Returnee striker Samuel Ayanrinde came off the bench to rescue Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan as the Oluyole Warriors held Nasarawa United to a one-all draw in an NPFL Matchday One fixture, played at the Lafia City Stadium.
The former Kwara United forward, who replaced Abubakar Aliu, four minutes into the 90, arrived on time to meet a well directed free kick by Adebayo Abayomi, took his time to control the ball, before firing past past goalkeeper Godwin Ameh.
After both sides battled to a goalless first half, the Solid Miners shot into the lead in the 59th minute through Anas Yusuf, who beat goalkeeper Anozie Chinedu, who came on for injured Mustapha Lawal, from the spot, after referee Patrick Egba from Cross Rivers state adjuged that skipper Muritala Taiye fouled an opponent in tbe box.
The ciach Kabiru Dogo tutored Nasarawa United, who returned to the elite league after a season spell in the lower division, appeared running away with all points, until Ayanrinde’s leveller, three minutes into the eight added minutes of the encounter.
Before the dramatic second half, both sides were unable to find the back of the net in the first half, with the defence line of Shooting Stars doing a great job in thwarting the efforts of the homers.
The Oluyole Warriors also created some anxious moments in the dangerous area of the Solid Miners but were unable to hit the target.
The Ibadan soccer lords will on Sunday, play host to Plateau United of Jos, in a Matchday two fixture, billed for the Lekan Salami Stadium.
