Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal stars as Sunshine emerged unscathed in their first outing of the New Year; NPFL round four contest with Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Portharcourt on Sunday.
Riding on a wave of good form that saw them picked a famous win at Enyimba on matchday three, the hosts started the game on the front foot, and had their first attempt at goal in the eighth minute when Chijioke Akuneto heads just high from Ebube Duru’s cross.
Moment later, the Owena Whales took hold off possession and sent Nwogbaga Patrick Ebonam through, but the lanky forward’s effort from the edge kept rising.
Then at the other end the visitors were relieved to see Mustapha tipped over from Akuneto’s smashing volley inside the area in the 17th minute, as United regained their measure of control.
The young goalkeeper was also on hand to repel a dangerous free kick at the near-post just before the break, a feat he replicated in the 65th minute to frustrate the Pride of Rivers.
As well as being resilient, Sunshine Stars were also positive on the break and went close to breaking the deadlock through substitute, Kamaru Adebari who fired narrowly wide at the end of a brilliant counter-attacking move, 20 minutes from time.
United picked up the intensity in the closing minutes, but were only able to trouble the visitors through dead balls as clear-cut opportunities were at a premium all game.
Mustapha composed goalkeeping, supplemented by a good defensive organisation ensured Rivers United did not find a way through during a late onslaught as Sunshine Stars earned their first away point of the new season.
“
Sunshine Stars host Kano Pillars at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on matchday five.
Â
