Sunshine Stars defeated Lobi Stars of Maturdi 2-0 at the Ondo State Sports Complex in an elite league fixture to move out of the drop zone.
Kennedy Boboye fielded a strong team against the table toppers in search of maximum points following two disappointing matches since he assumed duties.
The home team wasted no time in dictating proceedings on the pitch with Robert Cole , Osimaga Duke and Abdulaziz Ajagbe combining well at the centre. Lobi Stars were pushed back to their half in the first 10 minutes of the game.
A beautiful team play at the edge of the box gave Chidozie Iwundu a chance to score the opener for Sunshine stars but was denied when John Lazarus handled the ball ( Goal bound ).
The centre referee wasted no time in pointing at the spot for a penalty kick and issuing Lazarus a red card.
Vincent Temitope stepped forward to convert perfectly in the 14th minute to give Sunshine Stars the opener.
Lobi tried to attack and changed their tactics moments later with the numerical deficit but were curtailed by Sunshine Stars defence.
In the 29th minute, Temitope and Promise Awosanmi combined well at the edge before Awosanmi flicked a pass to Iwundu who netted from a solo effort in the 30th minute. The first half however ended 2-0 in favor of Sunshine Stars.
On resumption into the second half Sunshine Stars picked up from where they stopped but were resisted by Lobi Stars.
Boboye introduced Tolu Oluwole, Mafeng Pam in the 73rd minutes to help Sunshine stars attack.
In the 76th minute Sodiq Ibrahim squared at the left flank in Lobi Stars vital area to connect Awosanmi, but the left footer’s header wasn’t a threat to Lobi Stars goalie.
Few chances were created in the dying minutes of the match with no clear cut chance (s). The match eventually ended 2-0 in favor of Sunshine Stars FC.
Boboye in his post match interview attributed the victory to determination and the incredible support of teaming home fans.
“I’m glad we eventually picked maximum points against a very good side , this is just the result of our hard work, determination and the good support of our numerous fans, you can see the boys played well and the fans also were happy all through the encounter, I dedicate the win to them , they deserve to be happy.”
Sunshine stars next match comes up on the 3rd of March away from home against Heartland FC. With the result, Sunshine Stars has garnered 26 points from 22 matches to place 15 on the league table.