Sunshine Stars FC’s hope of a top three finish in the 2021/2022 NPFL season remains alive, following a 2-1 win over bottom-placed MFM FC of Lagos on matchday 35 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
The result may however spell doom for the Olukoya boys as a relegation spot may just be confirmed with the defeat.
The Emmanuel Deutsch side opened scoring in the 12th minute through midfielder Azeez Ajagbe, who finished off a sweeping team move on the break with Leonard Ugochukwu supplying the final ball.
While Sunshine Stars dominated the first forty five minutes, the visitors mustered a chance before the break, forcing Japeth Opubo to a finger tip save in the 26th minute to keep the lead into the break.
The visitors resumed the second half with renewed energy, regardless Sunshine Stars doubled the advantage in the 61st minute through Brandon Ike who smashed home from close range after a solo run.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, MFM Substitute David Nduka pulled one back for the visitors to give them a lifeline but it was a little too late as Sunshine Stars ran out with the 2-1 win.
With two points shy of a top three finish, Sunshine Stars will hope to further close in on there contenders on matchday 36 with a trip to Owerri against Heartland.
*POST MATCH PRESSER*🎙
Sunshine Stars coach, Emmanuel Deutcsh faced the media after the Southwest derby where he reflected on the game, safety and the push for continental place finish with three matches remaining.
_”Still hoping for a continental ticket? I will not tell you yes, I will not tell you no because we still have three matches ahead and we will see what the matches give us. We have a home match against a very good coach, my colleague Ogunbote. Let’s see the results of today then we will know what to plan next._
_”Any body in a relegation zone is a wounded lion. The advantage was the two goal; the first one and the security goal, then they score one back and we had to close the game. We had to give some young players the chance to express themselves. Now I am happy we cannot relegate.”_
