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3SC pull goalless draw in Ilorin Posted on Monday, Dec 14th 2009
The Globacom Premier League entered its 10th week at the weekend, with Shooting Stars braving the odds to achieve an impressive goalless draw away to second-placed Kwara United at the Ilorin Township Stadium.
It was 3SC’s first draw in four away matches following previous defeats to Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Lobi Stars.
The Stars were denied what looked like a legitimate goal when Edo-based referee Mr. Okobi overruled Lekan Agunloye’s 36th minute strike. Shooting Stars coach Phillip Boamah praised both teams for giving ‘value for money,’ but expressed disappointment at the officiating.
“For me a goalless draw is a good result considering the caliber of the team we played against. Kwara United are one of the best teams in the league right now and we are more than happy picking a point here in Ilorin.
“However, the officiating could have been fairer. There was nothing wrong with the goal we scored, but all the same it was a good match, and hopefully we shall continue playing well to get better results,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Warri Wolves reclaimed top spot in the Premiership race with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Kano Pillars at the Oleh Township Stadium on Sunday.
Leading scorer Eddy Fengor Ogude hit target for the opening goal midway into the first half, while a second half brace by Ehiosun Ekigbo completed the rout.
In Port Harcourt, struggling Sharks woke up from their slumber to hand visiting Lobi Stars a comprehensive 3-1 hiding for their first win in nine matches.
Gombe United beat visiting Sunshine Stars 2-1 while defending champions Bayelsa United were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Dolphins.
In Kaduna, Wikki got a rude sting from Ranch Bees who rode to a 2-1 victory.
Also in Kaduna, Niger Tornadoes edged former champions Enyimba 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. The defeat plunged Enyimba to second place on the log while Tornadoes moved up to 7th.
An own goal in the first quarter of the game by Valentine Nwabili set Tornadoes on the driving seat before Usman Mohammed doubled the home side’s lead in the 40th minute. Enyimba came back stronger after the restart and reduced the deficit when Osas Idehen converted a penalty for his 7th goal of the campaign.
But Enyimba’s hopes were dealt a severe blow just a minute later when Eugene Salami struck for Tornadoes’ third goal. Peter Onoja pulled one back for the People’s Elephant but Tornadoes held on for a crucial win.
In other matches, Enugu Rangers hit rare scoring form on Sunday, slamming four goals past a hapless Gateway FC of Abeokuta at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Nonso Elias grabbed a first half brace to put the Flying Antelopes firmly in control of proceedings.
Nduka Ozokwor added another goal as Rangers led 3-0 at half time. Gateway defended after the restart and held on for the whole half before crumbling again in added when John Nnam fired home the fourth goal. The victory moved coach Alphonsus Dike’s team to number 4 on the log with 15 points, three behind league leaders Warri Wolves.
In Owerri, returnee Zambian striker Signs Chibambo and veteran Emeka Nwanna were on target for Heartland as the Naze Millionaires finally came out of their winless gloom to beat Kaduna United 2-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Zamfara United were not so lucky, as they were denied by visiting Ocean Boys in a 1-1 draw.
The game seemed headed for a goalless draw, but the home side shot ahead in the 80th minute when Ocean Boys defender Chimezie Mba put the ball into his own net. The visitors fought back and moments later, restored parity through Emmanuel Enize.
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