Brave defending and fantastic goalkeeping were the talking points as Plateau United and Sunshines Stars played a goalless draw on match day 15 of the NPFL played at Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos on Sunday afternoon.
It was a game that saw few chances created, both sides defended resolutely while the two goalkeepers, Danladi Isah of Plateau United and Ikechukwu Ezenwa of Sunshine Stars, put in massive shifts in between the sticks all through the match.The two sides recorded a shot each in the first 20 minutes. Sunshine Stars winger, Stanley Dimgba, forced Isah into a save in the game's first attempt.
Fifteen minutes later, Julius Nuhu's long strike went inches away from Ezenwa's post.The understanding between Plateau United pairof Sunday Ingbede and Nuhu was always the fulcrum of the hosts' build-up towards goals, and on occasions their combination is often thwarted with a last touch or wasteful pass or shot.
At the other end, the trio of Dimgba, Dele Olorundare and Afolabi Okiki were Sunshine Stars' creative spark. Most of their attacks came from the three front men.At some point in the game, Sunshine stars weredealt a big blow when they were forced to substitute Ebenezer Kunle Odunlami after he picked up an injury. He was replaced by Kingsley Udoh.
In the 58th minute, the home side were denied agoal by Oke Ogagotewho after he intercepted and headed out Lazarus Fan's goalbound shot.Not satisfied with his forwards, Plateau United coach Zachary Baraje replaced Ingbede and Nuhu with Bright Silas and Victor Namo respectively.
Silas' first contribution was a side-netting from the right side after a good build-up.For most parts of the second half, the visitors defended in numbers, with Stephen Eze, Mine Ojo and Oke Ogagotewho all showing composure to repel Plateau United's threats.The last five minutes nearly produced goals. Namo's shot from outside the box was punchedby Ezenwa to safety, and a minute later Sunshine Stars' attack ended with Ayo Saka's strike hitting the woodwork.
After the game, Baraje said: "There has been nomatch that we have gone into without a set goalwithout wanting to win."Sunshine Stars coach, Solomon Ogbeide who's side lost their last game at home to Kano Pillarssaid: "I wanted a win, but all the same I got a draw, it is alright."Plateau United will be disappointed with the draw after picking four points from their last two games; home to Rivers United and away to Shooting Stars.
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