Thompson Ezekiel’s second half goal ensured Sunshine Stars handed Rivers United their first ever home defeat in the Nigeria Professional Football League in a week 30 clash at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Akure-based side, who were eager to make up for the shock 1-0 defeat to Nasarawa United at home on Sunday, put up a gusty display from the start of the tie, though United were slightly the dominant side during the early exchanges that saw limited chances.
Ajibola Otegbeye had the first cut clear chance of the game and had the ball in the net on the half hour mark for the visitors but his effort was flagged offside.
And just before the first half break, Sikiru Alimi thought he had scored the opener for Stars via a header however he was heartbroken when the referee again cancelled the goal.
The visitors will not relent in their attempts to break the deadlock in the second half but their dominant display was not made to count until Ezekiel Thompson headed home in the 68th minute from an Alaba Adeniyi’s inviting cross.
From the moment Rivers United conceded the goal the Stanley Eguma tutored side turned up the heat in search of an equaliser, but the gallant display of Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper, Henry Ayodele, and good defensive organisation from the coach Duke Udi tutored side ensured their efforts ended in futility at the end of proceedings.
Sunshine Stars FC, who is now the only side to record two consecutive away wins in the league this season, have moved up to 14th on the NPFL log and next face El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday in a week 31 pairing at home (Ijebu Ode).
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