By Femi Atolagbe

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Sunshine Stars FC’s seven-game unbeaten run was brought to a halt on matchday 10 of the NPFL, no thanks to a 1-0 loss in the hands of Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in a midweek encounter.

Banking on the quality of his side’s depth, Deji Ayeni made a handful of changes for the trip to the far Northwest, with Sunday Abe, Kehinde Adeyemi, Ejike Uzoechi listed from the start while Japhet Opubo and Yinka Yusuf made their Sunshine bow.

As both teams had it going ding-dong during the early exchanges, the Owena Whales became livid with several contentious calls that culminated into what looked like a harsh dismissal on their technical bench for protest, midway through the first half.

Two minutes after Opubo had denied Katsina United, the Chanji Boys had their noses in front in the 39th minute through Mustapha Salisu who finished off at close range from Chibundu Amah’s assist.

The visitors responded to going down by mounting heightened pressure that forced the host into retreating.

Kolade Adeniji went close to equalizing in the 42nd minute, but his volley was just inches high, while Opubo made a brilliant save to keep the scoreline slim just before the break.

There was nothing much to pick between both sides in a second half characterised by some decisions Sunshine Stars will term denting and frustrating.

It finished 1-0 a the end of the contest as the Akure landlords shift attention to Enyimba on Matchday 11.

Ayeni expressed satisfaction with the effort of his players, but was critical of the game arbiters when faced when speaking with journalists after the match.

“In football, you win some and lose some but the rationale behind you losing is important. I don’t like to complain about officiating, human error is bound to happen but we have to help this country in terms of good officiating.

“I am very satisfy with my team; the boys did well and played to instruction and I believe we have a good squad where anyone can be called upon. We will go back to the drawing board and strategise to get maximum points against Enyimba.”