On Sunday it was an intense encounter between the players of Sunshine Stars of Akure and their Kwara United counterparts.
Sunshine stars who played host to their opponents from Ilorin, Kwara State at the Akure Township Stadium struggled to break into the formidable defence of the “Afonja Warriors” during the first half of the game as both sides failed to utilize the few opportunities seen during the game.
With the first half of the game ending in goalless draw, the second half was a fierce encounter between the two sides. The players became extremely confrontational, which resulted into three red cards of the game.
Not long had the second half started that Ajibola Otegbeye of Sunshine Stars got involved in unnecessary reaction following a tackle from Andrew Ikefe of Kwara United which saw both players sent-off the pitch after the match referee gave them red cards.
Just minutes after the encounter, Sunshine Stars finally saw the back of the Afonja Warriors’ net as Michael Egbeta netted the ball in the 62nd minute of the game.
With the players of Sunshine Stars still in euphoria mode, Sunday Abe was shown red card following a controversial challenge on a Kwara United player.
Reacting after the match, the Head Coach of Sunshine Players, Kabiru Dogo stated that his team did not deserve the red cards, adding that the support by fans contributed to victory secured.
“On the issue of red cards, I cannot say anything, at least they will say they are doing their own job, they see it better.
“But I believe I don’t deserve those red cards, but unfortunately they have taken their decision, there is nothing I can do about that.
“It is not easy playing under that circumstance but than I need to commend the boys for sustaining the tempo of the game.
“The tactical changes we made helped a lot. When you are in such situation, you don’t have to rush anything, you can see we calmed down so that we can see the changes we need to make.
“I have to first congratulate my side, the Sunshine team for winning this game. You can see that for the past three matches we have not be getting a good result.
“My team played well, so I have to appreciate the boys and the management for the support, this is what I want from the Ondo State people. They should come together and fight for the interest of sunshine stars not to be fighting themselves.
“With the new peace in the town now, I believe the team will move forward,” Dogo said.
However, the Head coach of Kwara United, Abubakar Bala who lauded the officials over what he described as good officiating was of the view that indiscipline on the part of the players was the reason the players got booked needlessly.
“It was a good officiating despite the fact that we didn’t get a point here, our plan was to come here and get a point.
“You can see that the boys played very well, the only problem we have from the beginning of the match was that we didn’t make use of our chances; at times when you play like that and lose your chances, you pay for it.
“It was a fair officiating, all the cards I believed worth it, we must talk to our players to be very very disciplined.
“Our target from the beginning of the season was the continental ticket, by the grace of God we will work towards achieving it,” the Kwara United coach stated.
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