By Femi Atolagbe
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Sunshine Stars quest for an untainted Aiteo Cup feat in Kano began slowly on Monday, with a goalless draw against Supreme Court FC of Abuja.
Sunshine Stars looked set for a dogfight from their opponents but the team had barely settled into the game before unfavourable weather conditions affected the tempo of the game.
The team managed to get balls forward against the direction of the wind in the first half, but a tame header by Ajibola Otegbeye and another one by Franklin Sasere were the closest they got to scoring.
They showed more hunger and will on the resumption of the second half, surging forward with nice exchange passes but a sloppy surface due to a light rain shower limited their chances.
Franklin Sasere drew a save from the Supreme Court goalkeeper from a low free kick and second half substitute, Kehinde Adedipe fired over the bar after the Abuja side had hit the woodwork at the other end.
When faced with the Media after the game a visibly not satisfied coach Henry Abiodun of Sunhine Stars conceded it was simply not his team day, bemoaning the weather conditions.
“The weather condition was not favourable at all,we play against the wind all through the first half, then rain and slippery pitch in the second half.
“Nonetheless we tried build, also play direct, send balls forward, but the goal will not just come. It’s simply not our day. The game is gone, our focus is now on Wednesday (El Kanemi).”_ Abiodun submitted.
In the other Group B game at the same centre, Rangers of Enugu recorded a 2-1 win over El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri to take advantage of the group.
The results mean Sunshine Stars are two points behind Rangers on the group table with a point and tied on same point with Supreme Court FC while El Kanemi sit at the bottom.
Sunshine Stars will hope to brighten their chances when they take on El Kanemi Warriors in their next group game on Wednesday by 2:00pm at the same venue.
