By Femi Atolagbe
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S unshine Stars coach, Edith Agoye has urged his players to shrug off the 1-0 lost to Lobi Stars in the match day five of Abridged Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) played at New Jos Stadium.
Agoye commended the players attitude from the beginning of the encounter to the end, urging them to focus on the next home match.
He stated this after his lost to their NPFL match day five host, Lobi Stars in Jos.
The former Shooting Stars gaffer, said it’s unfortunate that his side lost a game they ought not have lost, but refused to comment on the officiating.
He said: “ It’s unfortunate we lost a game we ought not to have lost, I won’t comment on the officiating , but we are all here and we watched the game , it is what it is , it’s our league “, he said.
It was 89th minute penalty awarded the home team, Lobi Stars that separated them from their visitors.
Lobi Stars converted from the spot in the 89th minute to earn a maximum points against Sunshine Stars who had not lost any matches this season.
Akure Landlords started the encounter brightly as the duo of Achi Nnaemeka and Abdulaziz Ajagbe combined beautifully in midfield to dispose Lobi Stars who had no clear cut chances in the opening first quarter of the match .
Sunshine Stars ended the first half goalless amid fans cheers .
On assumption into the second half, pressure were mounted at the edge of Sunshine Stars vital area but Stars defense Marshaled by Ejike Uzoechi perfectly kept Lobi Stars at bay .
Edith Agoye in search of a goal introduced Samson Olasupo to replace Seun Olulayo in the 60th minute.
Ejike Uzoechi was booked for a rough challenge at the right flank of the box for a rough tackle on Lobi Stars attacker in the 64 the minute, but Sunshine Stars Goalkeeper was on right position to deal with the free kick.
Sunshine Stars second substitutions came In the 76th minutes with Ekerette Udom replacing Abdulaziz Ajagbe to curtail Lobi Stars onslaught, the lanky defender wasted no time as his quick recovery rate complemented Sunshine Stars back four.
A penalty was awarded against Sunshine Stars in the 86th minute after Lobi Stars appealed that ball hit one of the visitors’ defenders in the hand inside the box, Akure Landlords protested but the center referee held on to his decision and later sent Ogbuagu Emmanuel off in the process.
The converted penalty sealed three points for the host .
Sunshine Stars FC are now seven points behind group B table toppers Rivers United, three points off the Super Six spot and two points above the relegation zone.
