Sunshine Stars Secure Relief Victory behind Closed Doors

BY CHRIS OKUNNUWA

Ajibola Otegbeye’s 68th minute goal from the spot earned struggling Sunshine Stars a hard fought victory against Enyimba at the Ondo State Sports Complex Akure in a week 21 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash.

In a game played before empty stands both sides failed to convert scoring chances all through the first half with the away side the most culpable.

In the second half Sunshine Stars persistence probing drew a foul from Enyimba in the 67th minute as Sikiru Alimi was hacked down in the box.

Ajibola Otegbeye stepped up and made no mistake from the spot in the 68th minute for the home side in the tension soaked encounter.

Later on Enyimba threw all they can amidst some late chances that were repelled successfully by the brilliancy of Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper Ariyo David and good defensive display by the Austin Eguavoen tutored side.

Sunshine Stars coach, Austin Eguavoen declared that “the victory came with some relief. Enyimba are a very strong side and both team can give more than what we saw here today.

“We miss the fans, playing without them is not ideal for us and we are appealing to the LMC to temper justice with mercy, and I think the fans must have learnt now. We miss them and we want them back.

“On the next game against 3SC, we know Ibadan fans love good football and we are going there to do our thing as well, which is to play good football.”

On his part, Enyimba’s coach, Gbenga Ogunbote declared: “I think we paid for our carelessness. We wasted too many chances. This not a match we should have lost.

“We should have been leading by four goals but we will work on our team in the next game.”

Sunshine Stars FC who are now placed 14th in the current NPFL log next face 3SC at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on match day 22 next Sunday.