Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) had to pull off a solid second half defensive display to fend off Kwara United in a game that finished 1-1 at the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin on Sunday.
The Ibadan side had to play the second period of the match with a man less after their captain Taofeek Malomo was sent off following a second booking on the stroke of halftime.
However, 3SC goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie also had a big role to play in keeping the scoreline at 1-1 as he made a handful of saves to deny Kwara United from claiming the full points.
The home team should have taken the lead as early as 20 minutes after kick-off but former 3SC forward Samuel Ayanrinde’s spot kick crashed against the woodwork to the delight and relief of the travelling team after Gideon Monday was ruled to have handled the ball in the area by referee Justin Egwuom.
With a minute left to end the first half, 3SC broke the deadlock through Malomo, who pounced on a rebound after Lawal Abdullahi’s well taken free kick, came off the upright.
A minute later, the 3SC captain was given the marching order after being flashed a second yellow card. The Oluyole Warriors were left to navigate the whole of the second half with 10 players.
The second half brought out the best in the Ibadan side, as they were dogged in their defending till the 88th minute when Mohammed Alao scored the equalizer for the contest to end 1-1.
Next for the Oluyole Warriors, is a Matchday 9 fixture against Kano Pillars at home next Sunday. Kwara United will make the trip to Benin City to face Bendel Insurance on Saturday.