Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan left it late to shock Kano Pillars 2-1 in a matchday 29 fixture decided at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
The homers benefitted from a mistake in the 3SC rear to shot to a second minute lead through Pillars’ legend Rabiu Alli.
3SC further had their woes compounded with the early exit of defence strongman, Aniyikaye Adeleye who was substituted by Ayodeji Bamidele after getting injured.
The early goal however, brought out the best in the Ibadan soccer lords with tormentor in chief, Ayobami Junior, spearheading Lawal Abdullahi, skipper Malomo Taofeek, Monday Gideon in bombarding Pillars goal area for the leveller which refused to come till the end of the first half.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote and his lieutenants made changes in the start of the second half with Adewale Yusuf, Joshua Akpan joining the fray.
The changes were effective as the Oluyole Warriors swooped on the hosts for the equaliser which eventually came three minutes into the restart through right back Muritala Taiye, with Ayodeji Bamidele providing the assist..
Soon after the visitors restored parity, the homers made spirited efforts to reclaim their lead but had the 3SC defence, comprising Gbolagade Adelowo, Ayodeji Bamidele, Taiye Muritala and Victor Ehibe too hard to beat, while goalkeeper Okemute Odah produced a couple of astonishing saves to keep the result at 1-1.
Shooting Stars would later score a late winner through Christian Pyagbara, who scored on the fourth of the seven added minutes, after he was located by substitute, Alex Aghahowa, to ensure the Ibadan soccer lords return to base with the maximum points.
The win was Shooting Stars’ second on the road, having beaten Doma United in Gombe and it ultimately increased the team’s point haul to 46 from 29 matches, just five points adrift of the joint table toping Rangers International and Lobi Stars.
The Oluyole Warriors will on Sunday, play host to Lobi Stars in a Matchday 30 encounter.
Tosin Omojola
Media Officer, 3SC.
