Leonard Ugochukwu was the star man as Sunshine Stars got the better of Wikki Tourists in a rescheduled NPFL Matchday One encounter at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
Two second half goals by the forward were enough to grab maximum points for Sunshine Stars in the much anticipated game, edging out the Elephants 2-1.
The game didn’t had much of key moments in the opening period, However, Sunshine Stars were forced to make a change on the half hour mark, with Mustapha Lawal taking the place of injured Japhet Opubo who started in goal.
The boys went close before the break, first, Ejike Uzoechi’s headed over the bar from a corner, while Adebari failed to take advantage of a rebound before the break.
Breakthrough came as soon as the game restarted, this time Ugochukwu made no mistake from a rebound to give Sunshine Stars the lead.
The encounter came alive after the goal, as the Owena Whales attempted to double the advantage with sustained pressure on the visitors.
Ugochukwu was on hand again to double Sunshine Stars lead in the 72′, guiding home from a Dauda’s assist to complete his brace and take his tally for the season to four.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, former Sunshine Stars man, Fu’ad Ekelojuoti came close to pulling one back for the visitors but Mustapha Lawal gathered from the wingers miscued effort.
The Kabiru Dogo’s tutored boys eventually got one back in the 86th minute, but there was no denying the Deji Ayeni tinkered side maximum point as Sunshine Stars closed out the contest for a second home win on the bounce.
The Akure landlords next visit Lagos for a derby date with MFM.
POST MATCH PRESSER
Assistant Head Coach, Kayode ‘Important’ faced the media on Ayeni’s stead and stated:
“we are satisfied with the performance of the boys; they played to instructions. Though one or two of them is a little bit tire because of too many games but immediately we effected the changes till picked up.
“On our next game versus MFM we believe in ourselves and God’s wonder.”
Sunshine Opubo; Yakub, Uzoechi, Sholumade, Dauda; Bello (Adeyemi 90′), Cooper (Olalusi 49′), Ajagbe; Ugochukwu, Taofeek (Nwogbaga 49′) Adebari (Awosanmi 90′)
Unused Subs Lawal; James, Chilekwu, Abe, Omowanle
Caution Bello 15′
