Sunshine Stars’ run in the 2022 AITEO Cup ended on Saturday following a narrow penalty shoot out loss to Katsina United, after a 1-1 regulation time play at the Area Three turf Abuja.
The Owena Whales were made to deal with some early setbacks in the shape of a contentious opener by United and voided Samson Olasupo’s goal from Ejike Uzoechi’s rebound in the 15th minute.
However the Emmanuel Deutcsh’s side exactly their dominance in the round 16 contest and eventually grabbed a well-deserved leveller at the stroke of half-time through a brilliant-taking goal by Michael Olalusi.
Despite having the game under control the Owena Whales were lucky not to have trailed again before the break as the Chanji Boys missed from a sitter in added time of the opening 45 minutes.
Sunshine Stars continued to dominate after the restart and Chigozie Chilekwu was close to getting the Akure landlords in front with a deflected pile-driver at the hour mark.
The silky winger was again denied three minutes later, this time by the goalkeeper who saved his close range effort from an Olalusi through ball.
In the end the second half failed to yield a goal and the sides could not be separated after 90 minutes, however United progressed to the quarterfinals 5-3 on penalties.
