Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure’s spirited efforts were not enough to earn them a point against Remo Stars in a matchday two tie of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Akure based side went down to Shuaibu Ibrahim’s sixth minute goal in an entertaining ‘Oduduwa’ derby played at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State on Saturday.

Sunshine Stars shrugged off the early goal and pressed for a leveller with Remo Stars’ goalkeeper tested frequently before the break.

Technical Adviser of Sunshine Stars, Kennedy Boboye introduced the trio of Promise Awosanmi, Sodiq Ibrahim and Elmer Arunta to replace Seidu Salisu, Ismail Ayodele and Suraj Ibrahim at the restart to mount more pressure on the home team.

Moments later, Awosanmi thought he had equalized when he scored from a rebound off Chidozie Iwundu’s free kick which threw Sunshine Stars fans into jubilation.

Surprisingly, the center referee disallowed claiming that the scorer was in an offside position.

Sunshine Stars continued their hunt for an equalizer with the introduction of Chinedu Nwosu and Abdulazeez Ajagbe.

Nwosu’s first touch was agonizingly saved by Remo Stars goalkeeper.

Despite Sunshine Stars domination of the second of the second half of the encounter, it was the Ikenne based side that kept the maximum points.

Sunshine Stars first assistant coach, Bobola Akinfolarin commended his side for a job well done, saying both teams gave good accounts of themselves.

According to him, “we lost the game due to lack of concentration, and our inability to convert our chances.

“We will go back to the drawing board and work on areas that need adjustments”.

“I don’t know why that beautiful goal was disallowed”, he enthused.

Sunshine Stars will next play host to Abia Warriors at their adopted home, Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.