Kwara United and Sunshine Stars could not be seperated as both sides battled to a barren stalemate in Sunday’s thrilling match day 16 meeting at the Kwara State Stadium Complex.
In a game of high octane with clear cut chances few and far between, Timilehin ‘Omo Jesu’ Ogunniyi got closest to scoring with a deflected effort that came off the woodwork 15 minutes from time.
Nine minutes after kick off Omo Jesu weaved his way through his markers and unleashed from an acute angle, but Abdulateef Ishola claimed for Kwara United.
Despite a combative and heightened midfield exchanges there was very little to report further in the tight encounter until 10 minutes into the second half when Fuad Ekelojuotu lost his footing and miscued in an attempt to smatch home from Omaka’s lay up in the area.
During a spell of relentless pressure from the Harmony Boys, a back line marshalled by Bright Akpojubweuvwo provided a near-perfect cover for goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo who was also on hand to deny United from some half chances.
Though the towering goalkeeper, brimming with much confidence all game, will count himself lucky to see a dangerous ball drilled just wide for the hosts while he remained rooted to his spot.
Eight minutes after being denied by the woodwork, Omo Jesu was again set up for a real chance at goal, however, the gifted youngster dragged the effort off his weaker right foot wide inside the area.
As both sides looked for a winner late on, Sunshine Stars failed to utilise a few carved out openings on the break, but in the end did enough to earn a share of the spoils and retained a place in the top four of the log with 26 points.
Post Match Reaction
At the post match presser, coach Kabiru Dogo whose team are on a four years unbeaten run in Ilorin expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the game against his hometown’s side.
Dogo stated: “It was a good game and not a bad result for us. The match was very technical and balanced, you can see both goalkeepers did not have much to deal with.
“The point we got here is highly important, as it will advance our course in the league, and we will continue to work hard and improve from game to game. We started the league badly, but we are now back, and back for better.”
Sunshine Stars next host Kano Pillars in Akure on match day 17.
Sunshine Stars XI Ojo; Akobundu, Olulayo (C), Akpojubweuvwo, Akande (Alimi 41′); Fatokun, Omaka, Ekelojuoti (Adebayo 80′), Omo Jesu: Yusuf, Jimoh (Silas 72′)
Unused Subs Suleiman; Abe, Alimi, Obanigba, Kolade
Cautions Omaka 27′ Jimoh 72′ Ekelojuoti 80′
