Shooting Stars edge Inter Lagos 2-1 in thrilling Lekan Salami encounter

Shooting Stars Sports Club secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos in an entertaining encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, with the home side holding on despite late pressure from the visitors.

Both sides started brightly and dominated possession in the opening minutes, but neither could find a way through the opposing defence.

Shooting Stars came close to breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute when striker Lucky found space to shoot, but his effort went wide.

Three minutes later, Lucky was again involved in the action, as his through pass was intercepted by an Inter Lagos defender, resulting in a corner kick for the home side.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 15th minute when Lucky found the back of the net for Shooting Stars after receiving a well-weighted pass from his midfielder to put the home side ahead.

Inter Lagos responded strongly and restored parity in the 21st minute. Their number 11 capitalised on a defensive lapse involving Shooting Stars’ Gbolagade, who was unable to stop the winger from delivering the decisive pass that led to the equaliser.

Shooting Stars continued to search for another goal, with their winger seeing an opportunity in the 28th minute, only for the Inter Lagos goalkeeper to make an important save.

The goalkeeper was again called into action in the 38th minute, denying Lucky’s header and leaving the home supporters impressed by his goalkeeping display.

However, Inter Lagos’ resistance was finally broken again just before the interval. Following an attacking move by Shooting Stars, the visitors conceded a penalty in the 45th minute.

Shooting Stars forward Sodiq stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to restore the home side’s lead and send the hosts into the break 2-1 ahead.

The second half began with greater intensity, as both teams produced attacking spells and dominated proceedings at different stages.

Shooting Stars introduced Qamar Adegoke, the club’s influential substitute from last season, and he immediately made his presence felt, creating several attacking threats against the Inter Lagos defence. However, he was unable to find the decisive finish.

With five minutes of normal time remaining, Inter Lagos began mounting sustained pressure on the Shooting Stars defence as they searched for another equaliser. The home side, however, stood firm and prevented the visitors from converting their opportunities.

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Shooting Stars were handed another opportunity to extend their lead in the 90th minute after Qamar Adegoke was brought down in the box, earning his side a penalty.

Adam Mustapha stepped up to take the spot kick but failed to convert, keeping the visitors’ hopes alive.

Inter Lagos could not take advantage of the missed opportunity, as Shooting Stars held on to secure a 2-1 victory at the final whistle.

Salisu Yusuf praises fans’ support

Speaking with The Lagos Voice shortly after the match, Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf highlighted the importance of the supporters’ backing in helping his team secure the victory.

Asked how important the fans’ support was during the encounter, particularly with the supporters constantly cheering the team on, Yusuf said it gave his players greater confidence and belief.

“It’s very important because it gives the team confidence. It gives them more self-belief. The win is so important to us because now we go into the next game with confidence, much self-belief, with courage and everything.”

The victory gives Shooting Stars an important boost as they look ahead to their next fixture, while Inter Lagos will be left to reflect on missed opportunities after pushing the hosts throughout the encounter.