Sunshine Stars FC of Akure have moved further upward on the NPFL table following a 2-1 win over Nasarawa United on Matchday 32 at the Ondo State Sports Complex.
A minute silence was observed before kick off in somber reflection for the victims of a massacre in Owo, earlier in the day.
As soon as the game began, the Owena Whales raced to a two-goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes of the encounter courtesy of Chigozie Chilekwu and club top scorer, Leonard Ugochukwu before the visitors pulled one back in the second half through Chinedu Ohanachom.
The first goal came as early as the 3rd minute from Chilekwu, who scored from a close range.
11 minutes later, Ugochukwu added the second from an assist by Nwogbaga, just as Japhet Opubo stood firm at point blank to deny the visitors and safekeeep the two-goal lead into the break.
Chilekwu went close to adding a third from a dead ball situation in the second half while Opubo continued his impressive performance at the other end to stop the Solid Miners.
Opubo was however beaten in the 73rd minute, but Ohanachom’s goal could only half the deficit, as the game ended 2-1.
Coach Emmanuel Deutcsh of Sunshine Stars during the post match presser said he knew the game will be difficult for Owena Whales after they played out a draw in Lafia during the first leg at Lafia City stadium.
“I told you last time that I can’t be happy because the league is still on. We won the battle today but it’s not final. For the game the boys played so well in the first half and exert themselves, then relaxed in the second half. Congratulations to the Ondo State people; the victory goes to them, for me not yet.
“Sunshine drew with Nsasarawa in Lafia in the first stanza, so I knew it will be a tough game. Now we have Tornadoes coming up and a challenge Cup (AITEO Cup) game on Tuesday, we have to prepare. If we win against Tornadoes I can start smiling little by little.”
Sunshine Stars are now six points within a continent spot finish through the league as the adventure continues with another home encounter on Matchday 33 against Niger Tornadoes
Sunshine XI | Opubo; Yakub, Anioke, Adeyemi (C), Dauda (Ozor 37′); Nwaiwu (62′ Cooper), Brandon, Ajagbe (77′ Olalusi); Chilekwu (62′ Awosanmi) Nwogbaga (77’Pius Ojo), Ugochukwu
Unused Subs | Ariyo; Abe, Uzoechi, Erukusin Cooper
Cautions | Nwaiwu 57′
