Match Report: Sunhine Stars 0-0 Shooting Stars

Sunshine Stars were slowed down in the race for continental place on NPFL matchday 26 as they were held to a barren stalemate at home by Southwest rivals, Shooting Stars.

Sunday's derby had a rather dour feel from the onset, but the hosts were able to muster a real threats at goal twice, through Ebonam Nwogbaga before the half hour mark.

First, the lanky forward could not turn home from a chance in front of goal as he miscued, and later had a tame header, off Ike Brandon's cross charged down at close range.

Sunshine Stars went on the attack after the restart and looked more dangerous with Jide Jimoh having a flick turned away at entry point by Udo Okechukwu in goal for the Oluyole Warriors.

The game practically became a one-way traffic for the Owena Whales as the search for breakthrough was heightened, and in the 70' the vistors' back line was beaten with a long ball, but Ejike Uzoechi could not stir his header or target at the near-post.

Jimoh again went close with a header, however, Okechukwu was able to keep it out after almost fumbling it, before Anthony Anioke saw his goal-bound effort agonisingly tipped away at the death.

POST MATCH REACTION🎙

Coach Emmanuel Deutcsh of Sunshine Stars fielded questions from Sports Writers after the game and his responses touched on the away side's approach and his sides struggle in the attacking phase.

"It was a good game. Game of two Yoruba brothers who know each other very well. Derby are always difficult and for Shooting Stars they came here to defend; you can see they did not leave their half and goal area.

"Goal scoring is the challenge. The strikers are very young and inexperienced. Aguero (Leonard Ugochukwu) who was pushing was taking off through injury. So the work is still in the attack; no problem with the defence and the midfield too was fine."

With the result Sunshine Stars dropped a place to eight on the log with 37 points an next play away at Gombe.

Sunshine XI | Lawal; Ozor, Anioke, Uzoechi, Chilekwu; Brandon, Cooper (Koffi Adjoumani 65') Ajagbe; Madu (Olalusi 46'), Nwogbaga (Olasupo 46') Ugochukwu (Jimoh 46')

Unused Subs | Ariyo; Abe, Bello, Nwaiwu, Saheyi

Caution | Chilekwu 76'

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