In a thrilling climax to the Coal City Cup, Shooting Stars emerged victorious over Remo Stars in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
The tightly contested match saw both teams struggle to break each other down, ultimately leaving the game to be decided from the spot.
The match kicked off with high energy from both sides. Early on, Remo Stars’ Peter Onuoha tested the opposition’s goalkeeper with a sharp turn and shot, forcing a save just four minutes into the game.
Shooting Stars responded with a promising solo run by Oluwaseyi Ogunniyi, who danced past three defenders in the 7th minute, only for his heavy final touch to squander the opportunity.
Both teams created half-chances throughout the first half. A well-orchestrated move in the 22nd minute saw Onuoha challenge Shooting Stars’ goalkeeper once again.
Remo Stars’ Daniel Akanbek attempted an audacious long-range shot in the 26th minute, but the goalkeeper was alert and managed to save it.
The second half saw both sides struggling to break through each other’s defense. Shooting Stars came close when Olamilekan’s run down the right led to a low cross to Peter, whose close-range effort was saved.
Despite efforts from both teams, the game remained goalless as the clock wound down.
The second half continued to be marked by solid defending and tactical adjustments.
Remo Stars’ coach made a strategic substitution in the 59th minute, bringing on Olisa Emmanuel for Emmanuel Ofori, aiming to find a breakthrough. However, the match ended without goals, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
Shooting Stars demonstrated nerves of steel during the shootout, converting all their penalties.
Remo Stars, however, faltered under the pressure, missing two of their three attempts. Shooting Stars secured the Coal City Cup with a 4-1 victory in the shootout, much to the delight of their fans.
Shooting Stars’ captain praised the team’s resilience and composure, saying, “It’s always tough to win on penalties, but the boys showed great character and composure.”
This victory marks a significant achievement for Shooting Stars, capping off an impressive unbeaten run in the tournament.
The Coal City Cup win serves as a testament to Shooting Stars’ strength and determination, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures.
