Sunshine Stars were left to rue a disputed Victor Mbaoma’s goal in Thursday’s NPFL week 18 game narrowly edged by Remo Stars in Sagamu on Thursday, sports247.ng can report
Mbaoma’s second half header which came off the woodwork was adjudged to have cross the line to the dismay of the visitors as the Sky Blues claimed all three points in the heated derby, Chris Okunnuwa posits
Remo Stars were the first to threaten inside the opening two minutes with a well struck free kick that swayed inches from the target to the side netting and midway through the opening half the Sky Blues had an effort miscued in front of goal.
Sunshine Stars finally hit stride after overcoming early struggles on the not-well grassed playing surface of the Gateway Stadium and could have have taken the lead 10 minutes from the interval…
Fuad Ekelojuoti reacted fastest to a Seun Olulayo’s cross, but the winger could not steer his header home while the second ball evaded Franklin Sasere who was lurking to poke into an empty net.
With both sides not giving much away after the restart Remo Stars found the breakthrough in a controversial fashion 19 minutes from time when Mbaom’s header against the frame of the goal was ruled to have cross the line.
The decision was greeted by protests from the visitors but the referee will not yield; 1-0 Remo Stars!
In a final minutes dominated by the Owena Whales, Chigozie Obasi set up Anthony Omaka for a chance at equaliser, but the midfielder’s goal-bound volley was stopped by Emmanuel Fabiyi before the contest was brought to an end for Remo Stars first win over Sunshine Stars.
Sunshine Stars remained two places above the drop zone with 23 points after 18 round of matches and next face Niger Tornadoes at home on Sunday.
*Sunshine XI:* Ayodele; Obasi, Olulayo, Adeyemi, Gabriel; Fatokun, Omaka (Amah 79′) Dayo Ojo; Ekelojuoti (Adeniji 73′), Sasere, Joseph (Abia 51′)
*Unused Subs:* Ayo Ojo; Raji, Akande, Egbeta
*Cautions:* Obasi 17′, Fatokun 75′
