NNL :90th minute goal earns Heartland victory over Sunshine Stars

By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri

Heartland FC of Owerri Saturday defeated their visiting rivals, Sunshine Stars of FC of Akure with a 1-0 win following a last minute goal by Abdulateef Ibrahim at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

In an highly tensed encounter, the Naze Millionaires proved dominance over the visitors but struggled to convert their several chances against a well-organised Sunshine Stars’ defence.

Abdulateef Ibrahim and Ali Sunday joined the fray from the bench in the 82nd minute in view of the Naze Millionaires’ obvious desperation to break Sunshine’ defence with a winning goal after; missing countless chances.

The persistent pressure on the goal area of the visitors finally paid off in the 90th minute when Christian Nkwo delivered a hot cross into the Sunshine Stars box that evaded several defenders before reaching Hadi Mohammed.

Nkwo’s shot was saved by Okanlawon, but Abdulateef Ibrahim in a very swift reaction pushed home the rebound from close range and scored the last minute and lone goal that threw the home crowd into wild jubilation.

With three minutes added time, Heartland continued pressing the opponents in the closing moments to secure the narrow but vital victory.

Heartland which started on the front foot and nearly took the lead in the 24th minute when Udochukwu Anumudu swung in a corner kick which Francis Erikan met with a header, but the effort missed the target by the whiskers.

Moments later, the home side were forced into an early change as Uchenna Odeh replaced the injured Oji Egwu in the 25th minute.

Despite controlling possession, Heartland wasted scoring chances in front of goal denied them a first-half breakthrough. Usman Umar came closest in stoppage time of the first half but fired straight at the goalkeeper from six yards when it appeared easier to score.

Seconds later another opportunity went begging when the Sunshine Stars goalkeeper fumbled a routine shot, but the rebound could not be converted as a Heartland player slipped in front of goal.
The teams went into the break locked at 0–0, with the hosts left to rue missed opportunities.

Heartland resumed the second half with greater urgency and created a series of chances. Francis Erikan’s free kick from about 25 yards in the 55th minute tested Sunshine Stars goalkeeper Olaide Okanlawon, who reacted well to keep the scores level.

Further chances followed from set pieces, but Uchenna Odeh failed to properly connect with a header from a corner kick in the 59th minute.
Seeking fresh impetus in attack, Heartland introduced Hadi Mohammed and Akuka Chizaram in the 66th minute for Jonathan Osondu and Umar Usman.

The substitutions injected energy into the home side’s forward line and increased the pressure on the visitors’ defence.

Speaking in a post match interview, Heartland’s Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke commended his team’s resilience and discipline against a stubborn opponent.

His words, “We played a very good and organised side. We were very persistent for us to win the game,” Amuneke said.

“We controlled the game throughout and this gave us more edge while going for attack. Had we continued with the long balls which they won for most part of the game it wouldn’t have paid off.”

The former international also admitted his side could have finished the game earlier.
“We could have buried this game in the first half but we were not able to take our chances. We are grateful for the one we eventually got,” he added.

Amuneke noted that the victory completed their objective of winning three consecutive home fixtures.

“We knew from the beginning that a time would come when we would have three home fixtures consecutively and our objective was to win those games. Now that has come to pass. We shall enjoy this moment because it was a very intense and emotional game and our fans can celebrate.

“We shall start thinking about Inter Lagos from Monday. We know they have an edge over us but in life nothing is impossible.”