Anthony Omaka’s brace was not enough to hand Sunshine Stars maximum points as the Kabiru Dogo charges were forced to a 2-2 draw by Kano Pillars in a thrilling NPFL mat ch day 17 encounter in Akure.
The midfielder scored in either halves of the game to give and restore Sunshine Stars the lead but Auwalu Ali was up to the same task for the visitors, cancelling out Omaka’s goal on both occasions.
After fluffing a couple of chances including a big goal mouth miss in the 7′, Sunshine Stars took the advantage in the 36th minute courtesy of Omaka who bundled Wasiu Jimoh’s cross into the back of the net for the opener.
That was the difference between the sides as they headed into the break.
Four minutes after the restart, Kano Pillars levelled up matters through Auwalu Ali who fired a long range effort into the far side of the of goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo’s post.
Stunned by their visitors audacity, Sushine Stars mustered their spirit and soon took charge of the game.
In the 61st minute, Omaka was in the right place to beat Suraj Ayeleso for his brace and Sunshine Stars second.
Chances came the way of home team to double their advantage but they were denied by Ayeleso who provided stunning saves to keep Pillars in the contest.
In the 70th Auwalu Ali again capitalized on some sloppiness in the hosts area and completed his own brace with a volley from close range.
Ayeleso was not to be beaten again by the Akure landlords as met screaming chances and efforts, particularly off the foot of Suleiman Mohammed with superb saves to ensure a share of the spoils.
Despite the result, Sunshine Stars remain in the top four on log with 27 points and will be on the road to face Heartland in Owerri on match day 18.
Dogo’s Post Match Quotes
“My boys played well and gave their all, it wasn’t just meant to be today. I can say luck was simply not on our side, but we we will try make up for this next time.
“We can only solicit for this kind of officiating away from home.”
Sunshine XI Ojo; Akobundu, Olulayo (C), Akpojubweuvwo, Alimi; Fatokun, Omaka, Ekelojuoti (Adebayo 90+1′) Omo Jesu (J. Obaje 83′); Jimoh (Sadeeq 73′), Mohammed
Unused Subs Ariyo; Abe, Adeyemi, Silas
Cautions Akpojubweuvwo 33′ Jimoh
