NPFL: Katsina United Pip Sunshine Stars

Match Report: Katsina United 1-0 Sunshine Stars By Chris Okunnuwa A resilient Sunshine Stars FC succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of hosts, Katsina United in a Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 22 game at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium, Katsina. Tasiu Lawal's second half goal, his second in as many matches against the Akure Landlords was all that separated the Changi boys from their visitors in a tight and cagey affair. Without season's highest goalscorer Sikiru Alimi and midfielder, Dayo Ojo, Sunshine Stars desired a good result to build on their last win against Heartland just as the hosts needed a win to bounce back from their defeat against Kano Pillars. There were not much to pick from the first half dominated by Katsina United, as they were kept at bay by a well organised Sunshine Stars back line. In the heat of the all yellow traffic, Sunday Emmanuel drew a save from goalkeeper Dami Paul with a cheeky effort from yards out in the 26th minute. However Sunshine Stars were lucky not to have gone down at the stroke half time when Chinedu Udechukwu had a clear cut chance at goal; the striker blasted high from an incisive cut-in pass. The Changi boys eventually found the breakthrough in the 61st minute courtesy of Tasiu Lawal's easy tap. Joshua Agboola dashed into the Sunshine box and carved an opening before teeing up Tasiu who tapped into an empty net. Ten minutes later, the hosts were close to doubling the advantage but Usule Martins flying header hit the post and Alaba Adeniyi cleared the danger before any further damage. The hosts continued in their dominance till the end but a resilient Sunshine Stars defense ensured the scoreline was descent. Sunshine Stars remain on 24 points from 22 games and they will now turn attention to their next home game against Nasarawa United in the bid to avoid the drop. At post-match presser United coach Abdullahi Biffo expressed satisfaction with the game's outcome and aimed a top three finish for his team. Biffo: "I am happy we picked the maximum points. Our target at the beginning of the season was to finish in the top 10 but we are now we will try end in the top three." Sunshine Stars assistant head coach, Kayode Julius who held sway for indisposed Henry Abiodun attributed the loss on the inability to use new players to prosecute games. "Every other team have strengthened their team with new players and their using them to prosecute matches but we have about seven new players we can't use for now. We are hoping the LMC grant us the permission. "The players are all officials all did well we will go back home to continue our fight and hope to come good even at our game soon." Kayode noted.