Match Report Sunshine Stars vs Doma United

Recap

Nwabueze Uzochukwu Paschal’s close-range strike rescued a 1-1 draw for Doma United against Sunshine Stars as Akinade Onigbinde’s side built on their home win over Lobi Stars.

United appeared to be heading for its second consecutive away defeats after Yusuf Ibrahim beat the offside flag to strike in the 13^th minute, but Nwabueze Uzochukwu Paschal salvaged a point in a swift response by Doma United. Bidemi beats his marker and sent in a low cross that Paschal was right on time to drive pass the keeper.

In what was a competitive first ten minutes at the Akure Stadium without clear chances, Yusuf Ibrahim received a pass and made no mistake as he drove the ball to his right football before firing a shot passed Kingdom from the right side of the pitch.

However, after the restart of play, Majalisa collected the ball to his left foot, he found Amos Stephen who immediately released Bidemi on the left flank. Bidemi who has been lively in the opening minutes beats his marker and sent in a left-footed cross and Paschal was quick to react and put the ball at the bottom right corner beyond the keeper to level the scores in the 15^th minute.

Doma United would have taken the lead after Amos released Paschal but he couldn’t connect well with the keeper coming out to save the ball.

Osayi Kingdom kept Sunshine at bay with the United goalkeeper making outstanding saves throughout the game with the first coming in the 27^th minutes after jumping higher than everyone to gather the ball into safety. He was as well called into action in the 33^rd minute from a free kick as he punches the ball away to keep United in game.

United made a double substitution immediately after the break with Saifullahi Yusuf and Usman Musa replacing debutants Sani Shehu and the scorer Paschal. With the game reaching its climax, Coach Akinade introduced Chibuke Charles and Nassy Isaac in place of Barnabas and Amos Stephen who brought so much energy in the team.

Despite several attempts by the host in the closing stages, Doma United fought hard and held on to earn a valuable point away from home.

After the game, Coach Akinade Onigbinde said “Our main target was to win the game but we are happy with the result we got, it is better than nothing. We came with a game plan and it worked for us. They got a draw at our home and we came here and picked a draw. So, it is not a bad one”.

Doma United remained 6^th on the log of group B with 16 points and trails Sunshine Stars who have 17 points.
United will now turn its attention to a home encounter against Niger Tornadoes, on Sunday 2^nd April, 2023 at the Pantami Stadium.