AITEO CUP: SUNSHINE STARS EDGE OSUN UNITED ON PENALTIES IN TIGHT ROUND 64 ENCOUNTER
Sunshine Stars advanced to the round 32 of the AITEO Cup on Sunday, beating Osun United 5-4 on penalties after a barren regulation time play at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
The Owena Whales could not break the resistance of the Omoluabi Giants despite asking all the questions in the opening half of the Southwest derby, with Temitope Vincent in the thick of things.
After failing to punish United’s sloppiness in the opening seconds, Vincent moved through on goal in the 7th minute following a good solo run, but his tame effort was blocked in front of goal.
Then 11 minutes later it was Leonard Ugochukwu’s time to try with an effort that was charged down at close range, while his follow up on the rebound drifted just wide.
David Ariyo showed good reflexes and alertness to prevent an own goal, tipping over from a miscued header after the half hour mark.
Sunshine Stars could have taken the lead at the stroke of half time when Vincent was set up from Ugochukwu’s dummy inside the area, however his effort from few yards out was saved by the goalkeeper.
Clear cut chances were at premium in the second half, nonetheless substitute, Ikenna Cooper mustered a close attempt at goal, moment after he was dispossessed from a chance inside the area late on.
The two side could not be separated after 90 minutes, regardless the Emmanuel Deutcsh’s boys nicked it 5-4 on penalties with Chigozie Chilekwu converting the decisive kick after United’s last penalty was off the target.
The win sends Sunshine Stars through to the round of 32 where they face Rovers FC of Calabar on Wednesday at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Sunshine XI | Ariyo; Ozor, Adeyemi (C), Anioke, Dauda; Abe (75′ Olalusi), Nwaiwu, Ajagbe (75′ Cooper); Chilekwu, Ugochukwu (86′ Olasupo) Vincent (46′ Nwogbaga)
Chris Okunnuwa
Media Head; SSFC FC
IG, FB & Twitter: @SunshineFCAkure
Youtube: Sunshine Stars TV
