Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, got their second consecutive victory and their first win on the road, after pipping host MFM FC of Lagos 1-0, in a NPFL matchday nine fixture , decided at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
The Ibadan soccer lords were not shot of support as an impressive number of their traveling supporters and fans, teamed up with those based in Lagos to cheer them up.
The Oluyole Warriors, won the game as early as the sixth minute when Kolawole Daniel’s flip from the right, evaded the home team’s defense and goalkeeper Osayi Kingdom, leaving a lurking Akilu Mohammed to slam home the ball.
Stunned by the early opener, the Olukoya Boys turned the heat on the Oluyole Warriors, as they seized the initiative..
Poor marksmanship and solid defending by the skipper Abbey Benson led 3SC backline, denied them the much sought after equaliser.
Having survived the homers’ onslaught in the first half, Shooting Stars came into the second half more purposefully, pilling incessant pressure on the host.
The pressure almost resulted in the second goal when Gafar Olafimihan ran his way through MFM’s defence, only to see his shot go inches over the bar, with goalkeeper Osayi Kingdom already beaten.
In a bid to increase the pressure and to add to the tally, the Edith Agoye led 3SC technical crew brought in the trio of Anietie Ujo, Malomo Taofeeq and Alalade Wasiu.
In search of another goal, coach Agoye introduced Nafiu Raheem and Seyi Okeowo and the latter almost made his introduction count, but his header, off a tailored pass by Malomo Taofeeq, missed the target by the whiskers.
Late in the game, the homers rallied for a face saving leveler, but the 3SC defenceline and goalkeeper Olaide Okanlawon refused to cave in, till the referee blew the final whistle.
The Ibadan soccer lords, have with this win, moved up to the 12th position on the log, having garnered 12 points from nine matches.
Up next for the team is a midweek fixture against struggling Heartland FC of Owerri, in a matchday ten encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
3SC Line up – O. Olaide. G. Falke. A. Nurudeen. H Ndedi. (A. Uko), A. Benson (Capt.) E. Uche. A. Mohammed. O. Odeyemi. (A. Wasiu), G. Olafimihan (S.Okeowo). O. Damilare. (R. Nafiu) K. Daniel. (M. Taofeeq).
Unused Sub. – D Dare. E. Oyetoro. O. Waheed. O. Egoride.
