Shooting Stars looked set for a statement away victory in their NPFL matchday 31 clash, but a dramatic second-half collapse saw them throw away a two-goal lead against El-Kanemi Warriors.
The Ibadan-based side had complete control at halftime, but their hosts roared back to snatch a point in the 4-goal thriller, Footballrover reports.
Head coach Gbenga Ogunbote didn’t mince words, admitting his team paid the price for poor game management.
Shooting Stars’ fast start ends in frustration
Ogunbote made key adjustments to his lineup, handing Aniyikaye Adeleye a start in central defense while Adebayo Abayomi anchored the midfield.
His tactical tweaks appeared to pay off early as Shooting Stars dominated the first half.
Monday Gideon opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing off a precise pass from Ukeme Williams.
The visitors doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Sodiq Ibrahim slotted home after a well-timed assist from Daddy Abdulrahman.
El-Kanemi Warriors struggled in the opening 45 minutes but emerged a different side after the break.
They pulled one back in the 50th minute through a well-placed free kick by Barnabas, setting the stage for an intense final stretch.
El-Kanemi Warriors’ late fightback denies 3SC victory
Shooting Stars pressed to restore their cushion but failed to convert chances.
Their missed opportunities came back to haunt them when Alabi Suleiman netted an equalizer in the 79th minute, ensuring the spoils were shared in Maiduguri.
Goalkeeper Abiodun Akande produced some brilliant saves to prevent further damage, but Ogunbote was left disappointed with the outcome of the game.
He admitted post-match that his side had only themselves to blame.
“We give glory to God for the one point secured on the road, but as far as I am concerned, this is two points lost for the team,” he said. “We didnt manage the lead, we surrendered it, definitely, and we paid a big price for it.”
The coach also reflected on the effect of the result on his team’s target for the season.
“We have seven games to determine the dream, so let’s see what we will get out of it,” the 3SC chief tactician said.
With seven matches remaining, Shooting Stars sit fourth with 47 points and will aim to bounce back when they host Ikorodu City on April 6.
Be the first to comment on "“We give God the glory” – Shooting Stars boss reflects on ‘surrendered’ two-goal lead at El-Kanemi"