It was a disappointing evening for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, as they suffered a 1-3 loss to Plateau United of Jos, in a matchday 13 encounter of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
In the game played at the New Jos Stadium, the Oluyole Warriors could not just get the desired result against the inform Tin City boys, who started the game brightly and got rewarded with an early goal.
Zulkifilu Mohammed set the homers on the winning tone when his slotted in the opener in the 7th minute, as the visitors were yet to settle down into the game.
The early opener, did not however demoralise the Ibadan soccer lords as they reacted positively, taken the game to the host in search of the equaliser.
Plateau United defender remained resolute in their defending, as the Stars pressed for the leveler but they crumbled in the 42nd minute when the visitors got a well deserved equaliser.
A long thrust into the vital areas by Dare Olatunji, was not well handled by the homers’ defenders, leaving a lurking Seyi Okeowo to pounce on rhe losse ball, outpaced his marker before shooting from a tight angle, beating gaolkeeper Anozie Victor to restore parity, thus ending the first half 1-1.
The second half was however a different ball game as Plateau United rallied to bounce back into the lead in the 70th minute through Albert Hilary.
This was minutes after the duo of Malomo Ayodeji and Sunday Faleye were introduced for Adejubu and Okeowo.
The homers killed off the game in the 74th minutes, though a penalty kick, which was well struck by Nenrot Silas, after Ghali Falke fouled an opponent in the 18 yard box.
Shooting Stars’ goalkeeper, Okanlawon Olaide was substituted for Charles Tambe towards the end of the game.
The introduction of Wasiu Alalade for Ebenezer Odeyemi and Anietie Uko for Dare Olatunji, brought life to the Warriors’ forward, as they tried to reduce the tally but their late rally ended in vain as referee Nwite Thomas from Abia State, blew the final whistle, after the five added minutes elapsed,, to keep the scoreline at 3-1.
The Oluyole Warriors will welcome Wikki Tourists of Bauchi to the Lekan Salami Stadium for a matchday 14 clash on Sunday.
3SC XI: O. Laide, (C.Tambe), G Falke, A. Nurudeen, N. Henry, A. Benson, E. Uche, A. Mohammed, A.Adejubu (M.Taofeek), O. Ebenezer.(W. Alalade), O. Damilare. (U.Anietie), O. Oluwaseyi (S. Faleye).
Unused sub: O. Elijah, A. Adeniyi, E. Oghenetega, R. Nafiu.
