Football
Sunshine Stars, Enyimba battle to a barren stalemate in Akure
Sunshine Stars were Sunday held to a goalless draw by Enyimba FC in a match day 11 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) contest at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
In a game that saw little clear-cut chances the hosts had the opportunity for a perfect start inside the first minute of the NPFL classical when Esosa Igbinoba found himself one-on-one with Stanley Nwabali, but his tame header from six-yard out was repelled with a full-stretch save by the goalkeeper, National Daily learnt.
In the 19th minute, Fuad Ekelojuoti went close with a glancing header from a well floated cross, before Dayo Ojo had a trademark low drive stopped by Nwabali at the second attempt four minutes later.
With the home side dominating territories and possessions, Daniel Barnabas drew a save from the Elephants’ goalkeeper after getting to the end of Ekelojuoti’s cross.
However, during a reprisal move by the visitors, Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper, Ayo Ojo had to be at his best to put off a dangerous effort that came off the work from an acute angle on the half hour mark.
At the stroke of haltime, substitute, Israel Abia fluffed his line in front of goal when connecting a sumptuous cross delivered into the area by Sunday Abe.
Ten minutes into the restart Ayo Ojo pulled a decent save off an effort from Ikuoewem Udo in another rare attempt at goal for Enyimba.
In the 61st minute Abe showed skills and composure to work his way tightly into the visitors area, but was denied by a decisive block, and ten minutes later the captain flashed just wide from a rebound during scuffle.
Day Ojo comnined well with Chibundu Amah to create an opening for deputy Tayo Fabiyi, but Nwabali rushed off his line to cut out the chance before the striker get a proper touch at goalmouth seven minutes from time.
The point earned from Sunday’s game moved the Akure Landlords up a place to third in the Group A log with 13 points, and the coach Kabiru Dogo tutired side will look to regain some lost ground in a midweek reschedule fixture.
*Sunshine XI:* Ayo Ojo; Abe, Sogbeso, Gabriel, Adeniyi; Fatokun, Igbinoba (Egbeta 75′), Dayo Ojo, Ekelojuoti; Fabiyi, Barnabas (Abia 28′ Amah 75′)
