Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) leave it late to snatch a draw against Akwa United Football Club of Uyo on Sunday in their second fixture of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The game which was played in Ibadan saw Utibe Archibong of Akwa United put the visitors ahead of the Oluyole Warriors with a goal, 29 minutes into the first half.
The hosts struggled hard to reverse the bitter trend, especially as it is their first home game.
They secured an equaliser through Ayo Adejubu in the 90th minute of the game at the newly-refurbished Lekan Salami Adamasingba Stadium.
Oluyole Warriors were the more burdened side during the game, being their first competitive game at the newly-remodelled stadium and their first NPFL game for the past four years after relegation.
Coach Edith Agoye of 3SC, said the club’s transition to the NPFL was not expected to be very quick, adding that there would a lot of improvement from the team after the next few matches.
“Our transition to the NPFL is not expected to be very quick, definitely it will take a bit of time.
“By the time we are able to play four to six games and are used to playing in the NPFL again, definitely, a lot will come from 3SC,” he said.
Coach Kennedy Boboye of Akwa United blamed the draw with Shooting Stars on lack of concentration from his players in the last minutes.
“I came here to pick the three points. My plan is to attack and enjoy the game. We conceded a late goal due to lack of concentration from my players,” he said.
Boboye said his team dominated the game from the kick-off, adding that they played better than the hosts.
“We played better than Shooting Stars right from the kick-off.
“In spite of the 1-0 lead in the first half, we didn’t change our plan, we kept on attacking and dominated the game,” he said
3SC will be tackling Lobi Stars away from home in their next game, while Akwa United welcome Gombe United in Uyo.