The Akure Township Stadium hosted Sunshine Stars vs Doma United on Wednesday evening. The visitors were on a quest to claim the top spot on the NPFL table, after an impressive run of results where they lost just once in 11 games.
Sunshine Stars, on the other hand, had no wins in three matches; they were 11 spots below second-placed Doma United on the table.
Doma United fall short in Akure
Although Doma United have had the better season overall, it's important to point out that Sunshine Stars had not lost at home prior to this match. Edith Agoye's men had four wins and three draws in seven home games. Bearing that in mind, the hosts were the favourites to win on Wednesday.
For the most part, play was balanced in the first 15 minutes, as both teams were playing not to concede, rather than playing to win. However, Sunshine Stars started to find their stride after the 15 minute mark; and they opened the scoring at the 20th minute, thanks to Emmanuel Isaac.
In spite of Doma United's best efforts to get back on level terms, they trailed by a lone goal at the half-time break. Opeoluwa Olufemi doubled Sunshine Stars' lead just two minutes into the second half, ensuring the hosts would go home with all the spoils.
Sunshine Stars vs Doma United stats
We would like to point out that Doma United registered six total shots, and three of those went on target. On the other hand, five of Sunshine Stars' 10 shots were on target; three were blocked, and two were off target. However, the visitors had more corners (8) than their hosts (5).
It may interest you to know that Doma United have now lost two of their last three games. Prior to that three-game stretch, they were on a nine-match unbeaten run, keeping nine consecutive clean sheets in the process. Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars snapped their three-match winless streak with today's victory.
What this result means for both teams
We've already established that Doma United were second on the NPFL table heading into this clash. With that loss, they will stay in the same spot; although that might change after Lobi Stars square off against Niger Tornadoes tomorrow. Either way, Akinade Onigbinde's men are guaranteed a top-three spot at the end of the week, irrespective of the outcomes of the other matchday 16 games.
On the other hand, Sunshine Stars will move up five spots on the league table. They were 13th before today's match, but will go up to 8th.
