NPFL: Shooting Stars stage dramatic comeback in 2-2 draw against leaders Bendel Insurance

Shooting Stars (3SC) staged a dramatic comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against high-flying Bendel Insurance on Match Day 7 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo state.

It was a great match for the visitors who went ahead with two goals after 36 minutes into the game. Osarenkhoe Imade continued his impressive form, scoring less than a minute into the game, while Ismaeel Sarki doubled the lead in the 36th minute of the game.

Shooting Stars fought back with a 42nd-minute goal through Taofeek Malomo to cut the deficit.

Ifeoluwa Opeoluwa’s 64th-minute goal then drew them level to save 3SC from recording a home loss.

The Quest Times reports that the tension-soaked match was not without some officiating errors which spectators and fans complained about bitterly.

Gbenga Ogunbote, the coach of 3SC, said the result of the game was unfortunate in spite of their efforts and strategy to win the game.

“We wanted to win the game. We strategised to get a positive result, unfortunately, it wasn’t good enough to be called a positive result,” he said.

Ogunbote added that they would however continue to review their games and improve where necessary.

He said that the team would give their best in the next away game against Enyimba International FC of Aba. Stating that he was hopeful that with the right attitude, they would come back with a positive result.

Monday Odigie, the coach of Bendel Insurance, on his part thanked God that his players were able to up their game to resist the forays of the 3SC players.

He said that any team playing against 3SC should be ready to be stretched to the limits because the team has experienced players.

“We are trying to play every game one after the other and trying to give our best.

“These teams have been in NPFL before now and they are household names. We are very cautious when we play against them.

“But I thank God for this result. We will just try to correct our mistakes after every match defensively, offensively, and generally,” the coach said.

Odigie said the two goals scored by 3SC as they rallied back were due to a loss of concentration by his players.

He said that the players were a little careless in terms of tackles, adding that that was why they lost concentration.

“Football is a game of mistakes and chances. We just have to do the best we can to justify our being in the NPFL,” he said.