Tosin Omojola Media Officer, 3SC, Ijebu, Ogun State
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan are a step away from a quarter berth after playing out a 1-1 draw against Remo Stars in the ongoing Dapo Abiodun pre-season tournament, holding in Ijebu-Ode.
The highly entertaining Southwest derby, lived up to the billings as the two sides put up a good fight in the group C cracker decided at the Mainbowl of the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
Remo Stars drew the first blood in the 22nd minute though Dolapo Toheeb who rose above 3SC defenders to nod past goalkeeper Dare Dede, from a free-kick.
The Ibadan soccer lords, who were unlucky not to have taken the lead early in the game, thereafter took the game to their opponent, making efforts to score the leveler.
Luck smiled on Remo Stars towards the end of the first half as Taofeek Malomo’s well taken shot hit the woodwork.
On resumption of the second half, Shooting Stars increased the pressure on Remo Stars, desperately searching for the equalizer.
The introduction of Taye Muritala, Sadiq Awujoola, Abayomi Adebayo as well as Mohammed Mohammed, added bite to the Oluyole Warriors side.
With time ticking away, the Ibadan soccer lords refused to give up and their resilience paid off in the 87th minute when substitute, Sadiq Awujoola headed home from close range to draw level, thereby ensuring the sharing of the spoils.
With the result, Shooting Stars sit atop group C, with four points from two games, same as Kwara United who are placed second due to lesser goal difference, while Remo Stars, with two-point from two matches, occupy the third position. Nilayo stays at the rear with no point from two matches.
Shooting Stars next face Kwara United on Saturday in their last group match which is scheduled for the Mainbowl of the Dipo Dina Stadium, while Remo Stars will be up against FC Nilayo at pitch 1.
Both games hold simultaneously at 7.00 am.