Sunshine Stars 1-0 IfeanyiUbah: I’m still disappointed —Ogunbote
Jan 4, 2021
Timilehin Omo Jesu Ogunniyi’s sublime goal proved decisive as Sunshine Stars clinched maximum points in Sunday’s NPFL match day two contest with FC Ifeanyiubah, to get off on a winning note in year 2021.
Following a match day one reversal in Kaduna, among the changes coach Gbenga Ogunbote rang to a great effect in his first game at the Ondo State Sports Complex since returning to Sunshine Stars was handling Omo Jesu a place in line up for the visit of Ifeanyiubah.
It took the playmaker nine minutes to make the early dominance of his side count off an expertly dispatched free kick from the edge.
The advantage could have been doubled 10 minutes later when Fuad Ekelojuoti combined brilliantly with Tolu Oluwole on the break, but the former was denied by a last ditch challenge in front of goal.
Like he intervened on match day one away at Jigawa Golden Stars, Seun Olualyo was at the right place at the right time to spare the blushes of the Owena Whales with goal a goal mouth clearance when the Anambra Warriors threatened to restore parity at the half hour mark.
The break in play at the interval did not in anyway alter the hosts’ firm control the game and in the 61st minute young sensation, Ayo Adejubu punched above his frame to squeeze past the visitors backline, however his effort kept rising in front of goal.
The game could have been put to bed 13 minutes from time when Oluwole dragged just wide inside the area from a through pass, moment before goalkeeper, Sharp Uzoigwe made himself too big for substitute, Sadeeq Yusuf to beat at point blank.
Nonetheless, Sunshine Stars comfortably close out the game for their first win of the season, and will next play MFM in the first installment of the 2020/21 season Southwest derby on match day three at the Soccer Temple, Agege, Lagos.
Post Match Reactions
Both coach Ogunbote and man of the match, Omo Jesu shared their thoughts with the media after the game.
Ogunbote: “We are happy we are able to get the three points, it will remove some sort of pressure away from the team. Disappointed we did not take most of our chances, we should be three goals up. We will do some talking and corrections so it will be better next time.
“I want to canvass for understanding, understanding in the sense that we are still a team in the making and as a result the fans have to be patient with us.”
Omo Jesu said, “Am very excited for the goal and our first win of the season. I believe I can do better than next season. I love this jersey and this club (Sunshine Stars), reason I will alwlays give my best here.”