Oladapo's wonder goal can't save Gombe against Sunshine

GOMBE United forward, Austin Oladapo scored a wonderful overhead kick on Sunday but his goal did not prevent the Savannah Scorpions from suffering a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Sunshine Stars of Akure in one of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 25 encounter decided at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Sikiru Alimi and Dayo Ojo had put the coach Akin Olowookere tutored side ahead in the game before Oladapo pulled one back in a classical way with a goal that is now tipped to be in line for the  NPFL-VAT Wonder Goal of the Week award.

Sunshine Stars who returned to Ijebu Ode following a banishment order from the League Authority came out in search of an early goal like pride of lions smelling blood as theydominated their visitors in the early exchanges but could not find a breakthrough.

Stars came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute when Sikiru Alimi who was handed a rare starting shirt had his tamed effort from Thompson Ezekiel's low cross saved from close range by United's goalkeeper, Joseph Onwuga. But there was no denying Alimi two minute later as the former Warri Wolves predator found the back of the net from a tight angle off Seun Olulayo's assist to give Stars a deserved lead.

Gombe United almost secure an instant equaliser but Kelechi Ogoh put his body on the line to deflect a fierce shot into safety and help preseved Sunshine Stars lead into the break.

Sunshine Stars extended their lead inside the first 6 minutes of the second half courtesy of Dayo Ojo's strike from the edge of the yard. However Gombe United responded with a goal of their own in the 57th through a sublime overhead kick by Austin Oladapo that left Stars goal tender, Henry Ayodele motionless.

Dayo Ojo came closed to restoring the home side two-goal cushion in the 66th minutes but Onwuga made a full stress save to repelled his effort from a free kick while goalkeeper Ayodele denied United the chance to levelled up 3 minutes later with a great save as well.

Oladapo's goal for Gombe set the tone for a nervy ending to the game as the Desert Scorpions made advances to find the equaliser and will rue their luck in the 69th when Afolabi Abdulwaheed failed to connect properly to a low across with only Henry Ayodele to beat.

Stars will later retained possession almost  throughout the closing stages of the match and held on for their first victory in four matches in a relegation 6 pointer.

Sunshine Stars are currently 17th on the log with 30 points after 25 matches, while Gombe United are placed 19 with 27 points after the same number of matches.