Owena Whales suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Rangers on NPFL match day 27.
The visitors fell behind to Ifeanyi Nweke’s header with just four minutes on the clock and were furious to see a disputed Israel Abia’s goal counted as Rangers’ second just after the midway point of the opening hallf.
Subsequent goals from Godspower Aniefok in the 35′ and Christian Nnaji just after the restart got things compounded for Deji Ayeni’s men in the Sunday’s contest.
They however found respite after an improve display, with two second half substitutes Ifegwu Ojukwu and Kolade Adeniji combining to earn a penalty; the former stepped up and dispatched against his former side in the 51′.
Sunshine Stars kept the momentum going and went close to a second when Uzoechi Ejike headed high from six yards, off Sunday Abe’s delivery three minutes later.
At the other end Uche Okafor stood firm to stop Nweke from grabbing a brace in the 70′.
Adeniji narrowly missed the target with a close range header from Abe’s free kick, ten minutes from time’, while Ayo Akinlose and Ojukwu were denied in quick succession by the goalkeeper in the closing minutes of the tie.
POST MATCH REACTIONS
Coach Ayeni hinged the defeat on lack of concentration in the early stage of the game, but was quick to take solace in the second half performance when faced with media after the match.
“It’s a matter of loss of concentration at the early part of the game and you can see that when will came back in the second half the game was OK. It wasn’t a bad performance, we will go back home to work on our deficiencies and get it right in subsequent matches.
“There is no team that is unbeatable and sometime opponent determine the type of tactics we adopt. We are approaching the game as they come. I believe we will get it right and salvage the team before the end of the season.”
Sunshine Stars next hosts Abia Warriors on match day 28.
Sunshine XI | Okafor; Abe (C), Ejike, Alimi, James, Olulasi (Nwodu 79′), Adeyemi, Babatunde (Adeniji 49′), Olulayo (Oluwole 49′) Afeez (Ojukwu 37′), Akindoyin (Akinlose 79′),
Unused Subs | Ayodele; Adeniyi, Ewelike
Cautions | James 25′ Alimi 76′