shooting Stars who drew the first blood from the penalty spot through Gafar Olafimihan, who converted from the spot after the venture referee had contentiously awarded the Oluyole Warriors spot-kick for an alleged handball. 


Sunshine Stars were not going to be intimidated by the goal nor the crowd as they took the game back to their hosts and that paid off before the break, with Azeez Ajayi nodding home the equalizer for the Owena Whales off a sumptuous Habib Yakub's delivery.


The energy was doubled in the second half and Sunshine Stars went close to taking the lead in the 53rd minute, but winger, Promise Orji flicked high fr Leonard Ugochukwu's through ball.


Coach Deji Ayeni made a tactical tweak, and it paid off within a twinkle of an eye and as a substitute, Nwogba Ebonam, with just a marker, and the goal some yards out powered home an audacious strike to make it 2-1 for Sunshine Stars just after the hour mark. 


Ten minutes after Sunshine Stars took the lead, the hosts somewhat found their way back to the game through Wasiu Alalade who scored for 2-2 while the visitors were waiting for an offside call.


There was nothing more to separate the Stars as both sides walked off with a share of the spoils in the keenly contested derby.


Sunshine Stars next host Gombe United on Matchday seven in Ijebu Ode.


 Sunshine XI: Mustapha Lawal, Habeeb Yakub (C), Mutiu Dauda, Anthony Anioke, Bolu Sholumade; Babatunde Bello, Cooper Ikenna (Kehinde Adeyemi 87'), Azeez Ajagbe  (Michael Olalusi 67'); Promise Orji (Nwogbaga Ebonam 59'), Samson Olasupo (Kamaru Adebari 59'), Leonard Ugochukwu (Kolade Adeniji 87')


Unused Substitutes: Japhet Opubo, Sunday Abe, Ejike Uzoechi, Onyeka Nwaiwu


Cautions | Bello 58' Yakub 72'

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