3SC Sink Katsina United 2-0, Bounce Back From Plateau Defeat

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) returned to winning ways in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday, defeating Katsina United 2-0 in a Matchday 5 encounter at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors dominated from the opening whistle, applying early pressure and creating several opportunities as they pinned the visitors back.

Their persistence paid off in the 18th minute when striker Ridwan Olanrewaju broke the deadlock to send the home supporters into celebration.

Katsina United briefly gained possession midway through the first half and attempted to respond, but 3SC’s defence remained organised to preserve the advantage at the break.

The visitors’ task became even more difficult in the 57th minute when they were reduced to 10 men after a foul on Olanrewaju as the striker advanced into a promising position.

3SC coach Salisu Yusuf immediately sought to exploit the numerical advantage, making a triple substitution three minutes later.

Akintola Damilola, Qamar Adegoke and Aule John replaced Taheer Abubakar, Sodiq Ibrahim and Olanrewaju.

The changes produced the desired result in the 71st minute when Adegoke doubled 3SC’s advantage with a well-taken finish after a flowing attacking move.

The second goal sparked loud celebrations among the home supporters, who maintained their chants and drumming until the final whistle.

The victory provided 3SC with a response to their previous Matchday 4 defeat away to Plateau United.
Yusuf described the result as a morale booster but stressed that his team still had work to do.

“The team building is in process; we will keep correcting our mistakes.

“We are happy that the players took note of the mistakes we corrected after the game against Plateau United,” he said.

The coach also reiterated the club’s ambition of securing a continental ticket at the end of the season.

“We have the team and the quality players to achieve it. With continuous commitment, we are very optimistic that we are going to get it,” Yusuf added.

Katsina United coach Azeez Mohammed blamed the defeat on the early goal and the subsequent red card, which he said disrupted his team’s plans.

He, however, accepted the result as part of football and promised that the team would return to the drawing board ahead of its next home fixture.