Returnee Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Sunday Faleye, announced his return to the team with a bang, scoring the only goal which earned his side an all important win over Dakkada FC of Uyo, in Sunday’s NPFL matchday 12 fixture, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The former Super Eagles B team player, came off the bench to break the deadlock in the match, thus repeating the feat he achieved during his first season with the club, when he came on as a second half substitute, to score with his first touch.
It was a game in which the Edith Agoye led technical crew’s substitution, proved decisive again, as the introduction of Faleye, Malomo Taofeeq and Wasiu Alalade and then Henry Ndedi, eventually unlocked the defense of the visitors.
In the match in which the behind closed doors order of the League Management Company (LMC), was strictly and fully complied with, the Oluyole Warriors, tried all they could to find the back of the net in the first half, all to no avail.
Goalkeeper Thomas Omokhudu denied the Stars a great chance to score when he parried Akilu Mohammed’s header, after right back, Ghali Falke perfectly set up the workaholic midfielder, midway into the first half.
The Oluyole Warriors, came into the second half looking more adventurous, as they continued to pile pressure on Dakkada, who seemed to be playing for a draw.
The introduction of Malomo, Faleye and Alalade, for Ayo Adejubu, Kolawole Daniel, and Ebenezer Odeyemi, added bite to the 3SC attack as they kept tormenting the Uyo based side.
The midfield was also strengthened with Henry Ndedi replacing Damliare Olatunji.
Luck finally smiled on the Ibadan soccer lords in the 79th minute, when substitute, Sunday Faleye’ s well struck shot, beat goalkeeper Omokhodu in goal for Dakkada, after the striker combined beautifully well with Anitie Uko, to open up the visitors’ defense.
The goal inspired the host to push for more goals, while it forced the visitors to come out of their shells but the scoreline remained unchanged until referee Mohammed Mohammed from Niger State, brought proceedings to an end.
The victory increases the point haul of the Ibadan soccer lords to 18 from 12 matches, and they next head for Jo’s, for a matchday 13 tie against Plateau United holding on Wednesday.
3SC XI : O.Olaide. G.Falke. A.Nurudeen. U. Anietie (S.Okeowo). A. Benson. U.Ezeala. A. Adejubu (S. Faleye) A. Mohammed. O.Ebenzer (W. Alalade) D..Olatunji (H.Ndedi). K. Daniel (M.Taofeek).
Unused subs: C.Tambe. E.Oyetoro. A.Adeniyi.
