Sports
POOR finishing characterised Monday’s game between hosts Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and Katsina United Football Club before the hosts could manage a 1-0 win.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Match Day 8 game in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was nightmarish for spectators until Adams Mustapha’s 67th minute goal.
3SC had the advantage in the opening 10 minutes, failing to score from two good chances, with one shot off target and another one blocked by the goalkeeper.
While they dominated possession, and failed to take the game in hand through poor shooting, the visitors on the other hand fought back to gain ground with better passes.
Samuel Ayanrinde’s glancing header to Joshua Akpan’s pullout from the right in the 15th minute was a close miss by the hosts, but it only defined their failure to finish well.
Katsina United held their own with better ball distribution, especially in the middle, stifling the hosts’ move to gain advantage from the flanks.
Early substitutions in the second half changed the course of the game, helping the hosts to sustain their offensive until Mustapha’s goal.
He drove a left-footer from about 25 metres out on the right side past the visitors’ rear, catching a deflection before hitting the near upright and settling in the net.
Katsina United raised their game afterwards, and were almost drawing level as they kept the hosts on the back foot several times.
But they were also done in by poor finishing, with the hosts just barely managing to handguns on for their second win of the season after another wobble.
NAN reports that 3SC are now 15th with nine points from two wins, three draws and three losses in eight matches, while Katsina United are ninth with 11 points from eight games.
They have three wins, two draws and three losses.(NAN)
A.I
Oct. 22, 2024
Tags: Adams Mustapha Joshua Akpan Samuel Ayanrinde Shooting Stars Sports Club
