Sport

AKWA UNITED RETURN TO WINNING WAYS
....dispatches Sunshine Stars in Uyo

Imaobong Koffi

Akwa United returned to winning ways after 3 games with a 2-1 win against Sunshine Stars of Akure at the Godswill Akpabio Int'l stadium. The Promise Keepers,still reeling from their midweek CAF Confederations Cup exit, were in need of confidence heading into the tie

With the game beginning on a slow tempo, both teams struggled to fashion out clear chances with chances far and few between and both GKs relatively untested.

With three minutes to the end of a dour first half,Super Eagles midfielder Ifeanyi Ifeanyi stepped up to dispatch a free kick into the top corner for his second goal since returning to the side.

Sunshine Stars almost hit back immediately, with Ismaila Shagari,selected ahead of the underfire Ojo Olorunleke, drawing a sharp save from a half volley to preserve the home side's lead heading to half time.

Two minutes after the restart,Sunshine Stars levelled with a goal out of the blue following an error from Shagari who spilled a routine cross into the path of Franklin Sasere who acrobatically fired into the net. Game on.

With the fans behind their backs,the home team went in search of a winner with the referee waving away numerous legitimate penalties for the home team, with Aniekeme Asuquo booked for simulation which left the fans frustrated.

With two minute left of regulation time, Victor Mbaoma found space in the box and snapped a shot into the bottom corner to restore Akwa's lead and bag all three points.